Ralph R. Smith

Author: Ralph R. Smith

Ralph Smith has several decades of experience working with federal human resources issues. He has written extensively on a full range of human resources topics in books and newsletters and is a co-founder of two companies and several newsletters on federal human resources. Follow Ralph on Twitter: @RalphSmith47

Whoops

A couple of readers pointed out that in the initial posting of a column last week, we made an incorrect statement about the content of an article in the Washington Post. They were right.

Politics and Journalism in Washington: Celebrating the Departure of a Political Appointee

For those who make a career of living and working within the federal establishment, the view of people and their accomplishments can become one-dimensional with clear delineations between what is good and what is bad. Special Counsel Scott Bloch is departing. Many in the government community are applauding and the media is happily joining in.

Trading Restrictions, TSP Investments, and Lousy Stock Market Performance

Declines in the value of the stock market are leading to proposed changes in retirement plans and complaints from a few investors that the TSP is taking money from their pockets by placing unreasonable restrictions on trading TSP funds. Here is a summary and a response from a TSP official that gives a more in-depth description of TSP expenses in the TSP funds that will interest to all TSP investors.

Why Invest in Risky TSP Stock Funds? To Make More Money

It is human nature to panic when you see your stock investments losing money. The result is always the same: small investors dump their stock funds as the market goes down and they usually dump the most money when the market is at its lowest point. To preserve your retirement funds, take a deep breath, step back and look at the bigger picture. It may keep you from making a big mistake.

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