KateHorrell

Helping Military Families Make The Most of Their Money

Catch-Up TSP Contributions Are Changing – And It’s Good


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If you’re age 50 or over, you are eligible to contribute an additional amount to your Thrift Savings Plan account each year. Even better, the way that these special catch-up contributions work is changing for 2021. Not only can you contribute more, but it’ll be easier. Win-win. What’s A Catch-Up Contribution? There are limits on… | Read More…

Should You Continue Serving To Earn A Military Retirement? The Golden Albatross Might Help You Decide


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Every military member, no matter how enthusiastic, wakes up one day (or comes out of a frustrating meeting) and asks themselves, “How much longer do I want to do this?” Invariably, this question is complicated by the cliff vesting nature of the military retirement pay system. Get out before 20 years of service, and you… | Read More…

Retiree Tricare Select Costs to Increase in 2021


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The Defense Health Agency has announced the implementation of Congressionally-directed changes to the way that many military retirees, and their families, will pay for their coverage under the Tricare Select program. Effective 1 January 2021, military retirees and families will pay an enrollment fee, similar to a monthly premium, for Tricare Select, if they fall… | Read More…

Commissioning? Understand Your Blended Retirement System Options


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May and June are the biggest commissioning time of year. Not only do all the service academies graduate then, but thousands of ROTC students also graduate and enter their active military service. This years’ group of newly commissioned officers face a unique question: should they opt into the military’s new Blended Retirement System (BRS), or… | Read More…

Moving My Investments From USAA/Victory Capital


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Many of you are asking about USAA’s transfer of their investment products to Victory Capital and/or Charles Schwab. There is a lot happening, and it is confusing. I’m really not the best person to explain it. Thankfully my friend Doug Nordman has written a really good piece that explains what’s happening using small words and… | Read More…

2020 Retired Military Paydays – With Printables


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Military retirement pay comes once a month. It 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 the payment… | Read More…

Validate Your TSP Contact Information Or Risk Being Locked Out


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Starting in December, Thrift Savings Plan online access will require two-factor identification. Be sure your account details are up to date, or you might found yourself locked out of your account. You know the TSP board – always making things safer. And sometimes more difficult. I appreciate their commitment to cyber-security, but sometimes I don’t… | Read More…

49 Things You Need To Know Before Military Retirement


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While the Horrell tribe is still a few years from retirement, I’ve been putting together a list of things that already-retired folks tell me that they wish they had known. Take advantage of their wisdom! The Transition Assistance Program The in-person Transition Assistance Program class is your primary source of information about the process. Use… | Read More…

Be Sure You Are Keeping Up With These Retiree Newsletters


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It can be hard to keep up with changes in benefits, laws, and programs. One of the best ways to remain informed is to read the various retiree newsletters published by each branch of the military and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). This stuff isn’t just for retirees – there is useful information… | Read More…

Military Retiree Medical: Tricare Prime, Select, or USFHP?


This post may contain affiliate links, from which I may earn revenue to support this free site. All opinions are my own, and I only promote products that I use and love!

One of the big questions during military retirement is: Which Tricare health care coverage should I choose? Or maybe you’ve been retired for a while, and you’re wondering if the Tricare health plan you’re using is the right one for your situation? Or you’re moving to a new area and need to figure out your… | Read More…

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Disclaimer

Kate does not represent the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or any government agency. This blog is strictly for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content on this site should not be considered professional financial or legal advice. I may receive compensation through affiliate or advertising relationships from products mentioned on this site. All reviews on this site represent the personal opinions of the author. All references to third party products, rates, and offers may change without notice.