When your spouse joins the military, there’s a lot going on! You’re separated while they are at their basic military training, and they’re learning new things, and then there’s the military world to figure out. Or, your new spouse is already in the military and you’re learning a whole new life all at once! One… | Read More…
The Best Shopping Rewards Apps
We’re all looking for ways to save a little money. Not only are expenses going up, but we’re rolling into the holiday season. We can’t just stop buying food and gasoline, and many of us would like to do a little non-essential shopping, too. Hopefully you’re already searching out sales and using coupons, but there’s… | Read More…
Last Military Pay, Military Retirement Pay, and VA Disability Compensation
The transition from active duty military to retirement is full of lots of winding twists and turns. One of the most common questions is how all those pays are going to come together. You’ve got military pay, military retirement pay, and possibly disability compensation. And it’s important to understand it as part of your overall… | Read More…
Your Three Military Retirement Budgets
As y’all know, I am passionate about people being financially prepared to leave the military. In my little perfect dream world, every single military service member would step into the civilian world with a plan, a budget to support that plan, and a bulky transition fund to support that budget. This post is part of The… | Read More…
Kate Rants: Why Is It OK To “Not Be Good With Money”?
You know how things seem to come in batches? Or swarms? These last few weeks, I have had the same conversation with a bunch of different people, and it baffles me. “I have three kids, and one is good with money, one is OK with money, and one is terrible with money.” “My wife just… | Read More…
Catch-Up TSP Contributions Are Changing – And It’s Good
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…
When Should A Military Member Hire A Financial Planner?
I’ve been bugging my friend Forrest Baumhover to write this article for a long time. I’m glad he waited until he had the right thoughts in his head, because this is really good stuff. When Kate first asked me to write this article, I have to admit that I took longer than I usually do…. | Read More…
Military Spouses and Drivers Licenses
Note: all information and links about military spouses and driver’s licenses is accurate as of 09 September 2020. However, this is not legal advice. If you’re not sure about the rules in your state, use the links listed below to verify the regulations or check with your base legal office. It’s the big question: do… | Read More…
5 Smart Rules for Your Next Car Buying Adventure
Car buying is hard. Cars are expensive, and there are a bjillion options out there. Plus, most of us don’t have the full price of a car saved up when we need to buy. The whole thing can feel overwhelming, and you’re often rushed. I like to call it an adventure, but let’s be real:… | Read More…
Four Habits To Fix Your Finances
For many families, the “new year” does not start in January, but rather in August or September. With PCS moves and a new school year, late summer is a perfect time to identify goals and develop new habits. Here are some things to consider tackling this month: Review Your Spending Plan, Or Build One Even… | Read More…