Best TSP Funds Explained
G, F, C, S, I, and L — detailed breakdown
G Fund: government securities, never loses value, 2–3%/yr. F Fund: bonds, 3–5%. C Fund: S&P 500, ~10% long-term — your primary growth engine. S Fund: small/mid-cap US stocks, higher risk/return than C. I Fund: international developed markets.
L Funds: automated blends by target retirement year. L2065 = aggressive (heavy C/S/I). L Income = conservative (heavy G/F). Rebalances automatically.
Age-based allocation: Under 30: 60% C, 20% S, 20% I. 10 years out: start shifting 20–30% to G/F. 5 years out: 50%+ in G/F. Or just use the matching L Fund.
Biggest mistake: ~40% of TSP participants have 100% G Fund. Over 20 years on $100K, the difference between 3% (G) and 8% (C/S blend) is $180K vs $466K. That's $286,000 left on the table.