I suppose I didn’t mention in the article that the changing allocations are not a bad idea in themselves. I’m sure also that the L funds are reallocated according to traditional, common-sense principles of risk and reward, and it may indeed be better than just sticking everything in G. My point was that you should always monitor your investments, and exercise your “veto power” over the allocations if necessary. You always have the option of having someone else handle your investments, but no one cares how they perform as much as you do.

Another note: If we voluntarily contribute 5% through TSP, we get 5% matching — 1% automatic and 4% TSP. So regardless of how well the funds do, it’s almost assured that you’ll be ahead because the government chips in the same amount that you voluntarily contribute in this case.

Someone with interest and knowledge in investing would probably choose their own allocation from among the F,G,C,I and S funds, and be better off.

Welcome to the 17th Carnival of Personal Finance! If you haven’t read the Carnival before, it’s a gathering together of personal finance-related posts submitted from across the blogosphere, and hosted on a different blog each week. If this is your…