Separating Or Retiring While Overseas (But Not With The Navy!)

Doug Nordman

00

  A reader writes: I’ve been commissioned from the Navy’s enlisted ranks and have not yet reached eight years of commissioned service. I’m eligible for retirement and I’ve enjoyed active duty-- until now. I’d like to retire as an officer but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get to 10 years. I’m considering ...

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Maximizing Your Thrift Savings Plan Contributions In A Combat Zone

Doug Nordman

66

  Quick review:  the military’s Blended Retirement System offers matching contributions to your Thrift Savings Plan, and in 2018 you can contribute up to $18,500. Your contributions can go into your Roth TSP or into your traditional TSP (or in any combination of the two up to a total of $18,500). As long as ...

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CampFI And Camp Mustache Are Worth Your Time (And Money)

Doug Nordman

24

          It’s that time of year again: people are looking at meetup dates and their travel budgets. They’re wondering why in the world anyone would want to spend hundreds of dollars to talk about financial independence. You’re not the only person wondering about ...

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“How Can FinCon And The Military Influencer Conference Be Worth The Price?!?”

Doug Nordman

21

      It’s that time of year again: people are looking at conference dates and their travel budgets. They’re wondering why in the world anyone would want to spend hundreds of dollars to talk about financial independence. If you’re serious about frugality and a high savings rate, then ...

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How Much Is The COLA On My Military Pension?!?

Doug Nordman

13

The question was asked on the Facebook group “Military Spouse Retirement Information”: "Is there a date that is better to retire on than any other day of the year? It used to be the case that it was better to retire sometime after 1 January or 1 February. I believe it had something to do with COLA, but I don’t ...

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The Big Picture On Insurance: USAA’s Annual Reports

Doug Nordman

20

I get many questions about USAA’s services & products. After six years of their financial conferences and dozens of interrogations interviews of their executives, I think I’ve learned enough about their business model (and the insurance industry) to help you navigate your choices. My spouse and I have been USAA ...

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Get Help With Your Tax Returns!

Doug Nordman

70

[This post is brought to you by Patrick Weinert, who's making an encore appearance.  You can find his previous post in the "Related articles" section at the bottom.  If you're interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines.] When I was first introduced to the world of ...

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Our Story: How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Financial Ruin and live Happily Ever After!

Doug Nordman

91

[This post is brought to you by David Pere of the site "From Money To Millionaire", and he's another enthusiastic surfer!  We've paddled out at Oahu's White Plains Beach a few times. If you're interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines .] The Beginning (Bio) I grew up ...

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Go Ahead, Buy a home when you leave Active Duty*

Eddie Wills

82

This is a friendly rebuttal to Nords’ recent post Don’t Buy a Home as you Leave Active Duty. The GubMints family has lived in the same North San Diego home we bought back in 2000, 4 months after leaving Active Duty. I’m here to show you that you CAN make it happen, but not without sacrifice. Post Length: ~ 1750 Words ...

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Don’t Buy A Home When You Leave Active Duty

Doug Nordman

133

Over three years ago, I suggested that buying a home on active duty is setting yourself up for financial failure. That post has aged exceptionally well, and now it’s time to double down. Don’t buy a home as you leave active duty, either. You’re setting yourself up for more financial failure and a heartache with ...

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Don’t Gut It Out To 20: Leave Active Duty For The Reserves Or National Guard

Doug Nordman

385

This post gets personal. Let me give you the permission to think about these questions in your own career. A reader writes: I'm active duty and coming up on year #9 this May. I have owned your book for a few years and dig into the blog content on occasion. Love it! My question has to do specifically with one of ...

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A GI Bill Is A Terrible Thing To Waste

Doug Nordman

43

[This post is brought to you by Stephanie Montague of Poppin' Smoke, where you can learn more about your military travel benefits and opportunities. If you're interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines!]   Living in Washington, DC, my husband and I saw it all ...

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