DataBuffet.com contains a limited amount of background material, which is stored in Mnemonic 411 (accessible through the main Search box, and attached to online catalog pages and series with the "More Info" feature).  However, since the "Flow of Funds" is such a huge and detailed report (over 4,500 each quarterly and annual time series), and subject to frequent redesign, it's best to consult the Federal Reserve Board's official documentation.

• Main page - http://federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/
• Table descriptions (PDF) - http://federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/fofguide.pdf
• "Coded table" footnotes (PDF) - http://federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/Current/Coded/
• Guide to the Flow of Funds Accounts ($20 hardcopy) with background assumptions and per-item notes - http://federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/ffguide.htm

Because the DataBuffet.com mnemonics are based on the FRB's numeric identifiers, and the data catalog is organized to match the report's numbered tables, it's easy to jump between the "coded" publication and our catalog.

Please consult the following Data Buffet News articles to familiarize yourself with the nature of changes that typically occur each quarter, specific changes identified by FRB, and our response to them.

• General nature of recurring changes - http://www.economy.com/support/blog/buffet.aspx?did=15433EAD-78D9-49A8-B32C-D36738C912DC
• Notes for 2010 Q2 and 354 code changes
• Correction for 2010 Q1 and magnitude change
• Changes for 2009 Q4
• Changes for 2009 Q3
• Changes for 2009 Q2 and more changes and correction
• Changes for 2009 Q1
• Changes for 2008 Q4
• Changes for 2008 Q3