No Promises on New TSP Computer System

The Thrift Savings Plan still is making no promises regarding when it will make its long-stalled new computer system operative. Until the new system is up and running, the program remains a monthly valued system, meaning that accounts are tabulated only at the end of each month and transactions such as interfund transfers can occur only monthly, not daily as is the standard in mutual funds and in private sector 401(k) retirement savings plans. The “daily valuation” feature is one of the most eagerly anticipated changes linked to that system, since it will allow transactions as often as every business day for interfund transfers and loans and withdrawals. The new system also will bring several changes in loan and withdrawal policies, including the option to take partial withdrawals and to mix and match withdrawal options.