My Military Lifestyle

BENEFITS

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

RECIPES

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

BENEFITS

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

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

DEALS & DISCOUNTS

If you have dogs, you already know they somehow become part of literally every part of your routine. You wake up and they’re there. You’re making breakfast and they’re staring at you. You try to leave the house and suddenly everyone needs attention right now. Quite frankly I wouldn’t have it any other way.I feel like there are so many conversations around being a “good dog parent” that make it see...

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 ...

My Military Lifestyle

HOME

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 ...

My Military Lifestyle

HOME & FAMILY

The paradox of that homestretch is real...when the weeks or months shrink down to days, somehow the final week feels greatly magnified. The countdown app on your phone will eventually say three days, but your brain and body swear you’re three light years away. You’ve survived the long haul...the solo routines, decisions, dinners, and sheer mental weight of running a full solo marathon. There’s now...

My Military Lifestyle

RECIPES

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

BENEFITS

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

HOME & FAMILY

Let's be real here...holiday travel brings enough stress on its own! Then, add packing, flight delays, long highway drives, and figuring out what to do with your pet. It can all feel completely and utterly overwhelming. Ultimately, we’re faced with choices and usually feel pulled questioning which direction is the right one. However, as a pet parent, the biggest decision we often face is deciding ...