FedSmith

FedSmith.com is a free online resource designed for individuals interested in the federal community and the workings of the federal government. The website features articles from a diverse group of writers who specialize in federal topics, along with daily updates on news that affects the federal workforce. Using our deep knowledge of the federal sector, we deliver relevant news items every day. Moreover, FedSmith.com encourages user engagement by frequently surveying visitors on current issues, allowing comments on articles, and providing opportunities to interact with experts in the field.

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What IRA Investments Are Similar To The TSP Funds?

1 week ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a simple and efficient retirement savings option for federal employees, offering five core funds that make investing easy to manage. In contrast, an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) provides a vast array of investment choices, which can feel overwhelming for those accustomed to the TSP’s straightforward structure. Many federal employees struggle to find IRA investments that align with the familiar TSP funds after making the transition.
Panicking Over Your TSP? Time To Look At I Fund In Your TSP Portfolio?

2 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Ralph Smith

How much money do you have in international stock funds? Probably not as much as you should have. Most investors in America do not have much in these funds, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) investors are no exception. For the TSP, the relevant Fund is the I Fund. That investing approach is easy to understand. In 2024, the I Fund had a return of 4.27%. That is not a great return, especially when the C Fund had an annual return of 24.96% and the S Fund returned 16.93% for the year.
Supreme Court Grants DOJ Request To Stay Reinstatement Of Fired MSPB And NLRB Members

2 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Ralph Smith

In an emergency appeal filed with the US Supreme Court, the Department of Justice requested the Court to approve a stay of judgments of the District Court of the District of Columbia. The lower-court orders were blocking President Trump from firing National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member Gwynne Wilcox and Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) member Cathy Harris. Shortly after the emergency appeal was filed, Chief Justice John Roberts issued an administrative stay.
Supreme Court Blocks Order To Reinstate Probationary Employees

2 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Ralph Smith

The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked a preliminary injunction of a lower court order directing the Trump administration to reinstate about 16,000 probationary federal employees. This latest Court order gave the Department of Justice a third victory in a few days after seeking emergency action from the Supreme Court to stop numerous district judges around the country from slowing policies the Trump administration is working to implement.
5-Year Rule For FEHB, FEGLI And Roth TSP

2 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

VIDEORetirement planning is a complex process for federal employees, requiring careful attention to eligibility rules and regulations. Among the many requirements that determine post-retirement benefits, the 5-year rule plays a crucial role in three key programs: Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), and Roth Thrift Savings Plan (Roth TSP).
Navigating Retirement With TSP: Is The 60/40 Allocation Right For You?

3 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

Navigating retirement successfully requires a thoughtful approach to managing your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). By understanding and tailoring your investment strategies, you can create a sustainable plan to support your financial goals. One popular strategy, the 60/40 allocation, balances growth and stability, but it may not be suitable for everyone depending on individual circumstances.
Monthly TSP Performance: Volatile Stock Market Drops In March

3 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Ralph Smith

Concerns about a possible trade war and the possibility of inflation resulted in a loss for most TSP Funds in March. The C Fund dropped 5.64% for the month, and the S Fund was down 7.92%. For the TSP’s core stock funds, only the I Fund showed a positive return, rising 0.02% in the month. As the United States has been warning Europe not to take America’s military protection for granted, European countries are proposing an increase in their defense spending.
Trump Takes Aim At Cutting Back Unions' Involvement In Federal Government

3 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Ralph Smith

A new Executive Order has been issued that will have a major impact on unions and employees in the federal government. The Executive Order is entitled Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. The new Executive Order signed by President Trump modifies Executive Order 12171 of November 19, 1979 signed by President Jimmy Carter. That Executive Order was entitled Exclusions from the Federal Labor-Management Relations Program. The new Order significantly expands the Carter Order.
What Type Of Federal Retirement Do You Qualify For?

4 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

Many federal employees dream of retiring as early as possible while still enjoying the full range of their retirement benefits. The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) offers several pathways to retirement, each with its own qualifications and trade-offs. In this guide, we’ll break down the key types of federal retirement options and what you need to know to plan effectively.
Trump Issues Executive Order On Delegation Of Authority On Suitability Of Federal Employees

1 month ago | fedsmith.com | Ralph Smith

On March 20, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order entitled Strengthening the Suitability and Fitness of the Federal Workforce. This is the primary purpose of the Order: The Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is delegated the authority to make final suitability determinations and take suitability actions regarding employees in the executive branch based on post-appointment conduct, consistent with applicable law.