Whelp, we’ve avoided a government shutdown. For now.  The next regular military payday is Friday, 15 December 2023.  If you receive an active duty military paycheck, then that’s the day you’ll get paid – unless you use a bank or credit union that offers early direct deposit of military pay as a benefit to their… | Read More…

How does a government shutdown affects military families? It’s a question on many minds this week, as our government draws nearer to the deadline to fund federal operations. While we all hope that a shutdown can be averted, we need to prepare for the possibility that a shutdown may happen. So how will this affect… | Read More…

So, it looks like the government might shutdown. This can mean a lot of things for military families. Among them, it may mean that military pay is delayed. While this can be a stressful situation, it isn’t a surprise and it isn’t a disaster. Government shutdowns are, unfortunately, somewhat common. The government has shutdown more… | Read More…

Two of the largest banks used by military members have announced their shutdown loan programs to assist customers if a government shutdown delays pay. Both USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) offer interest-free loans to eligible customers if pay is interrupted.  We all hope that the government does not shut down. But it can,… | Read More…

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…

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…

  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…

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…