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Finance

Clear, practical money guidance for military families. From budgeting to big financial decisions, we break it down without judgment.
Seven Smart Summertime Savings Steps
Seven Smart Summertime Savings Steps

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

FINANCE
Ready or Not…Retirement Is Coming!
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...

FINANCE
Spring Cleaning Your Finances in 5 Easy Steps
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...

FINANCE
VSO 101 - Love Your Family by Setting Up All of Your Benefits – Survivor Benefit Program
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...

FINANCE
National Investing Day: A No-Jargon Guide for Military Members
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...

FINANCE
Bigger Tax Refunds in 2026: Smart Moves for Military Families
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...

FINANCE
VSO 101 – Learn More About the PACT Act
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...

BENEFITS
Don’t Fall for These Military Money Myths! – March
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...

BENEFITS
Operation Publication: How to Get Started as a Writer — No Matter What You Want to Write
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
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...

CAREER & PO..
Operation Publication: Why Writing Books Is a Great Fit for Military Spouses
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
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
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 ...

FINANCE
Making the Most of Your $1,776 Warrior Dividend
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...

BENEFITS
The Benefit Every Military Family Should Actually Be Using
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’...

BENEFITS
TSP In-Service Withdrawals: What You Need to Know
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...

BENEFITS
MyCAA Scams: What Every Military Spouse Needs to Know—and How to Fight Back
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...

EDUCATION
VSO 101 – Education Benefits
VSO 101 – Education Benefits

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

BENEFITS
The Government May Be Shutdown, But Your Local Commissary & Exchanges Are Open!
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 ...

BENEFITS
Finish Strong: Q4 Goal Setting
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...

COMMUNITY
Time to Snag Some Fall Vibes on a Budget!
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 ...

DEALS & CON..
VSO 101 – Appealing Your Denied Claim
VSO 101 – Appealing Your Denied Claim

Okay, you have gone to every appointment, answered every question, and taken every test possible. Ne...

CAREER & PO..
Operation Homeownership: 15-Year or 30-Year Mortgage? – What You Need to Know
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...

BENEFITS
Take Control: The Ultimate Financial Toolkit for Military Families – Looking Ahead
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...

BENEFITS
Take Control: The Ultimate Financial Toolkit for Military Families – Getting Started
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...

BENEFITS
Back-to-School on a Budget: 3 Smart Ways Military Families Can Save on Clothes (Especially Uniforms!)
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...

DEALS & CON..
VSO 101 – VA Claims: Gathering Records
VSO 101 – VA Claims: Gathering Records

Previously, I covered working with a VSO volunteer Service Officer (SO) to begin filing a claim with...

BENEFITS
Do You Need a Credit Freeze?
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...

CAREER & PO..
Renters Insurance 101
Renters Insurance 101

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

FINANCE
Military Tuition Assistance
Military Tuition Assistance

The Military Tuition Assistance (TA) program is an incredible benefit that helps service members fur...

CAREER & PO..