aVectors
A more adaptive approach to your TSP
aVectors turns investment research into clear percentages for your TSP funds. Choose a target date to see a model you can compare with your current investments or follow if it fits your needs.
The models can change as the investment strategies behind them evolve. This approach is designed for participants who are comfortable reviewing their allocation at least quarterly.
- Free to use. No account or login required.
aVectors at a Glance
- Target Dates:
- Research Approach:
- TSP Funds:
- Publication:
- Suggested Review:
Find an aVector to Explore
Choose roughly when you expect to begin withdrawing money from your TSP. That may be different from when you retire from military or federal service.
Each page shows the current fund percentages and published performance information. The percentages add up to 100%, but some models may not include all five TSP funds.
Research that adapts. Percentages you can use.
aVectors studies target date funds from established investment companies. These funds adjust their investments for different retirement timelines.
The research considers actively managed strategies, index-based strategies, and combinations of both. Five top-ranked fund families are selected, and their investment mixes help shape each aVector.
You don’t need to study those outside funds to read the results. Each aVector shows a percentage breakdown using only the TSP’s C, S, I, F, and G Funds.
Different timelines. Different fund mixes.
Models for later target dates generally place more emphasis on stocks for growth. Models for dates closer to withdrawals generally place more emphasis on bonds and government securities.
This changing mix is called a glide path. With aVectors, the mix can also change as the underlying investment strategies evolve.
How much attention does this approach need?
aVectors is designed for portfolio reviews at least quarterly. Current models are published monthly for those who want to follow each update.
Reviewing means checking the latest percentages and considering whether your current allocation still fits your needs. It doesn’t automatically mean making a change.
Prefer less frequent reviews?
iVectors uses index-based research, with generally more gradual allocation changes and portfolio reviews once or twice a year.
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.
Independent research. Your decision.
TSPvectors is a free educational resource. The models do not consider your complete financial situation and are not personalized financial advice. Investing involves risk, including the loss of money. aVectors is not guaranteed to outperform iVectors or TSP Lifecycle Funds. Past performance does not guarantee future results. TSPvectors is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board or the Thrift Savings Plan.