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)
[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
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?!?
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
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!
[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!
[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!
Don’t Buy A Home When You Leave Active Duty
Over three years ago, I suggested that buying a home on active duty is setting yourself up for financial failure. That post has aged exceptionally well, and now it’s time to double down. Don’t buy a home as you leave active duty, either. You’re setting yourself up for more financial failure and a heartache with mortgage underwriting. Instead, … [Read more...] about Don’t Buy A Home When You Leave Active Duty
Don’t Gut It Out To 20: Leave Active Duty For The Reserves Or National Guard
This post gets personal. Let me give you the permission to think about these questions in your own career. A reader writes: I'm active duty and coming up on year #9 this May. I have owned your book for a few years and dig into the blog content on occasion. Love it! My question has to do specifically with one of the closing paragraphs in your … [Read more...] about Don’t Gut It Out To 20: Leave Active Duty For The Reserves Or National Guard
A GI Bill Is A Terrible Thing To Waste
[This post is brought to you by Stephanie Montague of Poppin' Smoke, where you can learn more about your military travel benefits and opportunities. If you're interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines!] Living in Washington, DC, my husband and I saw it all the time: military veterans who … [Read more...] about A GI Bill Is A Terrible Thing To Waste
