Hello all. After following this site for quite a few years I've decided to show my face. Some personal background - I'm 58 and have been a USPS mail processing employee for 33 years with 6 years of military before that. So basically I've been working for the Federal Government since age 18. I plan on retiring in 2013 or absolutely, definitely 2014 (42 years on CSRS plus 3400 hours sick leave). I'm debt free and own my home which I purchased in 1981 ($58,000!!!).
I've been in the TSP since its inception and have been in and out of the C and S funds throughout the years. Since paying off my home in 1995 I have always maxed out my TSP contributions. I did extremely well through the '90's, managed to sidestep most of the 2000-3 downturn, and took a 23% haircut in 2008 before bailing.
Considering how close I was to retiring, I took a major gamble and went 50/50 C and S in April 2009. Although I lost quite a bit of sleep over this, I felt the worst had to be over. I've always had faith in the recovery of the American economy and took a bet this would be the buying opportunity of a lifetime.
I've made back my losses and added a lot more since then and have surpassed my projected financial goals on retirement day. I'm not a buy and holder, but recently have pared back my percentages in the stock funds. Currently in S since Monday and looking to bail on the next dip, mostly staying out for the summer. I will always move some percentage in and out of equities but it won't be the all or nothing bets I've made in the past. Being much more conservative. At this point in my life, I don't need the risk or worry.
I've made a lot of my moves after considering member comments on the boards, and read Tom's commentary every day. That plus a few charts, the EMAs, and then finally the gut feeling.
I've followed with interest many members in the past - Griffin, 350Zcommtech, Dakota, Paladin, 12%year, FundSurfer, EbbnFlow.
While not a hardcore PermaBull, I continue to follow the musings of Birchtree, along with JTH, coolhand, nnuut, uptrend, Nasa1974, and of course Tom's commentary. Thanks guys.
I'm glad I saw the importance of being in the TSP years ago and try to impart that on new employees, especially now that everyone is in FERS.
Bottom line, TspTalk has invaluably helped me make some very positive moves in the past. I've pulled my share of boners, but all in all, I'm now very satisfied with where I'm at and looking forward to being financially secure in my later years.
Will continue to follow TSPTalk and its members for years to come. Good Luck to all and Good Trading. StarMan
I've been in the TSP since its inception and have been in and out of the C and S funds throughout the years. Since paying off my home in 1995 I have always maxed out my TSP contributions. I did extremely well through the '90's, managed to sidestep most of the 2000-3 downturn, and took a 23% haircut in 2008 before bailing.
Considering how close I was to retiring, I took a major gamble and went 50/50 C and S in April 2009. Although I lost quite a bit of sleep over this, I felt the worst had to be over. I've always had faith in the recovery of the American economy and took a bet this would be the buying opportunity of a lifetime.
I've made back my losses and added a lot more since then and have surpassed my projected financial goals on retirement day. I'm not a buy and holder, but recently have pared back my percentages in the stock funds. Currently in S since Monday and looking to bail on the next dip, mostly staying out for the summer. I will always move some percentage in and out of equities but it won't be the all or nothing bets I've made in the past. Being much more conservative. At this point in my life, I don't need the risk or worry.
I've made a lot of my moves after considering member comments on the boards, and read Tom's commentary every day. That plus a few charts, the EMAs, and then finally the gut feeling.
I've followed with interest many members in the past - Griffin, 350Zcommtech, Dakota, Paladin, 12%year, FundSurfer, EbbnFlow.
While not a hardcore PermaBull, I continue to follow the musings of Birchtree, along with JTH, coolhand, nnuut, uptrend, Nasa1974, and of course Tom's commentary. Thanks guys.
I'm glad I saw the importance of being in the TSP years ago and try to impart that on new employees, especially now that everyone is in FERS.
Bottom line, TspTalk has invaluably helped me make some very positive moves in the past. I've pulled my share of boners, but all in all, I'm now very satisfied with where I'm at and looking forward to being financially secure in my later years.
Will continue to follow TSPTalk and its members for years to come. Good Luck to all and Good Trading. StarMan
