About
Built by a TSP investor. Shared with you.
TSPvectors is a free, independent project that turns investment research into clear percentages for your TSP funds.
Whether you’re getting started or already manage your own investments, the models give you a practical reference for deciding how to divide your TSP savings.
The Goal
- Take the guesswork out of investing in your TSP plan.
Make the research easy to understand and turn it into clear TSP allocations that anyone can review and use.
Built for my own TSP account. Shared for others to use.
Why I Built TSPvectors
I’m John Bouchard, the creator of TSPvectors and a fellow TSP investor.
TSPvectors started as a tool I built for my own account to answer the simple question, “what should I actually invest in?”
I wanted a data-driven way to manage my TSP portfolio without relying solely on a Lifecycle Fund or paying an ongoing advisory fee for allocation guidance.
Drawing on my background in business finance and software engineering, I built a program to study how established investment companies (like BlackRock, Fidelity, Vanguard, and others) invest for different retirement timelines.
I then developed a process to turn that research into model allocations using the TSP’s core funds. Each model shows a percentage breakdown that I could use as a reference for my own account.
It started with my account. Then friends and family asked.
Over the years, I refined the models while using them to help guide my own TSP allocations. Eventually, I began sharing the results with close friends and family.
Many had the same questions I did and they were interested in comparing their own allocations to the models. Some were surprised by how conservative their portfolios were; others discovered they were taking more risk than they realized. They appreciated having straightforward allocations tied to a retirement timeline, and several began using the models themselves.
That made me realize the models could be useful for others.
Why make it free?
I was already doing the research for my own account, so I decided to build a website where other TSP participants could access the models for free.
You don’t need to become an investment expert to understand the results. My goal is to make the research useful, whether you’re looking for a starting point or another way to evaluate your current investments.
A useful reference at any experience level
Just getting started?
See how a model divides money among the TSP funds. Use the percentages as a starting point for understanding and comparing your options.
Already have an approach?
Compare a model with your current fund mix and published performance. It can provide another reference point, whether you invest on your own or work with an advisor.
Like a model?
If you decide a model fits your needs, you can use its percentages to update your own TSP allocations. TSPvectors does not connect to your account or make changes for you.
Two approaches. Clear TSP percentages.
TSPvectors offers two types of models, aVectors and iVectors. Both show clear percentages for each TSP fund, with target dates based on when you expect to begin using your savings (which may be later than when you retire from work or military service).
- aVectors
A more adaptive approach
Allocations can change as the underlying investment strategies evolve.
- Designed for portfolio reviews at least quarterly.
- iVectors
A lower-maintenance approach
Allocation changes are generally more gradual over time.
- Designed for portfolio reviews once or twice a year.
- Both use only TSP funds. Current models are published monthly, but a new publication doesn't always mean the percentages have changed. Neither approach guarantees better returns.
The research behind the models
TSPvectors studies professionally managed target date funds and translates that research into TSP model allocations. The models run twice weekly, results are reviewed regularly, and current allocations are published monthly.
Visit the Methodology page to learn how the research becomes TSP fund percentages. View the FAQ page to find answers to common questions about the models, how to use them, and what to consider before making changes to your TSP allocations.
How the Models Evolve Over Time
Both approaches generally emphasize stocks when retirement is farther away and shift toward more conservative allocations as the withdrawal date approaches. Use the toggle to see how the aVectors and iVectors glide paths differ.
See what the models look like
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.