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
When the house is empty, your spouse is away, and you’re holding down the fort solo with your furry crew. Survival mode isn’t about thriving or getting a five-star review. It’s about minimal friction and maximum sanity. Keeping the peace requires a blend of low-effort entertainment, gentle routines, and accepting that your pets are just furry toddlers with worse impulse control than you. So here’s...
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...
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 ...
