TSP Survey

[SeaPea]

Completed a TSP Survey yesterday with ~10 questions.

Among them was a question about whether you would like the ability to have more than the two IFT limit per month.

That question was followed by would you be will to pay for the ability to do that and how much (choice of varying amounts topping out a $200 annually).

Tried to go back and find it today and can't seem to find it.

Can anyone locate that survey again?

Wondering what the general consensus is: good, bad or ugly?

 

[SeaPea]

Did come across this:

TSP wants feedback on possible mutual fund option -- FederalDaily.com

 

[czapor1967]

I think it should be set to one per week, minimum!

 

[tsptalk]

Interesting. This story I found on Google to FedSmith.com's article on the survey was taken down...

1. TSP Begins Conducting User Feedback Surveys
   FedSmith.com ‎- 1 day ago
   The Thrift Savings Plan has announced that it will begin conducting short user feedback surveys from plan participants.

http://www.fedsmith.com/2013/12/11/tsp-begins-conducting-user-feedback-surveys/

 

[jkenjohnson]

Interesting. This story I found on Google to FedSmith.com's article on the survey was taken down...


http://www.fedsmith.com/2013/12/11/tsp-begins-conducting-user-feedback-surveys/

I get an error when I click on this link.

 

[Frixxxx]

I get an error when I click on this link.

That's what Tom was saying....they took it down...:notrust:

 

[SeaPea]

So what's the sentiment about paying a little extra to have more options? I think it is a reasonable compromise.

The Fed Daily article link still works but is very brief.

 

[CrabClaw]

So what's the sentiment about paying a little extra to have more options? I think it is a reasonable compromise.

.

Im guessing that most people who are on here would want it. I would like to see it but if I had to pick I would rather see the 2 trades per month thing increased to 4-5.

 

[SeaPea]

Survey is back up again.

https://www.tsp.gov/whatsnew/plan/planNews.shtml#survey

Let me know if this works.

 

[Boghie]

Survey is back up again.

https://www.tsp.gov/whatsnew/plan/planNews.shtml#survey

Let me know if this works.

It seemed to be a new survey, but very important. Talking about opening up a 'Self-Directed' investment option in TSP. That is, not locking us into the existing G/F/C/S/I/L funds. Thus, you could invest in REITS, Gold, Soiled Bed Sheets, whatever. Maybe some actively managed funds or true BRIC style ETFs. Would be a very nice option in my opinion...

 

[SeaPea]

Need to get the word out. A mention in the commentaries with the link would probably help to generate more survey takers.

 

[Frixxxx]

Need to get the word out. A mention in the commentaries with the link would probably help to generate more survey takers.

Hopefully,

But with over 4 million accounts, of which FRTIB reports over 50% in G Fund, I know it will be seen by a few.

 

[tsptalk]

Nothing about IFT limits / paying for extra transfers, unfortunately.

 

[SeaPea]

My mind fails me at times (more the older I get) but when I took this the other day I could have sworn there were questions about IFT limits.

 

[SeaPea]

Talked to a customer service rep at TSP about the survey. She said she did not recall IFT transfers in the survey but recommended sending faxes to TSP at 1-866-817-5023 urging them to add more flexibility to the IFT in addition to the mutual fund window. I think the compromise a fee (hopefully) small for service in exchange for flexibiltiy in mutuals as well possibly IFT would be a turning point in givning customers more options. Some folks may want just more IFT limits. Other may want the MF window. Others may want a mix. Offering and accepting a modest fee is the key to making this happen.

So send those faxes now! We need to be heard!

 

[Frixxxx]

Talked to a customer service rep at TSP about the survey. She said she did not recall IFT transfers in the survey but recommended sending faxes to TSP at 1-866-817-5023 urging them to add more flexibility to the IFT in addition to the mutual fund window. I think the compromise a fee (hopefully) small for service in exchange for flexibiltiy in mutuals as well possibly IFT would be a turning point in givning customers more options. Some folks may want just more IFT limits. Other may want the MF window. Others may want a mix. Offering and accepting a modest fee is the key to making this happen.

So send those faxes now! We need to be heard!

Thanks for the enthusiasm.....Unfortunately, I feel this is a dead horse until the board actaully adds a participant member. I have gone through the good times making 40% in a year that I could move MY money when MY decision was to do so. I will fax them, but until we are represented at the board, I feel it is a lost cause. If the open up the self-directed investment, I would love to see the terms. There will be SOOOOO much paperwork and lawsuits that will complicate the way it is ran, and may spill over into the costs of the indexed funds. Then I have to listen again as to why a subset of investors cost the entire program extra fees.

From one of the 3000......

 

[SeaPea]

 

[Nordic]

Just finished the survey, only took a few minutes to complete. Unfortunately, no mention of increasing the IFT limits :notrust:

 

[PessOptimist]

The link to the survey is gone from the TSP.gov site.

There are some trying to get the word out, expressing an opinion at the same time. I received this at work on Dec 17th.

All:
The TSP is presently surveying members for the potential to add mutual funds to the portfolio as an investment option.
The addition of a mutual fund option would likely INCREASE the basic fees charged to our accounts in addition to the annual fee required to use the mutual fund. The complexity and additional staff support required to even offer this as a fund option could increase the costs of managing the TSP as a whole. Unfortunately, the survey does not provide enough detail to determine the financial impact to the non-mutual fund investor. The existing TSP investment funds already provide the diversity to choose conservative or higher risk investments. Please visit the TSP website today, take the survey, and oppose the mutual fund addition to the TSP portfolio to ensure they maintain the low cost investing vehicle that the TSP is today.
To take the survey:
Visit the www.tsp.gov website; on the home page in bottom right corner, click on the link in the bulletin board:

Followed by this from the HR folks:

All, If you decide to participate in the TSP survey mentioned below, please complete it based on what you would like to see.
Our agency does not have an official position on the subject and the advice provided by <name deleted> is his own opinion and is not to be considered official advice provided by our agency.
Thank you,
Human Resources Advisor

 

[Handballer]

I think 2 IFTs per month is all we need. More only increases our chance to under performing in out accounts. Most members are doing very well with only two transfers. Even me!