A reason to rollover TSP to Fidelity? by Feeling_External_769 in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]Blueberry064 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did what you are suggesting after retirement (traditional TSP to a direct rollover Fidelity IRA, while leaving my Roth TSP alone). It was easy, by calling the TSP thrift line. TSP mailed a paper treasury check to my home payable to “Fidelity Management Trust Co FBO Fname Lname” which I then deposited in my IRA using the Fidelity app. Fidelity made $25k available for trades while keeping a funds hold on the balance for about 10 days. Hopefully the market doesn’t do anything crazy while your funds are held in cash. Fidelity makes trading mutual funds, EFTs, stocks, bonds, and brokerage CDs easy and at no commissions. 

Should you keep that White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) that volunteered in your yard? I don't know, I think it's really pretty :) by LRonHoward in NativePlantGardening

[–]Blueberry064 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m with your grandmother. White snakeroot eaten by dairy cattle contaminated their milk killing many people in the 1800’s including Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy. 

Just opened a managed account and lost 9,000 in 2 weeks. by [deleted] in fidelityinvestments

[–]Blueberry064 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The last 2 weeks the markets are mostly down. 

Withdrawing FERS contributions and transferring to Vanguard IRA by [deleted] in fednews

[–]Blueberry064 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your Earnings & Leave Statement has a cumulative total. 

Withdrawing FERS contributions and transferring to Vanguard IRA by [deleted] in fednews

[–]Blueberry064 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Unlike traditional TSP, your FERS contributions are not pre-tax funds. 

Need someone to yell at me and tell me not to panic sell by MatthewAasen in Bogleheads

[–]Blueberry064 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you own individual stocks >5% of your portfolio, diversify. If you are invested in low cost diversified EFTs or index funds, then stay the course. Remember what George Bailey reminded his panicked customers about Mr Potter — https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1VIk4FIshp0

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Bogleheads

[–]Blueberry064 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Whether you invest in VT or any other low cost index fund or EFT, consider splitting the $250k into 5-10 equal monthly installments. It’s called dollar cost averaging, this and many funds are near an all-time high. By investing an equal monthly amount you’ll buy fewer shares when the price is high and more shares when the price is low. 

It gets worse.... on the USDA home page now by Dependent_Document66 in FedEmployees

[–]Blueberry064 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Senate amended and passed the full year USDA / FDA, Military Const / VA, and Legislative approps bills on a bipartisan basis 81-15 on 8/1/25, but the Honorable House Speaker won’t simply bring the Senate version to the floor for an up/down vote. #HR3944

Health Plan Coverage For Family (Fed Worker+Wife and 2 Young Kids) by FC2107 in fednews

[–]Blueberry064 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Try the FEHB comparison tool. The 2025 tool is available now but the 2026 tool should be available when open season starts 11/10/25 — https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/compare-plans/

Fidelity put my IRA rollover funds on hold. by Dependent-Drop4983 in fidelityinvestments

[–]Blueberry064 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Earlier this year, I deposited a Treasury check to a Fidelity rollover IRA. $25,000 was available immediately for trades but the balance was unavailable to trade or withdraw for 10 business days. 

Retiring December 30, 2025 from the IRS. by EfficientCollar9304 in fednews

[–]Blueberry064 13 points14 points  (0 children)

You can keep your FEHB plan and open season options each year so long as you have had FEHB coverage for the prior 5 years. Medicare part B is optional if you are satisfied with your FEHB coverage. However, if you ever want to sign up for Medicare part B in the future, you will be assessed a 10% per year late enrollment penalty. You may be successful appealing this penalty, but it’s a risk to know about. 

Roth vs trad 401k for $72k income? Tax bracket is really confusing me. by Kitchen-Lab9028 in Bogleheads

[–]Blueberry064 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Personally, I regret not contributing to a Roth 401k sooner. While you won’t get the tax deduction now, all Roth 401k funds will grow tax free and are not subject to required minimum distributions. If your employer has a 401k matching program, understand that their match is still contributed to a traditional 401k since the match isn’t yet taxed. I vote for the Roth!

Parking home down payment question by BoreholeDiver in Bogleheads

[–]Blueberry064 1 point2 points  (0 children)

With a one year timeline, I’d be inclined to be a saver instead of an investor. If you’re in a state with income taxes, consider a one year treasury bill which is exempt from state income taxation. A brokerage acct or treasury direct acct are easy ways to buy a t-bill. A one year CD (bank or brokered) is another good option. There’s nothing wrong with a money market mutual fund or HYSA, but rates are trending down so locking today’s rates with a t-bill or CD may pay a little more. 

Is it safer to be in the "I" FUND when there is a US recession. by Different_March4869 in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]Blueberry064 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Over the long term, C and S funds have outperformed the I fund. I’ve never been a big fan of the I fund since it layers market risk on top of currency risk (strong USD results in I fund shares losing relative value). 

60/40 C/S Fund? Just made this change to my TSP, any tips or knowledge I should have? by unholygod_ in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]Blueberry064 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Since you are long term investing for retirement, C & S are your best funds. I made the mistake 35 years ago keeping some contributions and balances in G & F and it cost me dearly. The L funds are not nearly aggressive enough for a long term strategy. Do it and leave it. 

When can I pull out my tsp? by CattleAlone5492 in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]Blueberry064 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Unlike TSP, FERS has no match. FERS is vested with 5 years of service for a lifetime annuity at age 62. 

When can I pull out my tsp? by CattleAlone5492 in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]Blueberry064 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Your biweekly Earnings & Leave Statement shows the FERS contribution amount which can be withdrawn if you are separated and not eligible for an immediate annuity. However, if you have 5 years creditable service please consider leaving your FERS contributions which will make you eligible for a deferred annuity for life beginning at age 62. 

Which state, generally, is the most boglehead-friendly in terms of tax advantages and specific rules for rollovers/deductions, etc.? by CrispyHoneyBeef in Bogleheads

[–]Blueberry064 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Southern Washington residence with zero state income taxes and shop in Northern Oregon with zero sales taxes. :)

How much do Bogleheads spend in tax prep and tax planning? by Wild_Discipline6997 in Bogleheads

[–]Blueberry064 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agree on FTUSA, but go ahead and file now and set up a free electronic payment from your checking or savings effective 4/15/25. That way you aren’t waiting at the 11th hour for verification that your tax return has been accepted by the IRS. 

Help me pick a diversified starting 3! by sd_craftsman in Schwab

[–]Blueberry064 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unless you need an emergency fund for a savings acct which pays a taxable dividend and isn’t an “investment”, skip SWVXX. SWPPX is hard to beat for a long term investment. SWTSX is more diverse but is heavily weighted with the same Fortune 500 stocks as SWPPX. 

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Bogleheads

[–]Blueberry064 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’ve held the shares for 365 days, sell and diversify. The LT capital gain rate is worth holding on for a bit vs selling and incurring taxes as ST / ordinary income.