Resources news
DailyFED's resources section collects practical articles for federal employees: how to find and read your records, which forms to file and when, checklists for retirement and life events, and explainers on everyday benefits questions. For the full rules, each piece links to an FFEBA guide.
November20253 stories
- Federal Retirement Applications Spike in OctoberThe average processing time for federal retirement applications has risen to 79 days, a 3-day increase from September’s 76-day average.
- Reasons to Work in the Private Sector After Federal RetirementIf you’ve thought about returning to work after your federal retirement, there are excellent reasons to take a position in the private sector.
- Asset Location Strategies for Federal RetirementYour federal retirement strategy differs from that of most private sector employees.
October20251 story
August20251 story
July20253 stories
- Should You Use Your TSP To Pay For Your Kids’ College?Ideally, parents started contributing to a 529 plan or another type of college savings account when their kids were still little.
- Bump and RetreatIn federal employment, “bump and retreat” are terms used in the RIF process, which refer to the assignment rights of employees whose positions are eliminated, allowing them to...
- Is Information Bias Impacting Your Investing?In the age of information, the abundance of data available to investors is both a blessing and a curse.
June20252 stories
- Gauging Your Retirement ReadinessWith President Trump’s plan to cut 107,000 federal jobs from non-defense agencies in 2026, federal employees face uncertainty about job security.
- Reviewing FERS Options for Separating EmployeesIf you leave your government job before reaching retirement eligibility, you have two main options regarding your FERS contributions: Refund of Contributions: You can request a...
May20254 stories
- Converting a 529 Plan to a Roth IRAFamilies with 529 college savings plans have the ability to roll over unused funds into a Roth IRA, tax-free.
- Federal Certifications Valuable for EmployeesFederal certifications can significantly boost your career in the federal workforce, even during uncertain times, by enhancing your skills, experience, and marketability.
- Preparing Financially for a Job LossSafeguarding your finances during unemployment requires careful preparation, income management, and expense reduction.
- Understanding Sick Leave CalculationsThe federal government employs a unique system for calculating work hours and unused sick leave.
April20255 stories
- Pros and Cons of a Roth ConversionA Roth conversion can offer significant benefits, but it comes with important tax implications.
- Basics of the Progressive Tax SystemThe United States employs a progressive tax system, where the tax rate increases as an individual’s income rises.
- Severance Pay ExplainedSeverance pay can provide a critical financial cushion for qualified federal employees facing involuntary separation from their jobs.
- Tax Day TipsApril 15, 2025, tax day, is right around the corner.
- VERA, VSIP, and RIFWith the continued downsizing of the federal workforce, here’s a rundown of how VERA, VSIP, and RIFs function within federal agencies.
What we cover here
- Records. Finding your SF-50, eOPF and service history.
- Forms. Beneficiary designations, retirement forms and when to file them.
- Checklists. Before you retire, after a life event, at Open Season.
- Everyday questions. Leave, pay stubs and benefits basics.
Start with the guides
Our evergreen guides are the fullest version of these topics, updated when rules change:
- Your SF-50 and service computation date
- Beneficiary designations, all four forms
- The retirement application
- The full learning library
New to all of this? Start with your career stage, or try the calculators.
When you want a second set of eyes
Checklists cover the general case. A Federal Retirement Consultant (FRC®) can go through your own paperwork with you. Get matched with an FRC, free.
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