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Archives for March 2013

Military Benefits After One Enlistment

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Here's a relatively complicated post about an apparently straightforward subject, and I'm counting on you servicemembers & veterans to cover anything that I miss! A reader writes: "I was curious whether there are any benefits for people who got an honorable discharge after finishing the six-year obligation they signed up for but chose to … [Read more...] about Military Benefits After One Enlistment

USAA and membership growth

Author: Last Updated: 14 Comments

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I received a great comment on an older post about USAA. As I answered it I realized that I'd written an entire new post in the subject, so I'll just put up the answer here and link back to the other post. I'll also add in feedback from USAA's staff. Here's the entire comment before I break it down to answer individual points: I’ve been a member … [Read more...] about USAA and membership growth

Guest Post Wednesday: “Thinking of Retiring Abroad? Buy Homes in Costa Rica! Check Out A ‘Dual Guide’ On What You Need to Know!”

Author: Last Updated: 5 Comments

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"Are you thinking of retiring abroad to enjoy ‘the good life’ after decades of dedicated, back-breaking labor, and you want to know how Costa Rica real estate is doing?" (Editor's note:  Today's Guest Post Wednesday features an unusual spin on financial independence.  The expert who's interviewed for this post spent over 20 years abroad on … [Read more...] about Guest Post Wednesday: “Thinking of Retiring Abroad? Buy Homes in Costa Rica! Check Out A ‘Dual Guide’ On What You Need to Know!”

Joining the Military During a Drawdown

Author: Last Updated: 22 Comments

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A reader writes: Nords, can you talk to me about my son joining the military? Here are some things we are wondering about. Times are changing and the way it's run doesn't give the kids the options like they used to. For example we are told they are releasing them at four years and not letting them sign back up. A recruiter recommended that if … [Read more...] about Joining the Military During a Drawdown

Military Reserve Sanctuary and Active-Duty Retirement

Author: Last Updated: 11 Comments

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Here's an unusual reader question: "You seem to have a pretty good handle on the Reserve military retirement system and I would like to ask your opinion on my situation. I'm in the Reserves. I've been mobilized and I am currently in sanctuary (18 years, nine months of active-duty service) with a mandatory active-duty retirement date of May 2014. … [Read more...] about Military Reserve Sanctuary and Active-Duty Retirement

The Commissary Rewards Card – An Easy Way to Save Money at the Base Commissary

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This blog is mainly about saving and investing for military financial independence, not bargain-hunting or consumer products, so today's post is a little different. I'll admit it: I don't lead a consumer lifestyle, and I avoid shopping as much as possible. I don't even go out much. I enjoy spending my time on the Internet and around the house. … [Read more...] about The Commissary Rewards Card – An Easy Way to Save Money at the Base Commissary

I Tried 23andMe Genetic Testing & Here’s My Review

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Very long post today (3000 words) but you have the time to read it-- and it's worth reading. Especially if you're interested in genetic testing. Here's my 23andMe Genetic Testing Reviews. A genetics researcher and director of the National Institutes of Health once said: "Genetics loads the gun and environment pulls the trigger." I think a more … [Read more...] about I Tried 23andMe Genetic Testing & Here’s My Review

Guest Post Wednesday: Tips to save while (your spouse is) deployed, Sea Services edition

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This guest post is brought to you by Rob Aeschbach. There was a good post about saving money while deployed. Years ago, as an embarked Marine, I accumulated about 700 days underway during at-sea deployments and work-ups. I left active duty shortly after getting married, and now I'm a stay-at-home-dad and Navy dependent. A comment on that post … [Read more...] about Guest Post Wednesday: Tips to save while (your spouse is) deployed, Sea Services edition