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TSP Growth & Match

Estimate long-term TSP growth including BRS automatic and matching contributions.

Data current as of June 2026

Inputs

Basic Pay From

E-5 at 4 years: $3,947/mo basic pay → $47,364/yr.

Money already in your TSP keeps compounding alongside new contributions.

Choose percent of salary or a fixed dollar amount per year.

5% unlocks full BRS match (1% automatic + up to 4% match). Assumed 2026 limits: $24,500 employee; $72,000 total additions.

Average annual return assumption (not guaranteed).

Number of years you plan to contribute at this level.

BRS Match

Includes 1% automatic and up to 4% government match.

Projection

Your Annual
$2,368
Gov Annual
$2,368
Total Annual
$4,736
Assumed Return
7.0%
Projected Balance
$194,171

Simple annual compounding model. Does not include contribution catch-up, Roth vs Traditional tax effects, or lifecycle fund glide path.

Yearly Projection

How the TSP match works under BRS

Under the Blended Retirement System, the government contributes to your TSP two ways: an automatic 1% of basic pay whether or not you contribute, and a match up to 4% — dollar-for-dollar on your first 3%, fifty cents on the dollar for the next 2%. Contributing 5% of basic pay captures the full 5% from the government; contributing less permanently forfeits match dollars.

2026 contribution limits

The IRS elective deferral limit is $24,500 for 2026, and total annual additions (your contributions plus government contributions) are capped at $72,000. Members aged 50+ may contribute beyond the deferral limit with catch-up contributions, which this projection does not model.

About the projection

The chart compounds annually at your assumed return with contributions held constant — a planning simplification, not a forecast. Real-world returns vary by fund (G, F, C, S, I, or Lifecycle) and year. Matching applies only while you serve; contributions stop when pay stops.

FAQs

What is the maximum TSP match?

Under the Blended Retirement System, contribute at least 5% of basic pay to receive the full government 5%: a 1% automatic contribution plus up to 4% in matching (dollar-for-dollar on the first 3%, fifty cents on the dollar for the next 2%).

What annual limits are used?

We assume 2026 IRS limits: $24,500 elective deferral and $72,000 total annual additions (employee plus agency contributions combined).

How much should I contribute?

At minimum, 5% of basic pay — anything less leaves free matching money on the table. Beyond that, many members target 10–15% of pay across TSP and other savings, but the right number depends on your goals and budget.

Does this account for Roth vs Traditional?

No. This projection is tax-agnostic and focuses on contributions and growth. Roth vs Traditional changes when you pay taxes, not the projected balance shown here.