I was searching info about this here but I can't find any and I know it has been post before.

Anyway, I'm going to set this up for dh but I would like to know some things before I do it.

I don't think they match right? Where do they keep the money? How do see how much % int. is earning and how much we have so far once we get it? Why would it be better than setting up an IRA for him?

Thank you.

As of matching i don't think active duty has a match right now. Only cilivian. Correct me if i am wrong.

As for as why its better then is a IRA is the fact that its before tax contribution and its automatic so you won't miss the money much. (for us anyways). We both also have a Roth IRA and we like it as well.

You will get your access number and be able to set up a password, then you will be able to see your balance on the tsp website. You can also move your money around there as well say if your unhappy with the funds its in.

I have not checked his TSP in a while. Right now he's doing the L2040 fund and letting it ride.

You have your choice of funds. You can keep it all in one or diversify. They give you the stats for each fund i think for the past 2 years *i think* so you can decide where you want the money to go. The reason they don't match is because of the other retirement benefits you get as well. We don't miss our TSP money at all. it is just another 'bill' we pay.

when you get it set up they send you the info to access his TSP online and you can see it as well as manage your money. I also like that you can change your deposit to the TSP every month if you wish. When dh goes on deployment we opt to put 1/2 the special pays into the tsp. And you can also have as much as 100% of your bonuses put in as well.

Thank you girls!
Once I set it up, how long will it take to kick in?

Thank you girls!
Once I set it up, how long will it take to kick in?
shouldn't take that long. i can't remember how long it took ours, usually only one to 2 paydays, depending on the rules.

I am looking into this as well.
Any advice for someone new to it?

I don't know anything about it but DH had one and we drained it... half for our wedding and the other for our honeymoon (not much in there) but he was already out of the Marines at that point. Good Luck!

I am looking into this as well.
Any advice for someone new to it?
my advice would be to do one, it will be very helpful later on. Put as much as you can since it doesn't get taxed. When DH goes on deployment we wind up upping the amount since we can afford to put more in.
here is the TSP page http://www.tsp.gov/