Tag: finances
7 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...

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-...

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...

Financial Protections
Previous posts this month have covered financial tools and practices that can make us financially strong. Any sports team or military strategy relies on a strong defense, actions, and tools that prote...

Procrastination Cost$! – 7 Steps to Beat It
Did you know that September 6th is Fight Procrastination Day? Well, no matter if it is that day or not, you may want to look at some financial procrastination issues that affect many of us. Delaying o...

3 Lifestyle Changes Military Families Can Make To Save More Money
Have you ever wondered why you can’t seem to save money when you’ve already tried some of the most tried and tested budgeting hacks out there? You’re not alone as a majority of people in the country a...
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My Military Lifestyle
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
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
8 VA Special Claims and Benefits Veterans May Qualify For Beyond Disability Pay
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
My Dog Mom Non-Negotiables
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
VA Disability Back Pay Explained: Effective Dates, Payments, and Deadlines
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
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
Survival Mode: Navigating the Homecoming Horizon
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 ...


