Investing

The 1980s-2000s: How I Wish I’d Invested Back Then

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: April 30, 2019 12 Comments

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My spouse and I were not brilliant investors. We made the typical dumb mistakes of our 20s and 30s and we paid ridiculously large fees along the way to financial independence, but a high savings rate overcame all of those errors. Your FI journey will be better (and cheaper!) than ours, but the math is the same. Focus on the factors within your … [Read more...] about The 1980s-2000s: How I Wish I’d Invested Back Then

“How the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse AFC® Fellowship (and Fate) Found Me”

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: March 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

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[This post is brought to you by Alecia D. Blair, M.S., AFC®. If you're interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines.] About six months after having my second child I found myself eager to return to work. It was summer in beautiful Upstate New York. Fort Drum, … [Read more...] about “How the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse AFC® Fellowship (and Fate) Found Me”

Good News! How Our Nords Family Financial Independence Life Will Change In 2019

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: January 27, 2019 8 Comments

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2018 was quite the turbulent year for the financial independence crowd, and it’s just going to get busier in 2019. Let me cover a few highlights from last year and then give a personal update. I’m here to reassure you that financial independence is sustainable and life is good. At the end of the post, I’ll share a few more personal details from … [Read more...] about Good News! How Our Nords Family Financial Independence Life Will Change In 2019

USAA And The Final Month To Opt In To The Military Blended Retirement System

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: December 7, 2018 2 Comments

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Here’s the latest information and tools to make your military Blended Retirement System decision-- and a new way to think about your career and your choices. [Note: I'm participating in Kate Horrell’s #BRSBlitz initiative. I’m not compensated by USAA for this campaign and you won’t see any FTC disclosures like “#USAAPartner”, "#ad”, or … [Read more...] about USAA And The Final Month To Opt In To The Military Blended Retirement System

Dept Of Defense Update On The Military Blended Retirement System

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: December 3, 2018 4 Comments

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On Wednesday 28 November, the DoD BRS office held a teleconference. The numbers As of Monday 26 November, the unofficial opt-in numbers are: 307,213 307,207 active-duty total opted in [Updated Monday 3 December] 243,709 active duty 63,498 Reserve/Guard. This is out of roughly 1.6 million opt-in eligible … [Read more...] about Dept Of Defense Update On The Military Blended Retirement System

Maximizing Your Thrift Savings Plan Contributions In A Combat Zone

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: November 21, 2019 19 Comments

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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

How to Maximize the BRS If You Decide to Opt-In

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: June 27, 2018 19 Comments

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[This post is brought to you by Dan, who’s done a lot of data runs with the BRS calculator. His new website KeepInvestingSimpleStupid.com is freshly launched, so please check on its progress! If you’re interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, then see our posting guidelines.] Welcome to January 2018! The opt-in period to the … [Read more...] about How to Maximize the BRS If You Decide to Opt-In

Thrift Savings Plan Contributions In A Combat Zone With The Blended Retirement System

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

Advertiser Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any other entity. This site may be compensated through the advertiser Affiliate Program. For more information, please see our Advertising Policy.

A reader asks: I'm in the National Guard. I'll be deployed for about 45 days into a combat zone. I'm signing up for the BRS and I'm contributing my 5% in order to get the DoD's 5% match. I'm employed in the civilian world by a corporation that contributes 6% of gross pay into my 401(k). I can also make 415(c) after-tax contributions to my 401(k) … [Read more...] about Thrift Savings Plan Contributions In A Combat Zone With The Blended Retirement System

“Should I Opt In To The Military’s Blended Retirement System?”

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: June 27, 2018 25 Comments

Advertiser Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any other entity. This site may be compensated through the advertiser Affiliate Program. For more information, please see our Advertising Policy.

[This post is brought to you by Dan, who's done a lot of data runs with the BRS calculator. His new website KeepInvestingSimpleStupid.com is under construction, so please check on its progress! If you're interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, then see our posting guidelines.] It’s the Final Countdown to the … [Read more...] about “Should I Opt In To The Military’s Blended Retirement System?”

Coping With The Fear Of Investing

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

Advertiser Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any other entity. This site may be compensated through the advertiser Affiliate Program. For more information, please see our Advertising Policy.

[This post is brought to you by Patrick Weinert, who knows how fear and uncertainty can disrupt even the most logical investing plan. If you're interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines.] I’m Patrick Weinert, a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, and I help active and veteran service … [Read more...] about Coping With The Fear Of Investing