About Us

FedSmith delivers clear, reliable news and analysis for federal employees and retirees, covering federal pay, benefits, retirement, TSP, workforce policy, and agency developments. Since 2002, we’ve helped millions of readers stay informed about the issues that shape federal careers and retirement.

Our Mission: Empowering the Federal Workforce

Our primary goal is to empower the federal workforce through reliable information and expert insights. Our target audience includes current and former federal employees seeking valuable guidance on various aspects of their professional and personal lives.

Key Focus Areas: Essential Topics for the Federal Workforce

FedSmith provides clear, authoritative coverage on the issues that matter most to federal employees and retirees, including:

Pay and Benefits

Timely updates on federal pay raises, the GS pay scale, locality pay, and benefits programs that shape federal compensation.

Retirement & Annuities

Guidance on FERS and CSRS retirement rules, annuity calculations, COLA updates, and strategies for planning a secure federal retirement.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

In‑depth reporting on TSP news, TSP fund performance, fund trends, contribution strategies, and policy changes affecting federal employees and retirees.

Federal Health & Insurance Benefits

Clear explanations of FEHB, FEDVIP, FEGLI, and other federal benefits programs to help employees and retirees make informed choices.

Legislation & Policy Impact

Analysis of Congressional actions, executive orders, and federal workforce policies that influence pay, benefits, telework, retirement, and agency operations.

Author Expertise: Diverse Perspectives for Comprehensive Insights

Many of the authors who write for FedSmith are former federal employees with firsthand experience navigating the intricacies of government service, and we also collaborate with financial planners who specialize in advising federal employees. Together, they bring deep subject‑matter expertise and a shared commitment to supporting the federal workforce through clear, informative articles.

The free content we provide would not be possible without their contributions. We encourage you to explore their bios and articles and consider thanking them for the insights they share with our community. If you have relevant expertise and are interested in contributing, visit our prospective authors page to learn more or submit an article for consideration.

The views expressed by our authors are their own and do not represent those of FedSmith.

Editorial Standards

We prioritize accuracy, clarity, and relevance in every article we publish. Our contributors draw on decades of experience in federal employment, HR policy, retirement planning, and government operations. All content is independently written and reviewed to ensure it provides reliable guidance for federal employees and retirees.

Who We Serve

FedSmith is designed for current federal employees, federal retirees, HR professionals, agency managers, and anyone who relies on clear information about federal pay, benefits, retirement, and workforce policy.

Why Choose FedSmith?

At FedSmith.com, we take pride in our commitment to excellence. Our content is meticulously curated to ensure accuracy, reliability, and relevance. By combining diverse perspectives, real-world experience, and a dedication to serving our audience, we aim to be your go-to resource for all matters concerning the federal workforce, pay, benefits, and retirement. Join us in navigating the intricate landscape of federal service.

Free Email List

You can subscribe to our free email list using the form on any page of the website to get a summary of some of our recent news articles in your inbox. Emails are sent 2-3 times per week. You do not have to subscribe to use the free resources of FedSmith.com or any of our other websites.

Social Media

We are on X, YouTube and Facebook. Follow us to get our updates.

TSPDataCenter.com

FedSmith also operates the TSPDataCenter.com website which provides our readers current and historical daily, monthly, and annual rate data for the Thrift Savings Plan.

Founders

  • Ian Smith had successful careers with two government contracting companies before helping launch FedSmith.com.
  • Ralph Smith has extensive professional federal experience that he applies by writing and editing content for FedSmith.com.
  • Susan McGuire Smith had a 25-year career with the government in contracts, ethics, and personnel law.