Articles by Charlie Marlow
12 results found.
Seven Smart Summertime Savings Steps
Summertime is almost here, and that means vacation season! We work hard all year, and now it’s time to plan that getaway to your favorite beach, amusement park, mountain retreat, or wherever you go to...
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 fast as possible, and then shout, “Ready or not, here I come!” Ready or not, retirement is coming too...
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 shake off last season's financial dust and get your budget ready for the months ahead. Whether you’re ...
National Investing Day: A No-Jargon Guide for Military Members
National Investing Day: A Simple Investing Primer for Military Members & FamiliesMay 1 is National Investing Day, which makes it the perfect time to talk about something many service members and famil...
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 refunds up 10% or more compared to last year. New tax provisions from the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill...
Don’t Fall for These Military Money Myths! – March
Military life is unique. From PCS moves to deployments to special pays and allowances, service members face financial situations most civilians never encounter. With that uniqueness comes plenty of we...
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‑fiction, the first step is the same: you start with a story, a message, or a moment that matters to...
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 pursuit that fits naturally into the rhythm of military life. Military spouses already embody resil...
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 wasn’t on my radar until after I began working toward my Accredited Financial Counselor® credential,...
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 as losing weight, advancing in our careers, or maybe finally tackling that mess in the garage…but wh...
Making the Most of Your $1,776 Warrior Dividend
The President announced the $1,776 Warrior Dividend, and DFAS has begun processing payments for active-duty members and some reservists in grades O-6 and below. The dividend is not taxable and should ...
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 employer 401(k) account. This month, I am covering another avenue for obtaining money from your TSP: in-...
More For You
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...
SGLI vs. VGLI: What Happens to Your Life Insurance When You Leave the Military?
When I separated from the USAF in 2024, life insurance was the last thing on my mind.I was focused on clearing the post, turning in gear, and figuring out what came next. Somewhere in that process, I overlooked what would happen to my life insurance.I left without enrolling in Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI), and I didn't fully understand when my military coverage would end.If nobody walked ...
VA Home Loans: How to Get a Good Deal and Avoid Costly Refinancing Traps
Everyone who has gotten a VA loan knows how annoying the torrent of mailers promising "no-cost VA refinancing" with "record-low rates" are. Every one of them looks official. None offered the deal the headline promised.Some people fall for it. Don’t be one of them.That's exactly the situation we want to help you avoid. Whether you're buying your first home with a VA loan or considering refinancing ...
