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Doug Nordman

Attack Pilot To College Sophomore To Fintech Entrepreneur

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[Nords note:  Tyson dropped by FinCon's "Military Meetup" table in the exhibit hall to chat.  We had a great conversation about retirement calculators and financial independence.  He's a vet, and he understands where military pay & benefits fit in a calculator.  You can learn more from the video at the end of this post, which is definitely NOT … [Read more...] about Attack Pilot To College Sophomore To Fintech Entrepreneur

USAA’s Digital MilEx: Hurricane Readiness and Augmented Reality Vehicle Shopping

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[We’re trying something new with this post. Please scroll down to the bottom for my short podcast interview with two USAA managers about these topics!]   Oooh, I almost forgot my traditional FTC disclosure: The Federal Trade Commission fears that I've lost my objectivity and become a USAA fanboi. My family and I have been USAA … [Read more...] about USAA’s Digital MilEx: Hurricane Readiness and Augmented Reality Vehicle Shopping

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

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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 retiring a few years ahead of my plans … [Read more...] about Separating Or Retiring While Overseas (But Not With The Navy!)

Maximizing Your Thrift Savings Plan Contributions In A Combat Zone

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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. In 2019 you can contribute up to $19,000. [12 November 2018 update: This post has a minor (but important) revision after further confirmation with the TSP staff. I've also added the 2019 … [Read more...] about Maximizing Your Thrift Savings Plan Contributions In A Combat Zone

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

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[UPDATE: Use the discount code “Military” for $75 off each adult ticket to CampFI South.] (This offer was in effect for the 2018 Camp FI South. Check the CampFI schedule for the current offers.) [Disclosure: I’m not paid to write this, and there are no affiliate links.] [If you’re looking for info about FinCon and the Military Influencer … [Read more...] about CampFI And Camp Mustache Are Worth Your Time (And Money)

FinCon – The Financial Media Conference – How a Small Investment Can Return Dividends

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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. Well, let's take a look. Why I Go to FinCon I'm frequently asked why I go to FinCon and whether it's worth the money. What's the … [Read more...] about FinCon – The Financial Media Conference – How a Small Investment Can Return Dividends

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

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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 recall." I realize that the … [Read more...] about How Much Is The COLA On My Military Pension?!?

The Big Picture On Insurance: USAA’s Annual Reports

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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 members since 1981, and now our … [Read more...] about The Big Picture On Insurance: USAA’s Annual Reports

Get Help With Your Tax Returns!

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[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 aviation, I was both excited and … [Read more...] about Get Help With Your Tax Returns!

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

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[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 in the Midwest, the son of an … [Read more...] about Our Story: How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Financial Ruin and live Happily Ever After!