The Newbie

Kate Walker, 28, Washington

Government Accountability Office

When did you start investing in the TSP?

As soon as I started working. There was a flurry of papers you had to sign. I knew I had signed up to TSP to the maximum percent, but I didn't remember which fund I had signed up for. How often do you check on your investments?

Up until about six months ago, never. Then I started thinking a lot more about financial planning so I've checked it probably three times in the past six months. What's your investment philosophy?

Incur risk now-because I'm young-and be safe later.

How important is the TSP to your retirement plan?

It's very important just because my husband works for the private sector and they don't match nearly as much as the government. We'll also have stocks and my husband's 401(k) and Roth IRAs. And eventually we'll have bonds, but we don't them yet.

Where are your TSP assets located right now?

The L Fund 2040.