Military Guide

The Military Guide To Financial Independence

Reader Interview: Planning For The Military Transition

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[Today's military transition advice is brought to you by servicemember Annabel Monroe of Monroe Brothers Investments.  If you're interested in contributing your interview at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines.]   What influenced your decision to join the military, and what's your transition plan to leave active … [Read more...] about Reader Interview: Planning For The Military Transition

VA Loan Certificate of Eligibility – Why You Need it and How to Get One

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VA Loan Certificates of Eligibility have made it possible for thousands of veterans to take advantage of VA Loans to make their dreams of owning a home a reality. Buying a home can be an expensive and complicated process. So, anything that makes the home buying process easier and more accessible is welcome. Fortunately, VA Loans do just that, as … [Read more...] about VA Loan Certificate of Eligibility – Why You Need it and How to Get One

VA Loan Property Types – Which Type of Home Can You Buy with a VA Loan

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VA Loans are an excellent way for U.S. military members, veterans, and their families to buy a home. VA Loans feature many benefits, including being easier to qualify for than a comparable conventional loan, as well as offering the ability to finance 100% of the home purchase. Once you have established eligibility for a VA Loan, you can begin the … [Read more...] about VA Loan Property Types – Which Type of Home Can You Buy with a VA Loan

From The Mail Buoy: Staying For 20 And Hacking The High Cost Of Living in Hawaii

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A reader writes: "Nords, I’m an avid reader of your website and love your Reddit replies. I’m active duty with 14 years of service.  I’m saving a considerable amount of my paycheck and investing in dividend growth stocks with a portfolio that yields about 3.5%. I can retire at 20 years or try for one more promotion, but I’d do the High Three … [Read more...] about From The Mail Buoy: Staying For 20 And Hacking The High Cost Of Living in Hawaii

DD Form 214 – Why It’s Important, And How to Get a Copy of Your DD 214

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The DD Form 214, Discharge Papers and Separation Documents is the most important military document you will ever receive. This form serves as your proof of military service and is often used to verify military service for benefits such as the GI Bill, VA Loan, VA medical benefits, retirement benefits, employment, and membership in veteran's … [Read more...] about DD Form 214 – Why It’s Important, And How to Get a Copy of Your DD 214

“I Inherited Money And Now I Can’t Blog About Financial Independence Anymore”

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  I’m finally ready to write about distributing my father’s estate. As many of you may remember, Dad passed away in November 2017 after more than nine years with Alzheimer’s Disease. For over six of those years, Dad was in a full-care facility while I handled his finances. It only took a few six months to handle his estate and finish his … [Read more...] about “I Inherited Money And Now I Can’t Blog About Financial Independence Anymore”

VA Loan Limits by County – How Much House Can You Buy with a VA Loan?

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If you’ve decided that you want to pursue a VA home loan to get into your dream home, but you don’t know just how much you might qualify for, knowing how much it’s possible to qualify for is helpful. Because we know how confusing it can be to navigate the home loan market, we did our best to put together some information to help you figure out … [Read more...] about VA Loan Limits by County – How Much House Can You Buy with a VA Loan?

VA Loan Eligibility and Service Requirements

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Getting approved for a VA home loan can be a lengthy, confusing, and frustrating process. When you’re in the midst of it, it can feel like you’re a show dog, being forced to jump through hoops. It’s so challenging, in fact, that many Americans give up on their dreams of owning a home and assume that they will only ever be able to rent. However, … [Read more...] about VA Loan Eligibility and Service Requirements

USAA Eliminates PCS And Deployment Discretionary Benefits

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I almost missed the announcement. It’s bland corporate text inside a box on my USAA Visa credit-card bill of 2 July. It’s the boilerplate you always ignore while you’re scrolling to find your new balance and checking your payment date: "Effective October 1, 2019, USAA Federal Savings Bank will be eliminating the PCS and Deployment discretionary … [Read more...] about USAA Eliminates PCS And Deployment Discretionary Benefits

2019 Military Pay Charts – Officer and Enlisted Members Receive a 2.6% Raise

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Military members will receive a nice pay raise in 2019, a 2.6% increase above 2018 pay rates. The 2.6% pay raise was the largest since 2010. The pay tables on this page went into effect on January 1, 2019, and were reflected in the first mid-month paycheck, which was sent out on January 15, 2019. Military members are paid in arrears, usually on … [Read more...] about 2019 Military Pay Charts – Officer and Enlisted Members Receive a 2.6% Raise