Archives for May 2011

Lifestyles in military retirement: Haleakala Crater redux

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: June 27, 2018 Leave a Comment

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Last week we hiked Maui's Haleakala Crater again. This post stands on its own, but you'll appreciate the background if you first read the post about our introduction to this beautiful yet harsh environment. Four days, three nights, 20 miles of lava-rock trails at altitude. (Here's a two-page Haleakala Crater map showing elevations, trails, … [Read more...] about Lifestyles in military retirement: Haleakala Crater redux

Retiring Early — with Kids?

Let me start by saying that kids are totally worth it. (There, now my daughter can relax.) If you're the kind of person who wants to have kids someday, then feel free to start a family when you're able to support that. Off-topic for a second, if you just can't see yourself having kids then don't worry about it. It's possible that someday you'll … [Read more...] about Retiring Early — with Kids?

Building the Ultimate Investment Portfolio

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: June 27, 2018 2 Comments

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I've been reading financial discussion boards for over a decade, and they tend to converge on a few perpetual topics. One of them is "How's my portfolio?" Here's a typical example: "Hi guys glad I found this board great to be here. So dudes im reading alot of financial books this month and heres my portfolio check it out: 10% VFINX 34.2% FMAGX … [Read more...] about Building the Ultimate Investment Portfolio

Would you like a financial planner with that?

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: April 17, 2020 2 Comments

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A reader asked questions about choosing a financial planner: First time to your blog. Thanks for setting it up. I am retired military working for a defense contractor and contemplating retirement. Your financial experience parallels mine (except for the no-longer employed part). I am an engineer. In addition to retirement pay I have several IRAs … [Read more...] about Would you like a financial planner with that?

Lifestyles in military retirement: Haleakala Crater

My friend Jay asked me to post this before we go to Maui. He either wants to check our morale or get our final thoughts on record... A year ago we got a call from a good friend. He grew up on Maui and had hiked Haleakala Crater for over 50 years. He and his spouse had formed a 12-person group for their next trip but two had just dropped out. … [Read more...] about Lifestyles in military retirement: Haleakala Crater

Sea story: “If I was in the Air Force”…

When I was at my military training commands, our instructors would naturally gravitate toward college classes. If they were on shore duty for long enough, they'd get their bachelor's and sometimes even their master's degrees. If they were enlisted when this happened, then their thoughts would even more naturally gravitate toward getting a … [Read more...] about Sea story: “If I was in the Air Force”…

Getting “the job call”

"The Military Guide" blog has reached 100 posts! Thanks to everyone who's read and commented over the last eight months. I think my military skills & discipline will keep this going for another year or five, so tell your friends! On with today's post: One of my shipmates mentioned a few weeks ago that instructor duty was the best tour … [Read more...] about Getting “the job call”

Suze Orman advises a dual-military couple

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: June 27, 2018 4 Comments

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Suze Orman recently gave less-than-great advice to a military couple. If you know JoAnn & Tony from Colorado then I'd love to ask them if their plans have changed. Until we hear from them, today is a great chance to show why financial advisers might not always understand the intricacies of military benefits. For those of you with recorders, … [Read more...] about Suze Orman advises a dual-military couple

So where should I invest my money now?!?

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: June 27, 2018 3 Comments

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Cherie asked a very pertinent question in the TSP post: I joined the Navy in 2002 and contributed to TSP until I got out 5 years later. Since I have gotten out I have lost over 1/2 of the money in my TSP. Should I just leave it there and let it do its thing or should I take what is left and roll into a Roth IRA? I’m only 28 so figured that leaving … [Read more...] about So where should I invest my money now?!?