A TDA/Salary question

Right now, I am putting 15% of my salary into my TDA. I'd love to increase it to 18% but that would be about $80 more per check.

Now keeping in mind that TDA deductions are PRE-tax, is it possible that I can increase my TDA AND increase my take home?

I'd love to increase my TDA contribution and NOT lower my take home beyond what it is now. Does that make sense?

Re: A TDA/Salary question

I don't think you could increase both at the same time but since it's pre tax you may be able to increase what you're putting into retirement without decreasing take home. I know there are websites that can help you calculate those numbers. Maybe try the website of whoever your account is with

Re: A TDA/Salary question

You may find that you take home more than you think- just to give an example thought the numbers will be off- I put in a percentage that amounted to $100 per check, but I only took home about $60 less than I had before. Does that make sense? Again, the number was made up but what I think will happen is that you think it will be $80 less that you take home but it might only be $50.