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11 articles in Retirement Transition
Navigate your military retirement transition. Pension planning, TSP withdrawal strategies, and post-retirement careers. Browse all articles below or explore other categories for more military transition resources.
Military Transition Toolkit publishes in-depth guides across 39 categories to help active duty service members, reservists, and retirees navigate every aspect of military transition. Each article is written with practical, actionable advice you can use immediately — whether you are 12 months from separation or already building your civilian career.
Navigate your military retirement transition. Pension planning, TSP withdrawal strategies, and post-retirement careers. Our content is updated regularly and covers topics from VA disability claims and compensation to career planning, financial readiness, and state-by-state veteran benefits.
Looking for something specific? Browse our other categories or use the resources page for curated links to official VA, DoD, and veteran service organization websites. All tools and content on Military Transition Toolkit are free — no account required for public resources.
Start with our most popular tools: the VA combined rating calculator, retirement pay calculator, 50-state benefits comparison, and military resume builder. Each tool is designed specifically for the unique challenges of military-to-civilian transition.
Top articles in this category:
When you leave the military for a civilian job, you'll likely encounter a 401(k). Here's how it compares to TSP on fees, investment options, matching, and flexibility.
Withdrawing from TSP before age 59½ typically triggers a 10% penalty plus income taxes. Here are the legitimate exceptions and strategies to access your TSP without the penalty.
You don't have to do anything with your TSP when you separate — but you have options. Here's what happens to your TSP after military separation and how to decide what to do.
TSP Lifecycle Funds automatically adjust your asset allocation as you approach your target retirement date. Here's how they work, what they cost, and when to use them or choose differently.
Withdrawing from your TSP triggers taxes that can be significant if not planned. Here's how to structure withdrawals to reduce your tax bill in retirement.
Under BRS, DoD matches up to 4% of your TSP contributions. Here's how vesting works, what you keep when you separate, and how to maximize matching before you leave.
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Choosing between Roth and Traditional TSP is one of the most consequential financial decisions military members make. Here's the framework for choosing based on your specific situation.
A TSP loan before military separation creates complications — an outstanding loan becomes a taxable distribution if not repaid. Here's how TSP loans work at separation.
Rolling your TSP to an IRA gives you more investment options but may cost you the G Fund's unique stability. Here's how to decide if a TSP rollover is right for you.
Military separation gives you withdrawal options for your TSP — some smart, some costly. Here's a complete guide to TSP withdrawal choices at separation.
Navigate transition from 20+ years military service. Plan for retirement income, civilian career, and post-military life strategy.