Editor’s note: Government Shutdown! Every time I publish something like this, I get a bunch of people telling me that I’m being dramatic. Or that the military will always get paid. Or that I’m being irresponsible for getting people upset. That’s not the intent at all. If you’ve spent any time at all around these… | Read More…
When Is The Next Military Payday?
Ah, payday. Who doesn’t love to see money in their bank account? “When does the military get paid this month?” Or, “When is the next military payday?” They’re two of the most popular questions that I’ve heard over the years. The next regular military payday is Friday, 29 September 2023. If you receive an active… | Read More…
Long Pay Period Warning & Your Personal Finance Stress Test
This October 2023 end-of-month pay period is going to be long. Every time we have a long pay period, Facebook explodes with conversations on this subject, and they provide a fascinating look into how people handle their money. Most of it is sad. So let’s figure some things out now so you won’t be struggling… | Read More…
Will The Military Get Paid If We Hit The Debt Ceiling?
Update 30 May 2023: It looks like there is going to be a deal. Which we all hoped, obviously. So we can not worry about this for a few years. But it’s good to know what could happen, because this issue has not been resolved forever. What the heck is a debt ceiling? And is… | Read More…
Your Military Family’s Confidently Prepared™ Life Binder
After several long years and 100s of revisions, the Your Military Family’s Confidently Prepared™ Life Binder is finally available for purchase! This great tool will make your life more organized and provide a guide to help others help you if this is a situation. What Is This Binder? The Confidently Prepared™ Life Binder is a… | Read More…
Military Pay Is Calculated On A Monthly Basis
Almost all military members are paid twice a month. But the accounting is handled on a monthly basis. Why? And why should you care? Understanding this monthly military pay system can help explain a lot of things about pay. This includes why your mid-month pay shows up as a deduction on your LES, how… | Read More…
Your January Military Leave and Earnings Statement: 5 Things To Check
While it is important to review your military Leave and Earnings Statement every month, it is extra important whenever you have any changes. This includes things like a Permanent Change of Station move, a promotion, a time-in-service or regular annual raise, or any other action that could impact your pay and allowances. While these events… | Read More…
2023 Retired Military Paydays – With Printables
Retired Military paydays are once a month. Military retirement pay is paid on the 1st of the month, unless the 1st is on a weekend or holiday, in which case it is paid on the previous business day (the last business day of the previous month.) Military retirement pay is paid in arrears, meaning that… | Read More…
2023 Military Basic Allowance for Subsistence, or BAS
The 2023 Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) rates have been announced. This year’s increase is the biggest in decades! BAS is a non-taxable monetary allowance paid to all members of the military once they have left their basic military training, except for certain situations where the military is providing meals. It is a legacy from… | Read More…
2023 Active Duty Military Paydays – With Printables
While military paydays are relatively easy, there can be some tricky bits. Military paydays are on the 15th of the month and the first of the following month, except when the 1st or 15th fall on a weekend or federal holiday. Then, the payday shifts to the business day prior to the weekend and/or holiday…. | Read More…