<prompt> Human: Im in the military so I do not receive the 5 match. Im almost 26. Ive got 10k in the traditional TSP. My funds are allocated as 10 in F, 20 in I, 30 in C, 40 in S. I have 2.5k in a Vanguard Roth IRA 2055 target retirement fund. I stopped TSP contributions because I didnt like the idea of not being able to contribute if I decide to leave the military. I only contributed to the TSP as I didnt know anything beyond saving money is good.My current plan is to max my IRA for 2013, 2014, and set aside money after I get 10k in savings emergency fund to max it out in 2015. After those are completed Im not certain of where to go next. I believe I should just continue with the traditional TSP as I already have a good amount of change in there and it would diversify my retirement plan by not having all contributions after taxes. Is this a good plan? Should I put my extra money in the Roth TSP instead? Should I just use the Roth TSP and forget about the IRA?1. Roth IRA 20132. Roth IRA 20143. Emergency Fund4. Roth IRA 20155. TSP or Roth TSP?I feel like this is a good plan with the research I have done, but I guess I just want some assurance that Im doing the right thing.If I do 20 years in the military I still have 20 years until actual retirement age. If I had to start a new retirement plan in my 40s it would earn less money as Im starting over at 0, correct? Thats my complaint with the TSP. If Im misinformed please correct me.Edit:Appears I had bad information. Im going to take advantage of the Roth TSP while I can and continue my Roth IRA contributions when I get out.  <response>: You want to max your TSP first, before going to an IRA. The reason being, the TSP has the cheapest funds available, unless you have a lot of money to invest in an IRA 5M.Whether to go traditional or Roth depends a lot on your current tax rate and what you feel your tax rate will be in retirement. The TraditionalRoth question is answered in the FAQ:If I had to start a new retirement plan in my 40s it would earn less money as Im starting over at 0, correct?The percentage it earns depends on what you are invested. Ideally as you get closer to retirement, your portfolio should shift more conservative, which may have lower returns. Yes the money in your TSP would probably be gaining more dollars, because youve been contributing for 20 years.But when you leave the military, you can take the TSP with you. However, you would probably be better off leaving it put. 