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TSP Stock Funds Drop Again: Get a Grip and Put the Current Market in Perspective

TSP

federal worker bee
BLM
Thu Oct 2, 2008 9:38 AM

Post Reply

With amusment I read all the latest articles and predictions. Most of them realy do not address the brutal truth. Crooked politician who worry about their job. MR Ralph Smith at least mentions one thruth, "our elected official see benefit to create panic..."

Re: TSP

CJC
retired
Thu Oct 2, 2008 1:34 PM
Along with Ralph Smith's truth, read page A19 in today's Wall Street Journal and see what these very same lawmakers were espousing about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac! They all had huge financial stakes in them and at the expense of their constituents and the nation, they blatently promoted the deceit. McCain warned Congress about Fannie and Freddie but was steamrolled by the big mouths=history repeats itself and they're at it again.

TSP/Stock Market

Navy PAO
Navy
Thu Oct 2, 2008 9:41 AM

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This is an excellent article that I hope everyone is reading. No one was complaining when the market was going up 10-15% a year and investments were growing. Like the man says - put it in perspective and don't panic. The stock market goes up and down - when it's down is the best time to invest -- buy low - sell high!

Re: TSP/Stock Market

Civil Engineer
VHA
Thu Oct 2, 2008 10:08 AM
Unless you're out and waiting to buy "lower" and sell high.

Kick back and ride it!

specialist/rep
DOT
Thu Oct 2, 2008 9:52 AM

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This article is outstanding, right in line with the sage advise from my own sterling financial advisor. The market is full of fear and greed. Greed got us where we are and fear keeps us there. Imagine for a moment where things would be if NO ONE panicked and sold stock..........at least not in the companies that had NOT failed. Selling guarantees you lose. As long as you are not living on your TSP right now, it is merely paper losses and as history bears out - the Pheonix shall rise once again!

Re: Kick back and ride it!

EEO
Diversity Manager
Thu Oct 2, 2008 2:07 PM
That's the spirit! The above several articles are exactly what TSP investors need to hear.

This isn't a garage sale, folks. These are real investments.

Kick back and ride it, indeed!

Bubbles

Fed Worker
DOD
Thu Oct 2, 2008 9:52 AM

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The internet bubble was tiny blip compared to the Mortgage bubble. We don't really know where this one ends, it is still happening. As long as forclosures are at high levels it will still be going on. Imagine if you will that
all the current bad debt is on the Government rolls, we still have more to come. Now, we have less money for infrastructure, and entitlements, etc... More cuts in services. There is less money spent, ie less profit and earnings. Lower P&E ratios rule the day, so the true market value is predicated on this, and more corrections ensue. Now, bad times do not go on forever, however anyone telling you that history is a guide to the future is a tad off. We have not seen anything like this in our lifetime, so to advocate an equity position instead of locking lossess based on the hope of possible gain may turn out to be a real fumble. The market may be 40% over-valued based on P&E now. We are out of money to spend as a country.

Re: Bubbles

Laid Back Administrator
NIH
Sat Oct 25, 2008 9:33 AM
Are the data that supports your contention is.....? We won't know how this will compare to the internet bubble. We do know that, as Ralph said, the market roared back over the next few years.

TSP Stock Funds Drop Again

Safety Analyst
USPS
Thu Oct 2, 2008 9:55 AM

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It is truely amazing to read comments from some readers who only prove that many investors are investing for the wrong reason. Many of these readers apparently were sold a bill of goods in thinking that there was no potential for loss whenever engaged in stock market investment. There really is no sure thing in the market and TSP investors need to realize that. Also, a little financial education is called for. Now is the time for all TSP investors to get some education and determine truthfully how much risk are you as an investor willing to take! Let that be your guide.

Thank Goodness

Administrative Officer
NIH
Thu Oct 2, 2008 9:57 AM

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I am glad to hear someone else that is not panicking. Maybe because I know my investment will not be touched for a nother 20 years or maybe I am naive. I am not sure but either way, I am not panicking. Our parents have lived through some really tough times. If you have been living according to your income and not buying that $500K house when you make $100K, then many would not be in the situation to panic. Think of it this way, you are buying some decent stock at a lower price and when (and we know it will) the market comes back up, you will have more stock at that lower price. That increases your wealth quickly. Everyone take a valium and relax.

Re: Thank Goodness

Budget Analyst
Garrison
Thu Oct 2, 2008 11:31 AM
I agree with you about not panicking. I only have 5 years until I can retire, but I’ve been actually hoping to see a decline in the market. The stock market goes up and down. I figured if it declines now, my money buys more shares and then I have time for the value of those shares to go back up. I think that if I were under FERS, I might be more worried. But, I’m under CSRS so I’ll have a fixed monthly income no matter what happens in the stock market. So I can afford to put all my money into TSP stocks.

TSP

retired
USPS
Thu Oct 2, 2008 9:59 AM

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No one seems to ask the question, why have non-federal savings plans risen tremendously over the Federal Thrift Savings over the years?

Pretty simple. These clowns are inept! Of course they are telling you to sit tight. They are used to glacerial movement. Even a fund (like TSP) managed by grade school children could make as much money. I am so happy that I only have a few bucks in TSP and most of mine invested privately at great returns.

No doubt, everyone is taking some hit, but mine have been slight. TSP is a great indicator that socialism doesn't work.

Re: TSP

Im From Missouri
DoD
Thu Oct 2, 2008 11:04 AM
If you are making huge returns invested in private sector plans right now, you are either dreaming, hallucinating, or the greatest investor ever. I would think that if it were the latter, you would have better things to do than to post on Fedsmith (no offense Ralph) or if you did post, it would be something with some specifics so the rest of us could benefit.

Re: TSP

ASIP
FAA
Thu Oct 2, 2008 12:59 PM
I believe that you need to review articles from the likes of Jack Welsh, who says it is a fools game to invest in non-index mutual funds. He should know as he was involved in the market way before you were born, i'd expect. TSP is following a tried and true method to build long term wealth. Get a clue!

Re: TSP

USPS
retired
Tue Oct 7, 2008 11:25 AM
Truth is truth. Those of you "stuck" with TSP ar ethe losers due to inept investing on the part of TSP "managers".

I'm here because I worked for the gov't for 30 years and pay attention to what is on this website.

Being retired, I've got lots of time.

Oh, and as for advice on investing, do your own homework. I did.
Total Comments: 70
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