Military Guide

The Military Guide To Financial Independence

Did DFAS And The TSP Let You Contribute Too Much?

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Check your 2021 TSP contributions now! I’ve heard from three different servicemembers that the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and the Thrift Savings Plan have failed to stop their TSP contributions after reaching the elective deferral limit ($19,500 in 2021). This problem is caused by a glitch in a January software change for catch-up … [Read more...] about Did DFAS And The TSP Let You Contribute Too Much?

Home Depot Military Discounts – How to Save 10% on Purchases at Home Depot

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Home Depot is one of the most popular hardware store chains in the United States. So, it comes as no surprise that they offer a variety of different promotions to keep their customers interested. Though most promotions and discounts are provided for a particular event, holiday, or time of year, others are directed toward a specific group of people. … [Read more...] about Home Depot Military Discounts – How to Save 10% on Purchases at Home Depot

Reader story: “How I Bumbled Into Financial Independence” (part 2)

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[This post is brought to you by my cousin Ross!  If you're interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines.] [For those who haven't seen it yet, here's the link to Ross's first post in this series.]       Our net worth is what?!? I thought to myself. I knew my relationship with … [Read more...] about Reader story: “How I Bumbled Into Financial Independence” (part 2)

Reader story: “How I Bumbled Into Financial Independence”

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[This post is brought to you by my cousin Ross!  If you're interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines.]   I knew I had a spending problem after I contemplated purchasing a new TV to avoid the hassle of calling the warranty department for a six month old set that was on the fritz. The whole … [Read more...] about Reader story: “How I Bumbled Into Financial Independence”

2021 VA Disability Compensation Rates – Updated Veterans Compensation Benefits Rate Tables

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The 2021 VA Disability Compensation Rates are effective as of Dec. 1, 2020. If you receive VA disability pay, you will notice the increased amount in your first check, which you should receive in January 2021. There was a 1.3% increase from 2020, following a 1.6% increase from 2019. The government uses the same COLA rates for military retiree … [Read more...] about 2021 VA Disability Compensation Rates – Updated Veterans Compensation Benefits Rate Tables

Financial Caregiving: Are You Ready?

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    My father passed away three years ago. That realization still sneaks up on me (and maybe smacks me on the back of the head) every time I clean out a file box or organize the family photos. Another way to deal with grief is talking about it. This month I’ve shared my lessons learned in a very short video interview.  … [Read more...] about Financial Caregiving: Are You Ready?

2020 Veterans Day Free Meals & Discounts

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Updated for 2020! Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020. This year, hundreds of restaurants and companies are offering military members and veterans a free meal or another discount as a sign of appreciation for their service to our country. This guide will show you which restaurants are offering discounts, and how you can participate. To … [Read more...] about 2020 Veterans Day Free Meals & Discounts

Contribution Limits of the Thrift Savings Plan + 401(k) + IRA = ?!?

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A reader asks: I'm in the Reserves and I also have a full-time job with a 401(k) and employer match benefits. I believe the max I can contribute between my 401k, employer match, AND the TSP that is tax deductible is $19,500. Beyond that number, any contributions from myself, my employer, or via the TSP are all after-tax dollars, and I cannot … [Read more...] about Contribution Limits of the Thrift Savings Plan + 401(k) + IRA = ?!?

“I Would Have Started My Reserve Pension By Now!”

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I get that pension comment every month from readers who are in their 60s... or even older. Most of them are doing fine, both financially and in life. They usually served some active duty before the Reserves or National Guard, and a few were even drafted for Vietnam. They decided not to gut it out to 20 years of active duty and they moved to the … [Read more...] about “I Would Have Started My Reserve Pension By Now!”

Lessons Learned (So Far) From a Money-Savvy Book Launch

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Now that my second book has hit the presses, we’re doing the promotion. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and my version of marketing looks an awful lot like “talking with hundreds of people while drinking coffee.” [This post is about writing and marketing. You can read about the creation of the book here and you can buy the book here.] The … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned (So Far) From a Money-Savvy Book Launch