As a financial expert with a deep understanding of retirement savings plans, I can provide a comprehensive answer regarding the Thrift Savings Plan, or TSP. The TSP is a retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services, and it offers a variety of benefits that make it an attractive option for those looking to save for their future.

First and foremost, the TSP allows for a significant amount of elective deferrals, which are contributions made by participants from their paychecks before taxes are withheld. For the year 2017, the elective deferral limit was set at $18,000. This limit encompasses both traditional and Roth TSP contributions, providing participants with flexibility in how they choose to save.

In addition to the standard elective deferral limit, the TSP also offers a catch-up contribution option for those who are age 50 or older. This allows participants to make additional contributions beyond the standard limit, with a catch-up contribution limit of $6,000 for the year 2017. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who may be nearing retirement and wish to increase their savings in the later stages of their career.

It's important to note that these contribution limits are subject to change from year to year, based on factors such as inflation and changes in federal regulations. Therefore, it's crucial for participants to stay informed about the current limits to ensure they are maximizing their contributions within the allowed parameters.

Moreover, the TSP offers a variety of investment options, including a mix of stock and bond index funds, which can be tailored to an individual's risk tolerance and investment goals. This flexibility, combined with the tax advantages of pre-tax contributions, makes the TSP a valuable tool for long-term financial planning.

In conclusion, the TSP is a robust retirement savings plan that provides federal employees and uniformed service members with the opportunity to contribute a substantial amount towards their future financial security. By understanding the contribution limits and making use of the available investment options, participants can effectively plan for a comfortable retirement.

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TSP contribution limits for 2017. The short answer is that the 2017 TSP elective deferral limit is $18,000. This amount applies to all of your TSP traditional and Roth contributions. An additional catch-up contribution of $6,000 is allowed for participants age 50 or older.Dec 27, 2016read more >>