Re: Not One To Panic--Eligible to Retire NOW (CSRS)

U r wrong. I gradually move into and out of stocks to income and have been in the top 7% of performers for all balanced mutual funds as measured by Bloomberg Financial (over 1500 funds) since 2001. I am down 16% since Januarary 2008 which means i have to go up 19% to break even. If you stayed in the S&P, you are down 42% and have to go up 72% to brek even. Warren buffet does not bstrictly buy and old either

Re: Not One To Panic--Eligible to Retire NOW (CSRS)

I'm elgible to retire and I'm under CSRS. The TSP is a supplement for me, but just the same I know of some FERS employees who don't contribute to the TSP despite the match of part of their contributions. I'm glad I didn't switch over when a lot of pressure was being put on CSRS employees to switch over to FERS. I was suspicious and I'm glad that I stood my ground. It's good to see that FERS employees will at least be able to cash out sick leave balances at retirement.

Re: WHAT TO DO

There is no one "right" answer. It depends on a lot of variables. One of the primary ones is what is your "time horizon" (i.e., when do you plan to draw on the funds)? What is your risk tolerance? Are you an active or passive investor? You can often get a one hour free consultation with a certified financial planner.

Many banks actually offer this service. Contact your local branch for more information. Of course, they will provide information on investment options to determine if your financial portfolio meets your present and future needs, but usually if they are salaried, it's informative, not high pressure.

Re: FERS

The S&P is down 21% since October. You will have to make 27% to break even

Re: Will TSP improve or is it a temporary upswing?

Is PaT Robertson a Certified Financial Planner? The world at 1 AD was not a capitilist system. Stock wasn't invented until 1700's. In Jesus time the economic system was a Monarchcal/Monopoly/Mechatile System. Robertson should stick to preaching. He is not competent to teach invement and could be sued for doing so.

Re: C Fund

Unfortunately, that kind of thinking is for day-traders. You weren't bleeding anyhting---you were buying very cheap stocks.

It looks as if you and the others have bought high/sold low.

I bought C Fund shares at rock bottom prices. I'm in it for the long haul...

Re: What is you point?

The "Current Administration" is trying to HELP America recover from one of the biggest transfers of wealth in history, from normal people to the monied class that King George and people like him think America is all about.

We can do a lot to balance the budget by keeping taxes low on people who PRODUCE something, but TAX the heck out of the "money changers at the temple" who made billions on SHORT SALES during this crisis. If their contribution to the greatness of America is limited to sitting behind a stock trader's computer terminal and profiting hugely from the losses of others, then let's tax their "EXCESS" profits at about 90 percent.

Re: What is you point?

NASA - Spoken like a true populist. I'm moved...just not in your direction. This is a bi-partisan plundering.

Re: What is you point?

I think that Software Engineer, US Army, hit the nail on the head--that TSP is for long term investors, not day traders. Just like CR, SSA, TSP is a supplement for me, the "frosting on the cake."

Accountant (BEAN COUNTER) GS-14 Retired, DOE Albuquerque doesn't seem to value a long term approach to investments, and is bragging about beating the system.

To the extent BEAN COUNTER is ahead of the game, congratulations. However, there are just as many amateur investors that are behind the "8 ball" trying to "outguess" the market, or making moves because they are panicking. That's my point.

BEAN COUNTER, you missed it.