Best Ways to Withdraw from Your TSP in Retirement

If you’re a federal employee or retiree, understanding how and when to withdraw from your TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) can make a significant difference in your retirement outcome. In this episode, Andrew McNair, founder of Swan Capital, breaks down the rules, strategies, and common mistakes around TSP withdrawals that federal employees need to avoid. You’ll learn:

• When you can actually start taking penalty-free withdrawals from your TSP (including the key differences for regular, special provision, and early retirees)
• The critical impact of state and federal taxes on your withdrawals—and why where you live in retirement still matters
• How to choose between monthly, lump sum, or annuity options, and why most federal retirees should avoid the “one-size-fits-all” TSP annuity
• The pros and cons of each withdrawal method, including how RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) work and why strategic timing matters
• Why a careful income plan is vital to ensure your pension, Social Security, and TSP withdrawals work together—not at cross-purposes
• The benefits of letting your Roth TSP compound, coordinating withdrawals with a CPA and financial planner, and common pitfalls like pushing yourself into higher Medicare premium brackets

Andrew also explains how smart planning around TSP contributions, Roth vs. Traditional strategies, and relocation timing can dramatically improve how much you keep, not just how much you earn.

Bottom line: You don’t spend gross income in retirement - you spend net. If you want personalized guidance, our team includes financial planners, a CPA, and an estate planning attorney, all under one roof, serving federal employees nationwide.

Schedule your complimentary Federal Retirement Benefit Report:
Call 1-800-848-8768 or email [e-mail]

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If you’d like help reviewing your TSP allocation or creating a personalized federal retirement strategy, schedule your complimentary visit today: https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation

To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.