For federal employees, a comfortable retirement is a mix of a strong pension, Social Security, and personal savings. While your FERS pension and Social Security are designed to cover basic living expenses, your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the engine that drives your ability to achieve a truly fulfilling retirement, complete with travel, hobbies, and peace of mind. But how do you fuel that engine? It comes down to a simple, time-tested principle: living below your means and making saving a consistent habit.