The average funeral costs somewhere between $7,000 and $9,000 when accounting for all costs. Sadly, at some point in our lives, this will become relevant to all of us. However, as a military member or veteran, you are eligible for military burial benefits when you pass away. In some cases, your spouse or dependents may also be eligible for burial … [Read more...] about Military Burial Benefits – How to Apply for Military Funeral Honors
Military and Veterans Benefits
2020 VA Disability Compensation Rates – Updated Veterans Compensation Benefits Rate Tables
The 2020 VA Disability Compensation Rates are effective as of Dec. 1, 2019. If you receive VA disability pay, you will notice the increased amount in your first check, which you should receive in January 2020. There was a 1.6% increase from 2019, following a 2.8% increase from 2018. The government uses the same COLA rates for military retiree … [Read more...] about 2020 VA Disability Compensation Rates – Updated Veterans Compensation Benefits Rate Tables
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?!?
2018 Military Pay Charts – Officer and Enlisted Members Receive a 2.4% Raise
Military members received a 2.4% pay raise in 2018, a nice increase across the board from the 2017 pay rates. The 2.4% pay raise was the largest since 2010. The pay tables on this page went into effect on January 1, 2018, and were reflected in the first mid-month paycheck, which was sent out on January 15, 2018. Military members are paid on the … [Read more...] about 2018 Military Pay Charts – Officer and Enlisted Members Receive a 2.4% Raise
USAA’s Military Retirement Comparison Tool And The Blended Retirement System
Are you ready to make your choice about the military's Blended Retirement System? Are you a leader who has to advise younger officers and enlisted how to decide between High Three and the BRS? Are you a veteran like me who's asked the question several times a week by their family (and their readers)? USAA can help with … [Read more...] about USAA’s Military Retirement Comparison Tool And The Blended Retirement System
How Much Is Your Military Pay Really Worth?
This post is brought to you by Daniel Kopp, an Air Force officer and founder of MilitaryLifePlanning.com. If you're interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines. [Nords note: this post was updated on 4 March 2017 with a direct link to the DoD's PSMC website as well as a sample statement. Scroll down … [Read more...] about How Much Is Your Military Pay Really Worth?
Lower Life Insurance Premiums From USAA
USAA is cutting the rates on their new life insurance policies. Let me explain why in less than 1800 2000 words-- but it’s all good. I’ve learned a lot about insurance over the last 30 years, and it’s a necessary evil. We buy it to help ourselves (and our families) recover from disasters, and we only keep it as long as we need it. Everyone … [Read more...] about Lower Life Insurance Premiums From USAA
3 Steps to Retire Early on a Military Salary
This post is brought to you by Rich of RichOnMoney! If you're interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines. BLUF: In college I paid off $32k in student loans in a year. On a military salary I paid off a $280k mortgage in seven years. I've bought several rental properties with cash. I did this … [Read more...] about 3 Steps to Retire Early on a Military Salary
2017 Military Pay Chart – 1.6% Pay Raise
Military members will receive a 1.6% Pay Raise in 2017. President Obama recently sent a letter to Congress echoing his support for the 1.6% military pay raise over the 2016 military pay. He states: This decision is consistent with my fiscal year 2017 Budget and it will not materially affect the Federal Government's ability to attract and retain … [Read more...] about 2017 Military Pay Chart – 1.6% Pay Raise
What Happens After Your VA Disability Claim Has Been Approved
The Veterans Administration approved my "fully developed" disability claim-- in less than three months of processing. This post stands by itself, but I'm going to skip the beginning of the story. If you want to read the earlier posts in this series then you can click on these links to learn why you should file your VA disability claim, then what … [Read more...] about What Happens After Your VA Disability Claim Has Been Approved
