Can I opt out of FERS?

Q: Can I opt out or not contribute to the FERS-FRAE annuity system? I am a new employee and they are taking 4.4% of my paycheck for the annuity. I feel I can get a better return outside of the annuity and want to know if I can do that?

Another question I have is if I opt out and do not contribute to the FERS-FRAE (if possible) annuity can I still receive the TSP match?

A: You cannot opt out of the FERS retirement system. Even if you could, you wouldn’t want to, as the value of your FERS pension will be far greater than what you could receive if you invested your retirement contributions yourself (unless you know the next Bill Gates).