Take the guesswork out of investing in your TSP plan.

You don’t need to be an investment expert to understand your TSP options. TSPvectors does the research and turns it into model allocations that show clear percentages for each TSP fund, organized around when you expect to begin using your TSP savings.

Use the models as a starting point, compare them with your current investments, or follow one if it fits your needs. You stay in control.

Finding TSPvectors useful?

Built for your TSP

From research to your TSP in three steps

Each model is called a Vector. It shows a mix of the TSP’s C, S, I, F, and G Funds, with percentages that add up to 100%.

1. Find your target date

Start with the year you expect to begin withdrawing money from your TSP account (this may be different from when you retire from military or federal service).

2. Compare the two models

Each target date has an aVector and an iVector. Review their fund percentages and how often each approach calls for a review.

3. Put the information to use

Compare a model with your current investments. If you decide to follow it, use its percentages to update your allocations through the official TSP website, then review periodically.

Two approaches. The same simple format.

Both provide clear TSP fund percentages. The main differences are the research behind them and how the allocations change over time.

A more adaptive approach

Draws on both actively managed and index-based target date fund research. The mix of TSP funds can change as the underlying investment strategies evolve.

A lower-maintenance approach

Draws only on index-based target date fund research. The mix of TSP funds generally changes more gradually over time.

See how the models compare

Compare year-to-date returns for aVectors, iVectors, and TSP Lifecycle Funds at each target date. Updated October 25, 2026.

TSPvectors does the research. You get the percentages.

TSPvectors studies how established investment companies invest for different retirement timelines. It combines research from selected target date funds and translates it into model allocations using only TSP funds.

The models run twice weekly, results are reviewed regularly, and current allocations are published monthly.

Built by a TSP participant. Shared for everyone.

TSPvectors started with John Bouchard, a fellow TSP participant who wanted a more consistent way to choose his allocations. He wanted research he could follow instead of guessing how to divide his money among the funds.

He began studying how leading fund managers build retirement portfolios and created models that translate those allocations into a mix of TSP funds. With clear percentages for each fund, he could review the results and update his own account to match.

Over time, friends and family took an interest in the research. Some started using the models themselves and encouraged him to make them available to others. That’s how TSPvectors came about, a free resource to help fellow TSP participants take the guesswork out of choosing their allocations.

Ready to Find Your Vector?

Start with when you expect to begin using your TSP savings. Explore the two models for that target date and see how they compare with your current approach.

TSPvectors is an independent educational and informational resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or associated with the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board.

Have a question, suggestion, or feedback about TSPvectors? I’d be happy to hear from you.