Interview With a TSP Millionaire

Interview With a TSP Millionaire
By Aaron Oya
USPS Headquarters Labor Relations, Domiciled in Hawaii and a Member of Honolulu Branch 214

According to the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), as of June 30, 2025, there were 171,000 Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants with balances of $1 million or more. We sat down with a fellow NAPS member, who now is in the top 2.3% of all TSP investors—a remarkable achievement built over nearly three decades of disciplined investing.

This newly minted TSP millionaire shared how she did it, her strategies and what advice she has for others to follow in her footsteps.

This member’s investment achievement was 29 years in the making. Her journey began before 2000 when IRS contribution limits capped investments at just 10%.

As those limits gradually increased through 2005, our interviewee responded by increasing her contributions. When the percentage limitations were lifted in 2006, she shifted to contributing the maximum dollar amount rather than a percentage whenever financially possible.

“I can’t remember the exact year I made the switch,” she shared, “but as I became more educated and could afford it, I started contributing the maximum by dollar amount.”

Catch-Up Contributions and Front-Loading Strategy

Turning 50 brought the opportunity for catch-up contributions, which she embraced fully. But one of her strategies was front-loading contributions early in the year.

“I front-load my contributions at the beginning of the year—buying on sale—especially when I receive my increase or lump sum payout,” she said. This approach allowed her to maximize investment potential early, taking advantage of market dips and compounding growth.

Aggressive, Focused Investing

Unlike many TSP millionaires who diversify across all funds, this investor kept it simple—and aggressive. “I invested only in the C and S funds,” she offered. “I was comfortable with taking risk.”

She stayed the course, but with a sharper edge, focusing on stock funds and maintaining a long-term view.

Active Involvement and Mentorship

This wasn’t a passive journey. This member is very involved in her TSP management—regularly studying share prices, reviewing return rates and occasionally adjusting investment mix, all while ensuring maximum matching contributions.

“I had a mentor, coach and buddy the past 8 to 10 years,” she told me. “We learned from each other, had great dialogue and even some friendly competition.”

Her advice? Surround yourself with people who challenge and educate you.

Looking Ahead

Now that she’s reached millionaire status, her goal is even bigger: “I’m striving to continue my investments to retirement.”

And she believes more USPS employees can join the millionaire club. “Easily! We have more people talking about TSP, learning about it and hearing stories like mine. Yes, it happened to me—and it could happen to you.”

Advice to the Next Generation

If she could speak to her younger self, the message is clear: “Contribute 100% Roth aggressively from day one. If it’s financially difficult, work more overtime and/or rebalance your budget. You’ll thank me when you retire with a multimillion-dollar, tax-free TSP.”

This interview is part of a potential series spotlighting USPS employees who’ve reached major TSP milestones. If you know someone with a story worth sharing—or if you’re on your own journey to seven figures—reach out. The next TSP millionaire could be reading this right now.