Finance

Seven Smart Summertime Savings Steps
Summertime is almost here, and that means vacation season! We work hard all year, and now it’s time ...

Ready or Not…Retirement Is Coming!
As kids, many of us played hide-and-seek. The person who was “it” would cover their eyes, count as f...

Spring Cleaning Your Finances in 5 Easy Steps
Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets, garages, and storage rooms. It’s also the perfect time to sh...

VSO 101 - Love Your Family by Setting Up All of Your Benefits – Survivor Benefit Program
This month, we’re going to cover how to set up your Survivor Benefit Plan or SBP. For those unfamili...

National Investing Day: A No-Jargon Guide for Military Members
National Investing Day: A Simple Investing Primer for Military Members & FamiliesMay 1 is National I...

Bigger Tax Refunds in 2026: Smart Moves for Military Families
Americans are seeing noticeably higher tax refunds this year, with early IRS data showing average re...

VSO 101 – Learn More About the PACT Act
Signed by President Biden on 10 August 2022, the PACT Act is a comprehensive set of rules and direct...

Don’t Fall for These Military Money Myths! – March
Military life is unique. From PCS moves to deployments to special pays and allowances, service membe...

Operation Publication: How to Get Started as a Writer — No Matter What You Want to Write
Whether you dream of writing children’s books, adult fiction, memoirs, devotionals, or practical non...

VSO 101 – Applying for Death Benefits: Burial and Funeral Costs
This blog is directed to the families of Veterans, specifically the benefits available for burial an...

Operation Publication: Why Writing Books Is a Great Fit for Military Spouses
Writing, whether for children or adults, is more than a creative outlet. It’s a flexible, meaningful...

Operation Publication: Just Like Me, You Can Become an Author
I never expected to become an author. Creative writing wasn’t something I enjoyed in school, and it ...

New Year, New Money Habits: A Fresh Financial Start for Military Families
As we flip the calendar page to a new year, many of us are thinking about typical resolutions, such ...

Making the Most of Your $1,776 Warrior Dividend
The President announced the $1,776 Warrior Dividend, and DFAS has begun processing payments for acti...

The Benefit Every Military Family Should Actually Be Using
FSA open enrollment started November 10th, if I’m being honest, it used to be one of those emails I’...

TSP In-Service Withdrawals: What You Need to Know
In a previous blog, I covered the ability to take a loan from your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) or empl...

MyCAA Scams: What Every Military Spouse Needs to Know—and How to Fight Back
Military spouses know the value of a flexible education benefit—and for eligible spouses, the Milita...

VSO 101 – Education Benefits
The words ‘G.I. Bill’ first comes to mind when someone mentions military and veteran educational ben...

The Government May Be Shutdown, But Your Local Commissary & Exchanges Are Open!
With the overnight announcement of the 2025 Government Shutdown, you may be trying to navigate what ...

Finish Strong: Q4 Goal Setting
As a mom, military spouse, and veteran, I’ve learned that the last stretch of the year can feel like...

Time to Snag Some Fall Vibes on a Budget!
I don’t know about you, but in my opinion, the fall season is the best time of the year. You get to ...

VSO 101 – Appealing Your Denied Claim
Okay, you have gone to every appointment, answered every question, and taken every test possible. Ne...

Operation Homeownership: 15-Year or 30-Year Mortgage? – What You Need to Know
Military families navigate unique financial terrain—frequent PCS moves, sudden deployments, and tigh...

Take Control: The Ultimate Financial Toolkit for Military Families – Looking Ahead
In the first installment of looking at our Financial Toolbox, we explored getting started with our f...

Take Control: The Ultimate Financial Toolkit for Military Families – Getting Started
What’s in Your Financial Toolbox?In the military, the right tool can mean the difference between mis...

Back-to-School on a Budget: 3 Smart Ways Military Families Can Save on Clothes (Especially Uniforms!)
If you’re like me, YOU LIKE TO PLAN! So, even it feels like school just let out, you’re already prep...

VSO 101 – VA Claims: Gathering Records
Previously, I covered working with a VSO volunteer Service Officer (SO) to begin filing a claim with...

Do You Need a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a tool that restricts access to your credit rep...

Renters Insurance 101
As PCS season ramps up, it’s a great time to review your insurance coverages! Renters insurance is a...

Military Tuition Assistance
The Military Tuition Assistance (TA) program is an incredible benefit that helps service members fur...
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My Military Lifestyle
Halloween night is filled with spooky costumes, tasty treats, and neighborhood cheer. The air is crisp, leaves are falling, the neighborhood is decorated, and the bowl of candy is ready. Though, for our furry family members a constantly ringing doorbell, glowing costumes, and continuous strangers knocking can feel like a full blown home invasion. The unexpected noises and door repeatedly opening c...


My Military Lifestyle
You step through the front door, and there they are. You walk into the bathroom, only to turn around and see a tiny familiar paw sliding under the door. For a lot of cat owners, having that distinct feeling that you’re being stalked is a normal part of daily life. Whether you’re sipping coffee, folding laundry, or walking to the fridge you can often find your cat right at your heels. Despite our f...


My Military Lifestyle
We had the best summer visiting several beaches this summer that weren't too far from Washington D.C. Picture the heart of summer...I'm talking about being immediately as sticky as the devil's armpit, and melting the moment you step outside! The kids are climbing the walls, they're hungry for the nineteenth time today, the phone won't stop buzzing, the laundry seems to pile up fast, and don't get ...


My Military Lifestyle
This month I’m going to cover a benefit many veterans and their families have never heard of: Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (CAFC). With this program, the VA pays qualified family members for the time and effort they put into providing Personal Care Services for their disabled veteran spouse, parent, etc. Personal Care Services are services a Veteran needs help with from another p...


My Military Lifestyle
Honoring Veterans Through the Example They Set
Veterans Day makes me think about the people who served before me, especially my grandfather. As an active-duty Navy Sailor, I understand how much preparation goes into being ready when others are counting on you. I also recognize the sacrifices that service asks of veterans and their families. Honoring them means taking time to appreciate what they gave and thinking about how I can carry their ex...


My Military Lifestyle
Free VA Disability Claim Help: How to Avoid Illegal Fees and Find Someone You Can Trust
Most veterans know that filing a VA disability claim can be frustrating. What they may not realize is that they don't have to pay someone to help them file their initial claim.That matters because some companies charge veterans thousands of dollars for assistance they could receive for free.The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has repeatedly warned about businesses it calls claims predators: op...


My Military Lifestyle
To Pumpkin or Not to Pumpkin: Your Fall Recipe Guide
Fall is upon us, and that means cooler temperatures, fall foliage, a new season of The Great British Bake Off, and lots and lots of pumpkins. That also means it’s baking season! If you’re anything like me, you scour every source you can to find fun and new pumpkin recipes. Apple cider donuts? Yes, please. Cinnamon rolls? I’ll take two. Coffee cake? You had me at struesel. This is the time of year ...


My Military Lifestyle
VA DIC Benefits in 2026: Who Qualifies, Monthly Payments & How to Apply
When most military families hear about VA survivor benefits, they think about life insurance or a one-time death gratuity. That makes sense, but it overlooks an important benefit: a monthly, tax-free payment that some surviving spouses and family members may receive for years, and potentially for life.It's called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and for an eligible family, it can make ...


My Military Lifestyle
Building an Emergency Fund when you're “Part-Time” Military
When people hear “part-time military,” they often picture one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. Most National Guard members know that’s rarely reality. You’re balancing a civilian career, military obligations, family responsibilities, and the possibility that your schedule could change overnight. Whether it's a state activation, a deployment, additional schools, or a natural disaster re...


My Military Lifestyle
Creating the Perfect Cozy Fall Spot for Your Cat
When the crisp autumn air has arrived and leaves begin to fall, we as humans aren’t the only ones looking to get a little extra cozy. Our feline friends are natural-born heat seekers, and fall is the perfect time for them to master the art of lounging in a cozy and snug corner! Chasing the Autumn Sun:The angle of the sunlight changes when fall arrives, those bright spots on the floor shift making ...


My Military Lifestyle
How to Keep Pets Calm When Trick-or-Treaters Arrive
Halloween night is filled with spooky costumes, tasty treats, and neighborhood cheer. The air is crisp, leaves are falling, the neighborhood is decorated, and the bowl of candy is ready. Though, for our furry family members a constantly ringing doorbell, glowing costumes, and continuous strangers knocking can feel like a full blown home invasion. The unexpected noises and door repeatedly opening c...


My Military Lifestyle
Why Does My Cat Follow Me Everywhere?
You step through the front door, and there they are. You walk into the bathroom, only to turn around and see a tiny familiar paw sliding under the door. For a lot of cat owners, having that distinct feeling that you’re being stalked is a normal part of daily life. Whether you’re sipping coffee, folding laundry, or walking to the fridge you can often find your cat right at your heels. Despite our f...


My Military Lifestyle
The Coastline Cure: Making Memories in the Mid-Atlantic Sand!
We had the best summer visiting several beaches this summer that weren't too far from Washington D.C. Picture the heart of summer...I'm talking about being immediately as sticky as the devil's armpit, and melting the moment you step outside! The kids are climbing the walls, they're hungry for the nineteenth time today, the phone won't stop buzzing, the laundry seems to pile up fast, and don't get ...


My Military Lifestyle
VSO 101 - Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
This month I’m going to cover a benefit many veterans and their families have never heard of: Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (CAFC). With this program, the VA pays qualified family members for the time and effort they put into providing Personal Care Services for their disabled veteran spouse, parent, etc. Personal Care Services are services a Veteran needs help with from another p...


My Military Lifestyle
Veterans Day makes me think about the people who served before me, especially my grandfather. As an active-duty Navy Sailor, I understand how much preparation goes into being ready when others are counting on you. I also recognize the sacrifices that service asks of veterans and their families. Honoring them means taking time to appreciate what they gave and thinking about how I can carry their ex...


My Military Lifestyle
Most veterans know that filing a VA disability claim can be frustrating. What they may not realize is that they don't have to pay someone to help them file their initial claim.That matters because some companies charge veterans thousands of dollars for assistance they could receive for free.The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has repeatedly warned about businesses it calls claims predators: op...


My Military Lifestyle
Fall is upon us, and that means cooler temperatures, fall foliage, a new season of The Great British Bake Off, and lots and lots of pumpkins. That also means it’s baking season! If you’re anything like me, you scour every source you can to find fun and new pumpkin recipes. Apple cider donuts? Yes, please. Cinnamon rolls? I’ll take two. Coffee cake? You had me at struesel. This is the time of year ...


My Military Lifestyle
When most military families hear about VA survivor benefits, they think about life insurance or a one-time death gratuity. That makes sense, but it overlooks an important benefit: a monthly, tax-free payment that some surviving spouses and family members may receive for years, and potentially for life.It's called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and for an eligible family, it can make ...


My Military Lifestyle
When people hear “part-time military,” they often picture one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. Most National Guard members know that’s rarely reality. You’re balancing a civilian career, military obligations, family responsibilities, and the possibility that your schedule could change overnight. Whether it's a state activation, a deployment, additional schools, or a natural disaster re...


My Military Lifestyle
When the crisp autumn air has arrived and leaves begin to fall, we as humans aren’t the only ones looking to get a little extra cozy. Our feline friends are natural-born heat seekers, and fall is the perfect time for them to master the art of lounging in a cozy and snug corner! Chasing the Autumn Sun:The angle of the sunlight changes when fall arrives, those bright spots on the floor shift making ...


My Military Lifestyle
Halloween night is filled with spooky costumes, tasty treats, and neighborhood cheer. The air is crisp, leaves are falling, the neighborhood is decorated, and the bowl of candy is ready. Though, for our furry family members a constantly ringing doorbell, glowing costumes, and continuous strangers knocking can feel like a full blown home invasion. The unexpected noises and door repeatedly opening c...


My Military Lifestyle
You step through the front door, and there they are. You walk into the bathroom, only to turn around and see a tiny familiar paw sliding under the door. For a lot of cat owners, having that distinct feeling that you’re being stalked is a normal part of daily life. Whether you’re sipping coffee, folding laundry, or walking to the fridge you can often find your cat right at your heels. Despite our f...


My Military Lifestyle
We had the best summer visiting several beaches this summer that weren't too far from Washington D.C. Picture the heart of summer...I'm talking about being immediately as sticky as the devil's armpit, and melting the moment you step outside! The kids are climbing the walls, they're hungry for the nineteenth time today, the phone won't stop buzzing, the laundry seems to pile up fast, and don't get ...


My Military Lifestyle
This month I’m going to cover a benefit many veterans and their families have never heard of: Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (CAFC). With this program, the VA pays qualified family members for the time and effort they put into providing Personal Care Services for their disabled veteran spouse, parent, etc. Personal Care Services are services a Veteran needs help with from another p...


