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.

National

English

Online/Digital

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#107357

United States

#20958

Law and Government/National Security

#48

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

Federal Return-to-Office Orders Are Backfiring On Productivity And Public Service

1 week ago | fedsmith.com | Gleb Tsipursky

Chaos, frustration, and a deep sense of unease have swept through countless federal offices ever since President Donald Trump announced a blanket return-to-office mandate. For many employees, it feels like an unexpected reversal of the remote work system they had come to rely on. Where some officials once found autonomy, focus, and family balance, they now encounter daily commutes, cramped workspaces, and a scramble for the most basic supplies.
Should You Withdraw From Traditional Or Roth TSP First?

1 week ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

One of the most critical yet often overlooked decisions in retirement planning is the order in which you withdraw funds from your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The topic we will be covering will go over withdrawal strategies if you have both traditional and Roth TSP money. The strategy you choose can have a massive impact on how long your savings last and how much you ultimately pay in taxes.
Proposal Restructuring Senior Executive Service Performance Rating System

1 week ago | fedsmith.com | Ralph Smith

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has sent several memos to agencies this year regarding the Senior Executive Service (SES). These changes range from categorizing SES positions to the SES performance appraisal system. The SES was created by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA). It is a category of high-level positions within federal agencies providing leadership and management across the civil service.
Wild Ride In The Stock Market: Dramatic Swing In TSP Returns During April

2 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Ralph Smith

In April, the U.S. stock market elicited a range of emotions from investors. The market ended in April with seven consecutive days of gains. The S&P 500 index, on which the C Fund is based, experienced its largest percentage increase over seven straight market sessions since November 2020. In early April, the stock market looked dismal.
Investing In Your Future: 6 Early Career Habits For Federal Employees

2 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

Most articles written about federal careers are aimed at employees nearing retirement, as this phase of life involves a multitude of critical financial decisions that shape the future. However, investing in your federal career early can make life much easier, both now and in the decades to come. Even if you’re retiring soon, it’s never too late to start implementing these strategies now. Here are six habits every federal employee should develop early in their careers.
OPM Implementing Significant Changes In Probationary Period

2 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Ralph Smith

On April 24, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order entitled “Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service,” introducing significant changes to the probationary and trial periods for Federal employees. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has now issued guidance to agencies on implementing the Executive Order. The guidance provides more specifics on changing how the probationary period will work under the new Executive Order.
Probationary Periods In The Federal Service: The Saga Continues With New Executive Order

2 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Ralph Smith

What is the probationary period for federal employees? The Code of Federal Regulations stipulates:The agency shall utilize the probationary period as fully as possible to determine the fitness of the employee and shall terminate his or her services during this period if the employee fails to demonstrate fully his or her qualifications for continued employment.
Best Tax-Saving Strategies For Federal Employees

3 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

As a federal employee, planning for retirement includes understanding how to manage taxes effectively. Whether you are currently working or retired, implementing smart tax strategies can help you keep more of your hard-earned money. This guide outlines some of the best tax-saving strategies for federal employees, with a particular focus on TSP withdrawals, Roth conversions, charitable contributions, and relocating to tax-friendly states.
TSP Interfund Transfers Double As Stock Market Continues To Drop

3 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Ralph Smith

Investors in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) sometimes follow market trends by changing how they invest their money. As the market rises, they increase their investment in the core TSP stock funds. When it goes down, they transfer money out of the stock funds, particularly the C and S stock funds. In an article published on April 1st, FedSmith noted: Interfund transfers were roughly twice as high in March over the usual number of transfers, probably as a result of the falling market in stocks.
Possible Changes For Federal Employees In The 2025 Federal Budget

3 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Ralph Smith

2025 has been a stressful year for many federal employees. To be blunt, more stress is probably on the way. Many of the actions that have already been taken impacting the federal workforce are the result of executive decisions. Changes in the workforce have largely been through a combination of executive orders, court decisions, and lawsuits. One item worth watching for the federal workforce is the budget process, which is now underway.