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.
March20253 stories
- Understanding Your Service Computation DateA service computation date (SCD) is a key factor in determining a federal employee’s eligibility for various benefits or programs.
- Phishing Emails and Ghost Preparers - Beware Tax ScamsPhishing Emails and Smishing Texts Fake IRS Phone Calls Bogus or Ghost Tax Preparers False Tax Credit Schemes IRS Online Account Scams How to Spot Scams If You Suspect a Scam
- Penalty-Free TSP Monthly PaymentsFederal employees who exit service before age 55 can opt for monthly withdrawals from their traditional Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) based on their life expectancy.
February20253 stories
- DSR After Involuntary SeparationFederal Employees Retirement System (FERS) employees may qualify for Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR) under specific conditions, typically tied to an involuntary...
- The Civilian Federal Workforce: Structure and ProtectionsAn unprecedented number of cuts to the federal workforce have recently been implemented by the Trump administration.
- Are You Emergency Ready?From wildfires to severe weather, more and more parts of the country find themselves under the threat of natural disasters.
January20256 stories
- 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...
- Mortgage Loan Modification: A Lifeline for Struggling HomeownersA mortgage loan modification is a process that allows homeowners facing financial difficulty to adjust the terms of their mortgage, making monthly payments more affordable.
- Options For Individuals Seeking Tax ReliefTax season is nearing which means people are readying their documents and preparing to file their returns by the deadline.
- 1 Million Taxpayers Are Eligible For The Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)Thanks to the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), one million taxpayers will receive up to $1400 by the end of January 2025.
- January is Financial Wellness MonthJanuary, being Financial Wellness Month, is an ideal time for households to initiate or revisit conversations about money management.
- Don’t Include These In A Living TrustA living trust is a legal document that allows you to designate a trustee to manage and distribute your assets according to your wishes after your death.
December20248 stories
- Dealing With A Debt CollectorFrom unexpected expenses to healthcare emergencies, there are many unforeseen events that can send your finances into a spiral.
- Budget Strategies For The New YearSeveral surveys show that one of the most common New Year’s resolutions is saving more money.
- AI’s Role In Personal FinancesMore than a few of us have a “friend in the industry” that we corner at cocktail parties asking for advice about our personal finances.
- Estate Planning Misconceptions & RealitiesOne of the most common misconceptions about estate planning is that it’s only about protecting assets like your cars, boats, and valuables like jewelry, antiques, and collectibles.
- How Schedule F Could Impact Federal EmployeesExecutive Order 13957, also known as Schedule F, was advanced in October 2020 with an implementation date of January 2021.
- Required Minimum Distributions ExplainedWhen you put money into your TSP or other tax-advantaged retirement accounts, the contributions you make have not been subject to income tax by the federal government.
- Salvaging the Future of Social SecurityNews reports abound with dire forecasts for the future of Social Security.
- End-of-Year Tax StrategyThe year is quickly drawing to a close, so it’s important to take a moment and review your tax strategy.
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.
More sections: all news · retirement · benefits · TSP · workforce
