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
Money Management & Personal Finance
USAA And The Final Month To Opt In To The Military Blended Retirement System
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
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
Your Military Blended Retirement System: It’s Not About The Money.
[Full disclosure: On this post, I’m not about the money either. I’m not paid to write this, it's not sponsored by anyone, and I’m not earning revenue from the links.] Our group of military personal-finance bloggers is sending out a #BRSBlitz about the opt-in decision. You may have seen some of these links on my social media before, and … [Read more...] about Your Military Blended Retirement System: It’s Not About The Money.
USAA’s Digital MilEx: Hurricane Readiness and Augmented Reality Vehicle Shopping
[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!)
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
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)
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!
