Archives for January 2013

40 miles for Tricare Prime — or maybe Tricare Standard

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: June 11, 2019 12 Comments

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A reader asks: What do you know about the 40 mile rule for Tricare Prime? Does it look like that circle will continue to shrink? Since a main reason we moved to our retirement location was for health care, I am concerned that the circle will force all of us to Tricare Standard. What is the word? Great question. This 40-mile issue is just a … [Read more...] about 40 miles for Tricare Prime — or maybe Tricare Standard

Guest Post Wednesday: “My Road to a Reserve Retirement”

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: August 6, 2019 3 Comments

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This guest post is brought to you by a servicemember who's approaching Reserve retirement after an unusual career path... and you can too! If you're interested in guest posting, please see our guest posting guidelines. I enlisted in the Army as a combat medic in 1990. Being the oldest of three and a first-generation American, I felt a … [Read more...] about Guest Post Wednesday: “My Road to a Reserve Retirement”

Dealing With Credit Card Fraud — Any Suggestions?

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: June 10, 2019 9 Comments

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My credit card data was stolen last month. I was lucky-- the thief moved slowly and there were only two charges before the fraud computer kicked in. But it was still a hassle and an inconvenience, and at first, I had to push pretty hard to get the fraud staff on the job. Of course, it's the card that I use all the time: a Fidelity Rewards … [Read more...] about Dealing With Credit Card Fraud — Any Suggestions?

Reader Advice: Update on Ben’s bridge career

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: June 11, 2019 4 Comments

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[This post is from Ben, a military retiree who achieved financial independence before he left active duty. When he retired he was confident in his financial planning (it's better than mine!) and he was pretty sure he'd find plenty to do all day. However, he also wanted to see what he could do in a civilian bridge career and whether he'd overlooked … [Read more...] about Reader Advice: Update on Ben’s bridge career

Save Money by Fixing Your Own Plumbing

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: June 11, 2019 3 Comments

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Everybody wants to save money to reach financial independence, but it's even more challenging to avoid unnecessary expenses. Sometimes "spending avoidance" requires sweat equity, training, and experience. Other times you can avoid expenses with a little knowledge and good habits. The trick is to find the balance where "do it yourself" is not slave … [Read more...] about Save Money by Fixing Your Own Plumbing

Guest Post Wednesday: Employment Opportunities for Disabled Veterans with Disability Compensation

This guest post is brought to you by Jill Schultz. If you're interested in guest posting, please see our guest posting guidelines. Sometimes an injury or disability incurred in the military can send an active duty member into early (medical) retirement. Many disabled vets who’ve been medically retired wonder if they can work a civilian job … [Read more...] about Guest Post Wednesday: Employment Opportunities for Disabled Veterans with Disability Compensation

The RAO Bulletin on Veteran Administration Benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: June 11, 2019 2 Comments

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Do you ever wonder where veterans and families get their in-depth knowledge about VA and medical benefits? It's a vital part of achieving financial independence. Some of the information comes from joining veteran's support organizations like MOAA, the American Legion, the VFW, the DAV, AmVets, or the IAVA. You could read the Military Times … [Read more...] about The RAO Bulletin on Veteran Administration Benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid

Guest Post Wednesday: My Military Career Savings and Investment Story

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: July 26, 2021 4 Comments

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Today's post is from an officer who wants to remain anonymous while sharing his pay & investment data. Two of the links include Excel spreadsheets that you can download and review, and when you click on them your computer may attempt to launch your spreadsheet program. If you decide to use them for your own retirement planning, please contact … [Read more...] about Guest Post Wednesday: My Military Career Savings and Investment Story