Retirement, Reinvented: The TSP’s Bold New Moves for a Digital-First Future

In this episode of Fed Gov Today, Francis Rose sits down with Jim Kaplan, Director of External Affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, to explore how the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is modernizing to meet the evolving needs of federal employees and service members. From mobile app growth to overseas outreach and educational tools, Kaplan reveals how the TSP is becoming more user-centric than ever before.

Kaplan opens with a striking figure: over 30% of TSP account logins now happen through the mobile app, a number that has more than doubled since early 2024. He attributes this surge to the increasing societal comfort with apps and digital tools. The TSP app now enables users to perform a wide range of functions—from checking balances to designating beneficiaries—all without needing to call the Thrift Line.

Beyond the convenience factor, Kaplan stresses that the agency’s core mission is to “meet participants where they are.” This approach has led to the launch of a YouTube channel offering financial education videos and a partnership with the American Forces Network. This collaboration allows TSP to reach military personnel overseas with short, informative messages on topics like setting a secondary address for mail delivery—especially relevant for service members deployed abroad.

A major innovation driving these changes was the transition to a modern record-keeping system, which allowed for enhancements like two-factor authentication and facial recognition in the mobile app. Kaplan hints at future improvements, especially as TSP prepares for the rollout of in-plan Roth conversions next year. These upgrades will be integrated into the app with calculators and support tools to guide users through the process.

Kaplan also discusses the success of the Blended Retirement System (BRS), which has brought younger military personnel into the TSP earlier in their careers. Thanks to automatic enrollment and matching contributions, even short-term service members are building long-term retirement savings—a significant policy win that Kaplan says reflects strong collaboration among Congress, the executive branch, and TSP leadership.

Addressing market volatility, Kaplan notes an uptick in Thrift Line calls and shifts in participant investment behavior, particularly toward more conservative funds like the G Fund. While TSP provides educational resources, he emphasizes that individuals should invest for the long term and avoid reactive decisions based on short-term market swings.

Kaplan’s central message is clear: TSP is evolving not just to keep up with technology, but to better serve its 6.7 million participants through education, outreach, and tools tailored to a diverse and increasingly mobile workforce.