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12 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 41 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:
How SBP works, what it costs (6.5% of your base amount), the spouse-concurrence rule, and the one window to cancel after you retire.
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.
How TSP L Funds work, what they cost, and when to pick one vs build your own allocation, a plain-English guide for service members.
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.
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Under the Blended Retirement System, the government matches TSP contributions after year 2. Here's how vesting works, what happens when you separate, and whether BRS helped or hurt you.
The tax treatment of your TSP contributions has long-term consequences. Here's how to think through Roth vs. Traditional for military service members at different career stages.
If you have an outstanding TSP loan when you separate, you have limited time to repay it before it becomes a taxable distribution. Here's how to avoid a costly mistake.
Weighing whether to roll your TSP into an IRA after military separation, the real tradeoffs on fees, investment options, creditor protection, and tax treatment.
What happens to your Thrift Savings Plan when you leave the military, withdrawal options, rollover rules, tax implications, and what not to do.
Navigate transition from 20+ years military service. Plan for retirement income, civilian career, and post-military life strategy.