My Military Lifestyle

HOME & FAMILY

Travel with pets in cars and trains can be nerve-wracking...flying with pets, even more so. However, like any other mode of transportation to get to your vacation site, next assignment, or other destination, a decent amount of preparation can go a long way toward making this a positive experience for you and your furry family members. Air travel, with or without pets, is governed by the Department...

My Military Lifestyle

BENEFITS

Most veterans with a service-connected disability focus on getting their rating right. That makes sense because your rating plays a major role in determining your monthly disability compensation.But your rating doesn't necessarily cover every expense or limitation caused by your condition.Certain service-connected disabilities may also qualify you for additional monthly compensation, vehicle assis...

My Military Lifestyle

BENEFITS

Getting approved for VA disability compensation can feel like the finish line, especially if you've spent months waiting for a decision.Then you hear about back pay, and suddenly there's another question: How much money should you actually receive?VA calls it retroactive benefits. It's compensation owed for eligible months before your regular payments begin. Depending on your disability rating and...

My Military Lifestyle

DEALS & DISCOUNTS

Veterans Day 2026 is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and dozens of national chains are thanking veterans and active-duty service members with free meals, discounts, and free admission. We checked every offer below against the VA's official 2026 list, and we'll keep updating this page through Veterans Day.A few things to know before you go:Bring proof of service. A military ID, VA health ID card, Veteran ID Ca...

My Military Lifestyle

CAREER & POST-CAREER

Gratitude can look different when your life is split between military service and motherhood. Sometimes it looks like standing in formation before sunrise, knowing your children are still asleep at home. Sometimes it looks like coming back from drill and being greeted at the door by little arms that do not care what rank is on your chest. Other times, it looks like realizing that the hardest parts...

My Military Lifestyle

HOME & FAMILY

This month, we'll explore beer styles and pair them with foods that make the experience more memorable. No matter your favorite beer, there are always a few appetizers, main courses, and even desserts that will complement your choice of brews. Cooling Temperatures need a Stout BeerStout beers pair very well with rich, roasted, savory foods, and snacks. They also complement, and are complemented by...

My Military Lifestyle

BEVERAGES

October is here; the air has that first real brisk bite to it, and the pumpkin spice fervor is in full swing. You can practically taste that first pumpkin spice latte of the season.Last October, I actually did the math on my habit and nearly choked on my latte. Three coffee runs a week at $7 each meant I was spending about $84 a month on lattes. That was the moment I put down the drive-through cup...

My Military Lifestyle

BENEFITS

Most military families and retirees assume their health coverage rolls over from year to year without much changing. And in many cases, it does.But that doesn't mean your costs stay the same.TRICARE enrollment fees, copays, and deductibles can change annually. FEDVIP dental and vision premiums also change, and the plan that worked for your family in 2026 might not be your best option for 2027.The ...

My Military Lifestyle

RESOURCES

If you ask me what it’s like to be a woman in the National Guard, my answer probably isn’t what you’d expect. I usually laugh and say it’s the Hannah Montana of military service. Stay with me. As a member of the National Guard, I get to build a civilian career I’m passionate about while continuing to serve my state and country. One day, I'm leading communications strategies, collaborating with cli...

My Military Lifestyle

BENEFITS

Most veterans with a service-connected disability focus on getting their rating right. That makes sense because your rating plays a major role in determining your monthly disability compensation.But your rating doesn't necessarily cover every expense or limitation caused by your condition.Certain service-connected disabilities may also qualify you for additional monthly compensation, vehicle assis...

My Military Lifestyle

BENEFITS

Getting approved for VA disability compensation can feel like the finish line, especially if you've spent months waiting for a decision.Then you hear about back pay, and suddenly there's another question: How much money should you actually receive?VA calls it retroactive benefits. It's compensation owed for eligible months before your regular payments begin. Depending on your disability rating and...

My Military Lifestyle

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 ...