GovernmentExecutive.com

Government jobs might be more stable than most, but that doesn't mean federal employees aren't watching their pocketbooks. Luckily, one of the perks of being a government worker is that there are many companies eager to thank public servants by offering them deals on everything from Caribbean vacations to iPods.

The following is a sampling of just some of the discounts available to federal employees, retirees and military members. We plan to update it regularly with your suggestions, so check back often for new additions. E-mail us at agruber@govexec.com if you come across discounts or freebies you'd like to share.

A word to the wise as you browse our directory: A number of sites will ask you to enter your government e-mail address to find out if you qualify for discounts. But one reader warns us that if you do so, you should be prepared for an onslaught of unsolicited e-mails.

General

Travel

Communications and Technology

General

Army & Air Force Exchange Service: An online shopping center open to some State Department embassy employees as well as members of the military.

Auto parts: The Kragen Auto Parts chain will knock 5 percent to 10 percent off your purchase if you have a military ID, one reader says. AutoZone offers military discounts as well, according to another reader, and Advance Auto Parts gives active and retired military members 10 percent off.

Baseops.net: A clearinghouse of military discounts.

Bass Pro Shops: Offers military and civilian discounts, a reader tells us.

Clothing: Nautica and New York and Co. give discounts of 10 percent or more to customers with military IDs, and Old Navy gives a 10 percent discount on the first of the month, readers say. One employee of New York and Co. says the discount is 15 percent if you ask, and can be used in conjunction with coupons.

Fedsave.com: A free, monthly newsletter highlighting savings and special offers on entertainment, dining, shopping and travel.

Food: IHOP and Denny's give military members 10 percent off, a reader tells us. Another reader noted that Applebee's gives discounts of 15 percent, and one said T.G.I. Friday's offers a 10 percent discount. The Hard Rock Cafe offers military members discounts of 10 percent or more.

Group Health Eye Care: Offers federal employees, military members and retirees a 20 percent discount on prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses, and a one-time 20 percent discount on contact lenses. Membership is not required.

Home improvement: Readers tell us Lowes and The Home Depot give military members and retirees 10 percent off at most locations, but the discount isn't always advertised so be sure to ask about it if no information is readily available.

Insurance: Federal employees receive 3 percent to 10 percent off on automobile insurance at Geico, depending on the state. Readers tell us they've found insurance deals at Liberty Mutual as well. And Capitol Benefits of Gaithersburg, Md., has partnered with Travelers to offer federal employees in the Washington area a break on home, auto, renters, boat and umbrella insurance.

National Active and Retired Federal Employees: Arranges discounts on travel, financial services, insurance, moving and emergency services.

Penske: A reader with a military background tells us he was able to get 10 percent off on a moving truck.

Superior Nut Co.: This Cambridge, Mass.-based specialty food provider offers military members a 10 percent discount on orders through its Web site, one reader tells us. The coupon code is "military," and according to our tipster, there is no minimum order or expiration date.

Veterans Advantage Program: A card that offers discounts on travel, entertainment, home and office supplies, insurance, financial services and more. A one-year membership is $59.95.

Travel

Armed Forces Vacation Club: Offers military members, Defense Department civilians and some contractors deals at condominium timeshare resorts as space is available.

Better World Club: This environmentally-conscious roadside assistance provider is offering federal employees a 10 percent discount on new auto club memberships.

Club Quarters: The chain of hotels for business travelers is offering federal, state and local government employees $40 in food and beverage certificates per night. The certificates can be used at Club Quarters restaurants and for room service; the program runs through Dec. 31.

Federal Discount Lodging Directory: A searchable directory of domestic and foreign hotels with discounts for federal employees.

Govarm.com: Provides vacation and leisure services for government employees, including condominium rentals, hotel reservations, cruises, car rentals, airline ticketing, RV rentals and golf packages.

Government Vacation Rewards: Offers access to government and military rates on cruises, tours, vacation packages, resorts, hotels, air travel and cars, through International Cruise and Excursions.

Government Employee Travel Opportunities: This program, sponsored by Resort Condominiums International, offers discount rentals at condominium timeshare resorts and vacation villas worldwide. The catch is that the discounts often are available only in the off-season or on short notice.

La Quinta Inns and Suites: Offers substantial lodging discounts to federal employees, military members and retirees, one reader says.

Marriott: The Marriott hotel chain is offering active military members and accompanying family and friends 50 percent or more in savings over regular rates at hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America, now through Dec. 21, 2009 (with some blackout dates).

Rental cars: A number of rental car companies offer government employees deals for non-official travel, including Alamo, Dollar, E-Z Rent-A-Car, and Thrifty.

Communications and Technology

Apple: Offers discounts on iPods, computers and other equipment for personal use, through its Store for Government.

AT&T: Federal employees may qualify for reduced rates. To find out more, visit the company's Web site and enter your government e-mail address.

Dell: Government workers can save at least 7 percent on most computers, printers and other electronics.

Sprint-Nextel: Offers federal employees a 15 percent discount on top of other deals, such as the family plan, according to a company spokeswoman.

T-Mobile: Offers a 15 percent discount to federal employees. To obtain the deal, new customers can call (866) 464-8662 or visit a local store, and existing customers can call (877) 453-8824.

Verizon: The company offers federal employee discounts of 20 percent or more on phones, calling plans and accessories. Check here to find out if you are eligible.