Tag: finance
12 results found.

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, mi...

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...

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...

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-...

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 Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA - now called the SpouseWorks Scholarship) program offers...

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 finances and things we need to be doing now! Now, let’s take the time to look ahead!Investment Accoun...

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 mission success and failure. The same goes for your finances. Whether you’re navigating a PCS, deployme...

Do You Need a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a tool that restricts access to your credit report, preventing identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. It does not affect your cre...
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My Military Lifestyle
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
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 ...


My Military Lifestyle
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...


My Military Lifestyle
You step through the front door, and there they are. You walk into the bathroom, only to turn around and see a tiny familiar paw sliding under the door. For a lot of cat owners, having that distinct feeling that you’re being stalked is a normal part of daily life. Whether you’re sipping coffee, folding laundry, or walking to the fridge you can often find your cat right at your heels. Despite our f...


My Military Lifestyle
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 ...


My Military Lifestyle
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 ...


My Military Lifestyle
Keep Halloween Dinner Scary Easy with TOMBSTONE Pizza
Halloween has a way of making dinner feel like an afterthought. Between getting costumes together, finding the candy you definitely bought but somehow can’t find, getting the kids out the door, heading to a Halloween party, or just trying to make it home from work before everything starts, nobody really wants to spend an hour making dinner on October 31. My idea? Keep it scary easy.I’m pretty disc...


My Military Lifestyle
Honoring Veterans Through the Example They Set
Veterans Day makes me think about the people who served before me, especially my grandfather. As an active-duty Navy Sailor, I understand how much preparation goes into being ready when others are counting on you. I also recognize the sacrifices that service asks of veterans and their families. Honoring them means taking time to appreciate what they gave and thinking about how I can carry their ex...


My Military Lifestyle
Free VA Disability Claim Help: How to Avoid Illegal Fees and Find Someone You Can Trust
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
To Pumpkin or Not to Pumpkin: Your Fall Recipe Guide
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
VA DIC Benefits in 2026: Who Qualifies, Monthly Payments & How to Apply
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
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 ...


My Military Lifestyle
How to Keep Pets Calm When Trick-or-Treaters Arrive
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...


My Military Lifestyle
Why Does My Cat Follow Me Everywhere?
You step through the front door, and there they are. You walk into the bathroom, only to turn around and see a tiny familiar paw sliding under the door. For a lot of cat owners, having that distinct feeling that you’re being stalked is a normal part of daily life. Whether you’re sipping coffee, folding laundry, or walking to the fridge you can often find your cat right at your heels. Despite our f...


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
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
Halloween has a way of making dinner feel like an afterthought. Between getting costumes together, finding the candy you definitely bought but somehow can’t find, getting the kids out the door, heading to a Halloween party, or just trying to make it home from work before everything starts, nobody really wants to spend an hour making dinner on October 31. My idea? Keep it scary easy.I’m pretty disc...


My Military Lifestyle
Veterans Day makes me think about the people who served before me, especially my grandfather. As an active-duty Navy Sailor, I understand how much preparation goes into being ready when others are counting on you. I also recognize the sacrifices that service asks of veterans and their families. Honoring them means taking time to appreciate what they gave and thinking about how I can carry their ex...


My Military Lifestyle
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
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
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
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 ...


My Military Lifestyle
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...


My Military Lifestyle
You step through the front door, and there they are. You walk into the bathroom, only to turn around and see a tiny familiar paw sliding under the door. For a lot of cat owners, having that distinct feeling that you’re being stalked is a normal part of daily life. Whether you’re sipping coffee, folding laundry, or walking to the fridge you can often find your cat right at your heels. Despite our f...



