
If you’re a federal employee or member of the military, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) could be one of the most powerful retirement tools available—but too many workers don’t fully understand how it works. Similar to a 401(k) but with unique benefits and low fees, the TSP helps millions of Americans grow wealth with fewer costs than almost any private-sector plan. Yet, many employees miss out on free matching contributions, tax advantages, or simple allocation strategies that could double their future balance. Here are six essential facts every government worker should know about their TSP before it’s too late.