Careers at the Department of Veteran Affairs

Posted 06 Jul 20 by Justin Fisher

VA Careers For Veterans

A career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) comes loaded with comprehensive benefits, competitive pay, and other generous perks to help build a fuller, more balanced life for you and your family. VA has an unwavering commitment to support veterans, and that includes helping them build rewarding careers within the VA health care system.

VA gives Veterans—particularly those with disabilities—hiring preference for any available positions. VA values the special skills and unique perspectives Veterans bring to the table. They fully understand that by sharing your experiences you can continue a life of service, helping other veterans heal and cope with being back home.

The VA also recognizes military spouses are educated, qualified and ready to serve the nation’s veterans and their families. That is why VA partners with the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership program to help recruit, hire, promote and retain military spouses in meaningful careers at VA.

Different Careers For Veterans Available at VA

Below are some of the health care and employment opportunities available at VA.

Nursing

Nurses are at the heart of VA’s world-class, patient-centered standard of care. Day in and day out, they go the extra mile to make a lasting difference in the lives of our Veterans and their families. As part of Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACTs), nurses play a crucial role in Veterans’ long-term, holistic health. They work collaboratively across disciplines and treatment settings with a designated medical team—and other community resources—to help coordinate the full spectrum of patient care. And they do it all with a gentle humility and patience that keeps Veterans’ spirits lifted.

Physicians Careers

As a physician at VA, you have more than a job—you serve Veterans who have borne the battle with honor. In carrying out this mission, you will discover a career with competitive pay, opportunities for growth and mobility, a wealth of benefits and rich rewards.

Mental Health Hiring

VA understands the unique challenges Veterans face when returning home and transitioning back to civilian life. The VA’s Mental Health professionals expertly tailor treatment plans that meet patients where they are, ease their symptoms and help them achieve wholeness. Mental Health at VA focuses on recovery, coordinating care that empowers Veterans and their families to take charge of their wellbeing and pursue fuller lives. From counseling and emergency services to telemedicine and social work, VA does what it takes to help Veterans reclaim their mental and emotional freedom.

Dentistry

At VA, their dentistry professionals can pursue opportunities to conduct research either independently or in association with VA’s dental practice-based research network known as VADER (VA Dentists Engaged in Research). VADER gives you the chance to engage in clinical studies designed to answer questions faced by VA dentists in the routine care of their patients. VADER works closely with the VA Dental Education Program in the dissemination of research findings, and with the VA Oral Health Quality Group in the development of quality measures for VA dental practices. The VA Dental Education Program offers training for new, inexperienced, and/or upcoming dental chiefs, assistant dental chiefs, and lead dentists. In addition, VA dentists are well-published in nationally recognized professional journals, and many have been elected to leadership positions in national health care organizations and at VA Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) levels.

Pharmacists

VA is pushing beyond tradition to give pharmacists more direct influence on the course of patient care. By enabling them to apply their skills in new ways—from leading-edge research to preventative services and behavioral counseling—VA is delivering accurate, effective treatment to more Veterans in need. At VA, pharmacists are valued members of interdisciplinary care teams and are given greater autonomy to make clinical decisions on patients’ behalf. On our pharmacy team, you are sure to experience unbeatable satisfaction in a career that makes full use of your training and passion.

Administrative and Technical Professionals

When it comes to ensuring Veterans receive the best health care available, it takes all kinds of talented, dedicated professionals. VA administrative and technical teams keep the gears turning behind the scenes, in finance, human resources, IT and beyond. At VA, you can help change lives in a variety of settings, making decisions that are essential to the smooth, efficient flow of services to our patients. No matter your field of expertise, VA has dynamic career paths that bring out the best in you and transform your passion for serving Veterans into real-world impact.

Support Services

With a host of training and educational resources available, VA continually invests in the potential of all its support staff, helping them exceed their goals. It is a way to experience a more satisfying career with the added fulfillment of changing Veterans’ lives.

Students and Trainees

For more than 60 years, the VA has partnered with affiliated colleges and universities across the country to train new health care professionals and enhance Veteran health care. VA conducts the largest medical education effort in the U.S., with over 120,000 participants receiving training in 2017. The VA is proud that so many of these professionals accept permanent positions on the team, after getting a glimpse into life at VA. With the number of training and educational opportunities available to accelerate your career growth, it is easy to see why. Visit the Office of Academic Affiliations to explore all VA has to offer.

If you are a Veteran or military spouse interested in career opportunities with VA, feel free to email the Veterans Employment Services Office (VESO) for guidance. Find other helpful employment resources, including a military skills translator, resume builder and more at www.vets.gov/employment.

Mentorship Opportunities for Veterans

Personal Finance Face-Off: Dave Ramsey v. FIRE

Posted 02 Jul 20 by Gregory App

Choosing Dave Ramsey or FIRE – Personal Financial Management in the Military

Dave Ramsey and his counterpart Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) are two big names in personal finance. Both offer great advice on how to save your money and live comfortably in your later years, but as a service member how do you know which path you should follow? Let’s take a look.

Dave Ramsey, an Introduction

Dave Ramsey is a longtime proponent of debt-free living whose claims to fame are his 7 Baby Steps and Financial Peace University. He has been teaching his brand of financial management for several decades. Mr. Ramsey’s strategy can be broken down into a few broad concepts:

Do not incur credit card debt or other debts;
If you do have debt, pay off the lowest balance first (debt snowball);
Invest 15% of gross income;
Pay off your home loan early;
Live off 8% yearly investment withdrawal;
Give generously.

Ramsey’s budgeting concepts are simple, easy to understand, and helpful. As far as investment strategies go, following Ramsey’s advice will undoubtedly set you up nicely for your later years.

Possible Negatives of Ramsey’s Methodology

Expects to earn 12% return on investments, which is not likely;
Hatred of credit cards and any form of debt;
Active management of investments means extra fees paid.

FIRE, an Introduction

FIRE has become popular over the last decade as an alternative to the traditional model of work life balance. The core concept of FIRE is to have its adherents majorly frontload investments in their early years, then quit compulsory work as early as possible. This is great option for those looking to do a full 20 years in the military because without a pension and medical benefits it may not be possible to save and invest enough money using this method. The core concepts of FIRE are:

Aggressive savings and investment of 50% or more;
Invest in index funds (passively managed, lower fees);
Create alternative revenue streams;
Live off 4% yearly withdrawals;
If you are carrying a credit card balance, pay your highest credit card debt first (debt avalanche);
Use credit cards (paid in full monthly) to earn points and other rewards;
Retire from you career well before the traditional retirement age;

Possible Negatives of FIRE method

Exclusionary — requires relatively high income;
50% or more investment may alter quality of life;
Military pension is a big part;
Retirement may not mean retired from work.
Future costs are not fixed.

Comparing Ramsey and FIRE in a Military Lifestyle

Investments

Ramsey says investing 15% of your income should help you meet retirement goals. This is easily achievable in the military by maxing out your TSP allotment, and then squirreling away another 10% in Roth IRAs. Set this ratio up right out of boot camp or OCS and you’ll thank yourself later.

FIRE adherents invest 50% or more of their income in into TSP/401K, index funds, and real estate. This method is aggressive and will require strict budgeting from junior enlisted and junior officers and will force participants to make sacrifices. This high savings strategy may not be possible for single income families.

Monthly Investment Costs Ramsey V. FIRE
Monthly Base Pay	Ramsey’s 15%	FIRE’s 50%
E-4 (over 3 years) $2,507	$376	$1,253
0-2 (over 3 years) $4,968	$745	$2,484

Yearly Retirement Withdrawal Ramsey V. FIRE
Retirement Investments*	Ramsey’s 8%	FIRE’s 4%
$500,000	$40,000	$20,000
$1 Million	$80,000	$40,000
*remaining investments expected to replenish some withdrawals

Ramsey encourages investment into Roth IRAs consisting of mutual funds. Roth IRAs are investments made with after-tax income and mutual funds are a special selection of stocks that the fund managers think are indicative of a certain sector (i.e. technology, bonds, agriculture).

FIRE very much supports investing into index funds. Index funds are passively managed investments which seek to perform as the market does, not to beat. This means less risk and greater long-term performance. Passive fund management means there are less fees associated with the investment which will save you money when your portfolio value rises.

Navy Federal Credit Union offers IRA Certificates (guaranteed returns much like a savings account, (usually lower than 3%). USAA recently shifted investment management to Charles Schwab who offer a variety of IRA and other options. Index funds can be purchased through a variety of brokers like Vanguard.

Credit Cards

Ramsey is strongly against credit cards since the temptation to spend is too great and the ability to slide into debt is deceptively easy. Cut them up, hey says.

FIRE encourages the use of credit cards for earning points and bonuses if you have the cash to pay the statement balance every month. Afterall, if you are going to spend $10,000 a year on groceries and dining out, you may as well earn 2.5% cashback.

Some credit cards to look into include the American Express Platinum card for its waived fees for active duty and its travel perks, Amazon Prime Rewards for its 5% cashback on Amazon purchases, and the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus card for its 5% cashback on on-base purchases.

Debt

Ramsey preaches a debt-free lifestyle. Since debt does not build wealth, it is useless. Can’t afford to buy a $12,000 used car in cash? Then downgrade to a model that you can buy straight up. This is great advice for someone joining the military right after high school or college. If you can avoid the temptation of a brand-new sports car from the dealership right off base, then you can position yourself nicely for financial success.

When it comes to paying off existing debt, Ramsey adheres to the concept of the Debt Snowball. Simply put, paying off your smallest debt first will give you the momentum and encouragement to tackle the next larger debt.

If you are struggling with debt and monthly living expenses, be sure to contact your installations military relief society.

FIRE adherents also generally avoid revolving debt (i.e. carrying a credit card balance from month to month) as well. Where FIRE differs is in using debt to position themselves for future revenue streams. This includes business possibilities and real estate investments. These larger investments are likely not possible for junior enlisted folks, but more senior military personnel (especially dual income families) may be able to acquire one or more properties for rental housing.

Debt Avalanche is FIRE folks’ preferred method of debt reduction. Simply pay your largest debt first and progressively work down to your smallest. The idea is to pay less in interest and therefore shortening the amount of time in debt.

Ramsey or FIRE: Final Verdict?

There is much, much more to cover when it comes to these financial management strategies, but with this overview you should be able to decide on a savings path. Think of it this way:

Dave Ramsey is traditional, methodical, and somewhat elementary. Don’t spend money you don’t have, and save some of what you do. This is great for a one or two-term active duty service member who is not going to earn military retirement. Without the automatic paycheck and health benefits you simply do not earn enough to retire early.

FIRE is flashy. FIRE has moving parts. FIRE is aggressive. And frankly, FIRE can be risky. You are, after all, betting that you have enough saved and invested to last 30, 40, or 50 years. However, if you are planning to separate from military service with a pension and medical benefits, then FIRE becomes much more realistic, and safe.

VA Loan: Can You Borrow More Than Your House is Worth?

Posted 02 Jul 20 by Samantha Cain

Can You Borrow More Than Your House is Worth With a VA Loan?

Let’s say you want to buy a $250,000 home.

You qualify for a VA loan and know that it will be a $0-down mortgage.

The problem is, you want to replace all of the kitchen appliances, and that carpet in the master bedroom has to go.

You determine that the total additional amount you’ll need to accomplish all these upgrades is around $6,000.

There is also the matter of the funding fee. This is a one-time payment that is paid to help keep the cost of funding VA loans down for taxpayers. In 2020, it’s anywhere between 2.3 and 3.6 percent of the total loan amount.

You also realize that you don’t have that in savings and wonder, can I roll all of this into the total loan amount?

Yes or No?

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no.

Technically, there is no maximum amount for a VA loan. Since it can sometimes be difficult for those who serve to meet the typical requirements of a standard mortgage, the VA loan with a $0-down requirement was established. While it is an advantage, it also has some peculiarities to it.

How Much Is the VA Loan Entitlement?

A loan amount is determined by comparing the estimated monthly mortgage payment amount versus your monthly income plus the amount you are entitled to and qualify for. In most areas of the country, basic entitlement is $144,000, but with potential bonus entitlements, you could be eligible for up to a total of $417,000. But just because that’s potentially what you could receive, the amount you would actually get is based on market value.

The seller accepts your offer of $250,000 and then the VA lender comes in to appraise. The appraiser will look at recent sales of houses in today’s market that are similar to yours – in square footage, location, and other property characteristics – and provide at least three sales within the previous six months to a year that support the amount agreed upon. Sometimes these numbers align, sometimes they are a bit higher, but unfortunately they can also be lower.

If the appraiser comes back and agrees with $250,000, you move to the next phase. If he/she comes back and says that the property is actually valued at $260,000 – it doesn’t mean you get that extra equity; but it does mean that you got a good deal. And if the appraiser comes back and says the property is only worth $230,000, you have to come up with a solution, either by asking the seller to lower their asking price, agreeing to split the difference with the seller, or funding that difference entirely on your own.

So what about that extra $6,000 and the funding fee?

The funding fee, fortunately, can be financed in the total loan amount, meaning you wouldn’t have to come up with that additional money on the spot. And it’s also important to note that not everyone has to pay this fee. It is normally waived for unmarried surviving spouses and veterans who receive disability compensation.

But that additional $6,000? There’s only one potential loophole there – can the improvements you’re wanting to make be considered energy efficient? According to the VA’s website “by supplying the VA with a completed energy analysis detailing where the savings to your utility expenses will exceed their current expenses, you can add $3,001 to $6,000 to your VA Home Loan.”

Eligible improvements that are considered:

Water heater
Ceiling, attic, and floor insulation (new or additional)
Caulking and weather stripping
Insulated garage doors on an attached garage
Clock thermostats
Insulation for water heater
Windows and doors
Heat pumps
Permanent air conditioning units
Solar heating and cooling systems
Furnaces
Vapor barriers

The VA points out specifically that the following improvements are ineligible for inclusion with this program:

Appliances
Window air conditioner units
New roofing
Vinyl siding
Glass block windows

So in this scenario, no – you cannot add that $6,000 onto your VA loan. We would suggest asking the seller to lower their asking price to compensate for the additional spending that will take place. Or you can see if you qualify for something called a VA Alteration and Repair Loan ( also known as a Rehab or Renovation Loan). Depending on your qualifications, an additional loan like this can be rolled into your VA home loan and has the potential to help with at least one of the desired changes in this scenario. There are limitations and downsides, just like with any major money decision, so shop all options available to you before committing.

Freebies for Military and Veterans

Posted 01 Jul 20 by Lori Waddell

Military Freebies: Free Stuff for Military, Veterans and Their Families

Military members and their families learn very quickly that some organizations like to honor the armed services by providing military discounts. With so many discounts offered to the military community, we wanted to see if there were any freebies out there for military members, here is what we found:

Entertainment & Travel Freebies for Military and Veterans

Vet Tix

Vet Tix provides tickets to military members who are currently serving, veterans, and their immediate family. They offer tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, educational, and family activities across the nation. You can sign-up online and military verification is required. You may have to pay a small shipping fee.

Blue Star Theatres

Blue Star Theatres’ goal is to connect theatre offerings to military personnel across the United States. Each Blue Star Theatre participating in the program is offering discounted or complimentary admission to all military personnel, veterans, and their families. You can visit an interactive map on their website to check participating locations near you.

Waves of Honor

The Waves of Honor Program gives military members and up to three direct dependents one complimentary admission per year to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or Sesame Place. You must have a valid Active Duty military ID to be eligible. The Waves of Honor Program verifies eligibility through id.me. The offer also includes free parking.

9/11 Memorial Museum

The 9/11 Memorial Museum offers free admission to active-duty military, retirees, and 9/11 family members. Tickets can be purchased up to six months in advance and provide access to all exhibitions. Visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum website for details.

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum offers free admission for Active Duty Military. Retired Military get a discounted admissions rate of $10. Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library website for more details.

America the Beautiful Passes Program

Through the America the Beautiful Passes Program military members and their dependents can receive a free annual pass. You must obtain a pass in person at a federal recreation site by showing your military or dependent ID. Find a federal recreation site near you.

Deployment Services Freebies For Military

Build a Sign

Build as Sign offers free customizable banners to families welcoming home a deployed military member. No validation required. You will have to pay for shipping. For further details visit their website.

GreenCare for Troops

GreenCare for Troops provides complimentary lawn and landscape services for deployed active duty military members, E-6 and below. They serve all military branches and it is a needs-based program. In order to register, you will need deployment orders. Visit their website for more details. They also have snow removal services through SnowCare for Troops.

Love ReUnited

Love ReUnited provides free professional photography sessions and photo gifts to military families welcoming home a deployed military member. Photographers are located world-wide. Check their website for more details.

Education & Finance Military Freebies

Tutor.com

The Department of Defense offers free access to homework and online tutoring through Tutor.com. Students in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserves,

Wounded Warriors and deployed DoD civilian families are eligible.

SaveAndInvest.org

SaveAndInvest.org offers a free credit score and analysis tool for active-duty service members. The program offers free access to your FICO credit score. You can access the program through the installation’s Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP), which is usually found at the Airman & Family Readiness Center, Army Community Service, Fleet & Family Support Center, or Marine Corps Community Services.

Lifestyle Freebies for Military

USO and What to Expect Foundation

The USO and What to Expect Foundation host free baby showers for expectant military mothers all around the world. Visit their website to check dates and locations.

Brides Across America

Brides Across America is giving military or first responder brides a free wedding gown during an “Operation Wedding Gown Event”. Events are typically held in July and November. If you or your fiancé were active duty or are a veteran within the past five years, you qualify. Visit their website to view more qualification details, register, and find participating bridal shops near you.

Freebies offered by organizations are an appreciated gesture of gratitude, make sure to take advantage of their kindness. MyMilitaryBenefits.com helps provide information for freebies and discounts to help connect you to available resources. You will need to check individual websites for hours of operation and further program details.

> Sign up to receive military discounts direct to your inbox FREE!

(photo courtesy of Mike Goad at Pixabay)

The History of the 4th of July

Posted 30 Jun 20 by Kellie Fergusson

Beyond the fireworks, barbeques and spending time with friends and family, Independence Day is arguably the most important holiday in United States history. Everyone knows the story of our founding fathers writing up the Declaration of Independence and claiming their independence from Great Britain as a free nation. However, that is a fraction of the whole story, and isn’t the only noteworthy historical event that occurs on the Fourth of July.

Independence Day

It was on June 7th 1776 that Richard Henry Lee proposed a motion calling for the colonies’ independence. After a heated debate, a committee was established to draft a formal proposal to secede from Great Britain. It was not until July 2nd that all of the colonies, except for New York, decided in favor of Lee’s motion.

It was on July 4th, 1776 that the Continental Congress officially finalized the Declaration of Independence.

Celebrating Independence Day in the Beginning

Since then many people across the U.S. have celebrated in their own way. In 1778 the soon to be President George Washington issued double rations of rum to soldiers on the anniversary of Independence Day. Massachusetts was the first state to adopt Independence Day as an official state holiday in 1781, months before successfully winning the Battle of Yorktown. Additionally, even though there were no fireworks the day of the signing, there were one year later, this was about six years before Americans knew they would end up winning the war and becoming officially independent.

On This Date: July 4

In the 244 years since the signing, a lot of different events have taken place on this specific date.

United States Military Academy at West Point

In 1802 the United States Military Academy at West Point officially opened its doors. The Military academy was originally poised as a training establishment for the U.S. Corps of Engineers. It was not officially given its title until March 16, 1802 when Congress passed an act naming it such.

Louisiana Purchase

Just a year later in 1803 the Louisiana Purchase was announced to the American people by President Thomas Jefferson. For just 15 million dollars, the U.S. officially purchased what we now call the midwest, from France.

Presidential Deaths

50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died within hours of each other. On July 4th, 1826, Thomas Jefferson died of Uremia in Monticello, Virginia while John Adams died in Quincy, Massachusetts of heart failure, they were 564 miles apart.

Confederate Surrender at Vicksburg

The Confederate Army surrendered in Vicksburg in 1863 on July 4th. The Confederate army still fought for two years after this campaign but it was one of the most successful victories for the Union. Vicksburg, Mississippi did not celebrate the 4th of July for 81 years after this loss.

Statue of Liberty Gifted

Later on in the century, France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States in 1884. The statue was dedicated in Paris as a commemoration of the friendship between the two countries and is a symbol of the liberty and freedom that the U.S. provides. Lady Liberty was a beautiful sight and a symbol of hope for over 12 million immigrants that passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954.

Adoption of 50 Star American Flag

In recent history, the 50 star American flag that we know and fly today was adopted by President Eisenhower in 1960. The flag was originally designed by a 16-year-old Robert G. Heft for a school project. He made the flag out of $2.87 worth of fabric. He only received a B minus as a grade from his teacher. He was not the only student to submit the design that we love today to the President, but he was the only one who physically made the flag. After his design was selected, his teacher changed the grade to an A, rightfully so.

So, while you are enjoying your own fireworks, try to remember that not only are we a free and independent nation, we have also come a long way in history. Many of the events that have occurred since the signing all those years ago have led us to where we are as a nation today.

What Do You Need to Know About VA Loans?

Posted 29 Jun 20 by Justin Fisher

What Do You Need to Know About VA Loans?

By: Justin Fisher

Homeownership remains at the heart of the American Dream. That is especially true for Veterans and the military community, who continue to own homes in greater numbers than their civilian counterparts. To assist Veterans and Service Members in purchasing a home, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) created the VA Home Loan program. The program is for American Veterans, Military Members currently serving in the U.S. military, reservists and select surviving spouses (provided they do not remarry) and can be used to purchase single-family homes, condominiums, multi-unit properties, manufactured homes and new construction. The VA does not originate loans, but sets the rules for who may qualify, issues minimum guidelines and requirements under which mortgages may be offered and financially guarantees loans that qualify under the program.

The basic intention of the VA home loan program is to supply home financing to eligible Veterans and to help Veterans purchase properties with no down payment. The loan may be issued by qualified lenders. Today, the VA Mortgage is more important than ever. In recent years, lenders nationwide have tightened their lending requirements in the wake of the housing market collapse, making the VA loan a lifeline for Veterans and active Military homebuyers, many of whom find difficulty when faced with tough credit standards and down payment requirements. Like all home loans, VA Mortgages have considerable details and information that the Service Member needs to understand prior to starting the VA Loan Process. Below is a closer look at some of the important areas of the VA Loan process.

VA Loan Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a VA loan, you or your spouse must meet the basic service requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs, have a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and satisfy the lender’s credit and income requirements.

How to apply for a VA home loan Certificate of Eligibility

Applying for your COE is only one part of the process for getting a VA direct or VA-backed home loan. Your next steps will depend on the type of loan you’re looking to get—and on your lender (for most loans, the lender will be a private bank or mortgage company; for the Native American Direct Loan, the VA will be your lender).

VA home loan limits

A VA home loan limit is the maximum amount of money you can borrow using a VA-backed home loan, without paying a portion of the home’s total sale price up front (called a down payment). It is not a cap on the maximum amount you can borrow. If you qualify for a VA-backed home loan, you will receive a home loan entitlement. This is the maximum amount the VA will guarantee the lender that they will pay if you default on your loan. As long as you qualify for a loan based on your income and credit history, and the property’s value matches its asking price, your lender will likely agree to loan you up to 4 times the amount of your entitlement without a down payment. This is your loan limit. A Service Member may qualify for two types of entitlement:

Basic entitlement: As your basic entitlement, the VA will guarantee to your lender that they will pay up to at least $36,000 or 25% of your loan amount, whichever is less, if you default on your loan. So, your loan limit would be $36,000 X 4 = $144,000.

Bonus entitlement: You may want to buy a home that costs more than $144,000. To help you do this, the VA offers what is called bonus (or Tier 2) entitlement. To determine your bonus entitlement, the VA will look at the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA’s) current national conventional financing confirming limit and your state’s county loan limits. They will guarantee 25% of your loan amount, based on these loan limits.

What is the difference between VA’s appraisal process and a home inspection?

Often when buying a home, the appraisal process is one of the most stressful moments of the purchase. The VA strongly recommends that you get an inspection to check for any major defects before you purchase your home. A VA-approved appraiser will also appraise the house to make sure it meets basic property condition requirements (called minimum property requirements, or MPRs), and will provide an opinion of value on the house. Please note that an appraisal is not the same as an inspection and a VA appraisal will assess areas differently compared to a standard appraisal. If the property does not appraise at a value that is high enough to get the loan, you have a few options. You can:

Request a Reconsideration of Value (ROV). You can ask your real estate agent to provide the lender with valid sales data showing the property is worth more than its appraised price. The lender will ask the appraiser to reconsider based on this information.

Renegotiate the sales price. Ask the seller to lower the price to match the appraised value.

Pay the difference between the appraised price and the sales price. To do this, you will need to pay this cost at closing.

Owning a home is so much more than just having a place to live, it is about having part of the American Dream. Even though the event of buying a home can be stressful, the VA offers a checklist, to ensure that no steps are missed during the process. The VA home Loan Program has guaranteed more than 24 million VA loans, and continues to remain the most powerful home loan program on the market for many veterans, service members and military families.

Process Change for Student Survivor Benefit Plan

Posted 29 Jun 20 by Bianca Medina

Process Change for Student Survivor Benefit Plan

The Department of Defense announced an updated process for child beneficiaries of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) when verifying that they are a full-time student.

The SBP annuity is paid to the dependents of fallen service members or deceased military retirees. Payments usually stop when the dependent reaches the age of 18. However, payments can continue to the age of 22 as long as they attend an accredited trade school, technical institute, college, or university at a full-time status. In the past, students were required to complete a form at the start of every semester or provide a transcript to the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) to receive payments. If the certification is not received, all payments were suspended until DFAS received a properly completed form. According to the Pentagon, this process can be “frustrating for busy college students.” The process has been made even more difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic since schools were required to be closed.

In response to this dilemma, the DD Form 2788, “Child’s Annuitant’s School Certification” has been created. This is a self-certification form that no longer requires a school official signature or documentation from the school. The form only needs to be completed once a year instead of every term or semester. Students will also sign and return a short previous attendance certification letter to confirm their past full-time attendance. In the future, the Child’s Annuitant’s Certification they receive in the mail will be prefilled with the information they provided previously with on the DD 2788 form, so they can simply confirm and sign. This form is shorter and easier consisting of only two pages that need to be filled out, making the process less confusing.

DFAS has created an online tool where you can upload a school certification such as the DD Form 2788. DFAS will also send reminders when the form is due if the student submits their email address through myPay.

To find out more information about this new process, please visit the DFAS website.

DFAS website:

https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/survivors/School-Certifications/

DD 2788 Form:

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/forms/dd/dd2788.pdf

DFAS online tool for certification:

https://corpweb1.dfas.mil/askDFAS/ticketInput.action?subCategoryID=19064

Military Myths: Joining the Military

Posted 29 Jun 20 by Justin Fisher

Military Myths About Joining the Military

Only about seven percent of Americans have served in the armed forces, and only one-half of one-percent serve in it today, it is no small wonder that in the ever increasing Social Media landscape, there are areas infested with myths and misunderstandings regarding military service. To help individuals determine the truth, below is a first in a series of articles that will help distinguish the facts from the myths in all crucial areas of military service.

MYTH#1: Anyone is Eligible to Serve in the Military

Answer: False. Eligibility rules can be a little confusing. There are different rules for enlisting and for officer programs. Enlisting: Enlisted members do the hands-on work of the military. They need at least a high school degree (a GED may or may not suffice). Officer: Officers are the managers of the military. Most officer programs require a college degree at minimum and are extremely competitive. Many officers have master’s or higher degrees. Before you visit your local recruiter, be sure you meet the minimum qualifications for serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Some qualifications are required by all five services:

You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
You must be at least 17 years old (17-year old applicants require parental consent).
You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma.
You must pass a physical medical exam. This is usually what disqualifies individuals outside of having a criminal record.

For each branch, there are slightly different enlistment requirements, for a list of those requirements, follow this link.

MYTH#2: The ASVAB Doesn’t Matter

Answer: False, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery or ASVAB does matter. Your scores count towards your Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) score. Scores are assessed in four critical areas:

Arithmetic Reasoning
Word Knowledge
Paragraph Comprehension
Mathematics Knowledge

The AFQT score determines whether you are qualified to enlist in the U.S. military. Your scores in the other areas of the ASVAB will determine how qualified you are for certain military occupational specialties and Enlistment Bonuses. A high score will improve your chances of getting the specialty/job and signing bonus you want.

The maximum ASVAB score is 99. Every branch of the military has different ASVAB score requirements. To join the Army, the minimum ASVAB score needed is 31. For the Navy and the Marines, the minimum ASVAB score needed is 35. The Air Force requires the highest score of any branch of the service for admission. High school seniors or graduates must have a minimum 31 overall ASVAB score, and GED holders must have a minimum of 50 overall ASVAB score.

MYTH#3: All Branches of the Military are Basically the Same, Simply Different Locations

Answer: False. Despite what you might watch during a 1980s action movie marathon, not all jobs in the military are Special Operation commandos who can fly any jet or helicopter. Although the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces seem similar, the types of jobs, geographic locations, environment, and cultures are often worlds apart.

The U.S. Armed Forces are made up of the six Military Branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and, most recently, Space Force. This section will help you see the distinct differences between the six Military Branches.

Army

The U.S. Army was created on June 3, 1784 by the Congress of the Confederation at the end of the Revolutionary War. “To fight and win America’s wars,” the Army exists to organize, equip, and train forces “for the conduct of prompt and sustained combat operations on land.”

The U.S. Army operates with an active component and two reserve components: The United States Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. There are just under 500,000 soldiers serving actively in the U.S. Army today and another 550,000 serving in the reserve components.

Marine Corps

The U.S. Marine Corps was created on November 10, 1775. It is a combined-arms task force known for its focus on aggressiveness and the offensive.

The Marines have been central in developing groundbreaking tactics for maneuver warfare; they can be credited with the development of helicopter insertion doctrine and modern amphibious assault. There are approximately 186,000 Marines actively serving today, with another 40,000 Marines serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

Navy

The U.S. Navy was founded on October 13, 1775, with the Department of the Navy established in 1798. The Navy’s mission is to “maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas.” The Navy accomplishes this with warfare specialties that include:

Aviation
Surface Warfare
Nuclear Submarines
Special Operations Forces
Support Services

There are approximately 341,000 sailors serving actively in the U.S. Navy today with an additional 59,000 reserve personnel.

Air Force

The Department of the Air Force was created with the signing of the National Security Act of 1947. The Air Force’s missions are broken down into:

Air and Space Superiority
Global Attack
Rapid Global Mobility
Precision Engagement
Information Superiority
Agile Combat Support

There are approximately 310,000 Active Duty airmen and women currently serving across the globe with an additional 71,400 airmen and women serving in the Air Force Reserve.

Space Force

The U.S. Space Force is the 6th independent U.S. military service branch, tasked with missions and operations in the rapidly evolving space domain. The newest branch was established Dec 20, 2019. As of June 2020, its headquarters has yet to be announced.

Coast Guard

The Coast Guard was established on Aug. 4, 1790. The Coast Guard is charged with maritime security, safety, and stewardship. While the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, during times of war, it can be transferred to the Department of the Navy, as it did in WWI and WWII.

The Coast Guard is comprised of approximately 40,000 active duty personnel supported by an additional 7,000 reservists.

These are just five of the many myths out there about the military. A lot of these myths have been started by just general misinformation or lack of personal experience with military service. A lot has change since I joined 21 years ago, however these myths are some of the things I wish I knew when I signed the dotted line. For additional information, contact a recruiter.

PTSD Awareness Day is June 27th

Posted 26 Jun 20 by Robert Haynes

PTSD Awareness Day

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a global problem. It is a mental health disorder that some people develop after experiencing a traumatizing or life-threatening event. To shed light on this far reaching problem, June 27th has been designated National PTSD Awareness Day, and it is a great opportunity to talk with family and friends about PTSD and how it affects our society, especially service members who are susceptible to it.

Who is Affected by PTSD?

According to the PTSD Foundation of America, an estimated 7.8% of Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Women (10.4%) are twice as likely as men (5%) to develop PTSD. An estimated 3.6% of U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 54 (over 5 million people) have PTSD during any given year.

The most traumatic events most associated with PTSD for men are rape, combat exposure, childhood neglect, and childhood physical abuse. For women, the most traumatic events associated with PTSD are rape, sexual molestation, physical attack, being threatened with a weapon, and childhood physical abuse.

Roughly 30% of the men and women who have spent time in war zones experience PTSD. Another 25% have had partial PTSD at some point in their lives. The PTSD Foundation estimates that more than half of all male Vietnam veterans and nearly half of all female Vietnam veterans have experienced “clinically serious stress reaction symptoms.” Percentages for other war veterans are not as severe, but no less important.

Key Statistics of PTSD

Only 50% of PTSD sufferers ever seek treatment, and only half of those receive adequate treatment.
Nearly 1,400 active duty service members committed suicide every year until 2015
From 2003-2015, more military members died from suicide than those serving in Iraq
In 2017, 21,290 marriages of service men and women ended in divorce, making the divorce rate for all branches 3%

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?

While it is common to experience PTSD symptoms right after a traumatic event, PTSD is usually not diagnosed unless the symptoms last for at least a month and cause either significant distress or interfere with work/home life.

According to the National Institutes of Health, in order to be diagnosed with PTSD, someone must experience all of these symptoms for at least a month: Re-experiencing symptoms, avoidance & numbing symptoms, arousal symptoms, and cognition and mood symptoms.

Re-experiencing Symptoms

These are symptoms that involve reliving the traumatic event. This could happen by having upsetting memories of an event, and can come back unexpectedly. They are commonly called “flashbacks” and they can feel so real that it is like experiencing the event all over again. They can also be bad dreams or frightening thoughts. Physical symptoms of a flashback can be a racing heart or sweating. The reliving of a traumatic event can lead to intense feelings of fear and helplessness.

Avoidance & Numbing

Avoidance symptoms are those efforts people make to avoid situations that trigger memories of the traumatic event. This can be similar to avoiding fireworks because they trigger memories of explosions, or avoiding over-crowded venues because of combat experience in urban environments. Those who exhibit avoidance symptoms may avoid watching certain TV programs about events similar to those they experienced, like war movies.

Numbing symptoms are another way to avoid reliving a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD often find it difficult to express their feelings or emotions to other people. It is common for some to forget portions of an event as they try to cope with the stress. Others fear their lives will be shorter as a result of the event.

Arousal Symptoms

These symptoms are known to cause increased emotional arousal that can lead to:

Difficulty sleeping
Outbursts of anger
Irritability
Inability to concentrate.

Some feel that they are always “on guard”, keeping an eye out for threats or signs of danger. They may also startle easily.

Cognition and Mood Symptoms

These symptoms can worsen after an event and are not due to injury or substance abuse. They can make someone feel alienated or detached from family and friends. These symptoms can include:

Trouble remembering key events surrounding the traumatic event
Negative thoughts about the world
Distorted feelings like guilt or blame
Loss of interest in enjoyable activities.

PTSD Can Lead to Other Problems

It is not uncommon for other problems to manifest alongside PTSD. Common conditions are depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The PTSD Foundation states that more than half of men with PTSD also have problems with alcohol. The next most common condition in men is depression, followed by conduct disorders and drug abuse.

Nearly 50% of women with PTSD also suffer from depression. The next most common problems found in women are the development of specific phobias, social anxiety, and then problems with alcohol.

PTSD Treatments

The VA recommends trauma-focused psychotherapies for treating veterans with PTSD. These treatments have a duration of between 8-16 sessions. The strongest of these therapies are:

Prolonged Exposure (PE) – teaches someone how to gain control by facing negative feelings. It involves talking about the trauma with a provider and doing some of the things you’ve avoided since the trauma
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – teaches someone to reframe negative thoughts about the trauma. It involves talking with a provider about the trauma and completing short writing assignments.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – helps you process and make sense of the trauma. It involves calling the trauma to mind while paying attention to a back-and-forth movement or sound, like a waving finger, a light, or a tone.

The VA also has a PTSD Treatment Decision Aid, which is a free online tool that illustrates the different treatment measures and compares them to each other. The tool also helps you think about which treatment might be best for you and gives you tips on how to work with your provider to decide on a treatment.

With the PTSD Treatment Decision Aid, you can:

Watch videos of providers explaining how treatments work
Build a chart to compare the treatments you like most
Print a personalized summary

(Please note, the VA’s Decision Aid is not a substitute for medical care or the advice of a provider. Only a licensed professional can diagnose PTSD.)

Steps You Can Take

If you or someone you know is having a crisis or is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, there are a number of options available to you. These are:

Call 911
Go to the nearest Emergency Room
Contact the National Suicide Prevention Line: 1.800.273.8255
- En Espanol: 1.888.628.9454
Contact the Red Cross: 1.877.272.7337
Contact the Veterans Crisis Line:
- 1.800.273.8255, press 1
- Send a text to 838-255
- Chat online: Confidential Veterans Chat

Remember, June 27th, is National PTSD Awareness Day. With the right information and compassion for our nation’s heroes, we can connect these life saving services to those amongst us who are stuffing from PTSD.

(Please Note: the National Center for PTSD does not provide direct clinical care or individual referrals. They provide information to help you find local mental health services and information on trauma and PTSD.)

(Image courtesy of Katarzyna Bialasiewicz via 123rf.com)

Mentorship Opportunities for Veterans

Posted 25 Jun 20 by Robert Haynes

Mentorship doesn’t have to end when your military service does. There are organizations out there that offer veterans mentors with the purpose of guiding them to valuable careers after their service ends.

Mentorship is often misunderstood in today’s society. In fact, I believe that many problems people face in life could actually be solved by having a mentor, someone to guide us through any of the challenges that face us every day.

Military members are used to mentorship. At the beginning of my career in the mid-1990s, I received mentorship from various leaders that made me a better soldier. Two decades later, as my career came to a close, I was mentoring junior leaders and soldiers who were just beginning their careers.

Mentorship Services for Veterans

American Corporate Partners

The American Corporate Partners (ACP) offers a virtual 1-on-1 mentoring program that assists veterans with career development, networking, and general mentorship. Veterans are paired with a mentor and can expect 12 mentorship sessions, happening once a month.

Many of the mentors are from Fortune 500 companies and are experts in their industries. Their goal is to give back to those who have served their country in the armed forces. Veterans and mentors are matched by ACP so as to provide for the best experiences for both parties. One notable mentor has been George Oliver, the CEO of Johnson Controls.

Who is Eligible?

Any post 9/11 Veteran who has served for at least 180 is eligible for the ACP mentorship program. The ACP also welcomes active duty spouses. All Veterans may also access Advisor Net, which is an online networking resource that is a great place to ask questions of numerous advisors and find new networking opportunities. There are discussion boards and even private messaging available on Advisor Net.

How to Apply?

Visit their website, www.ACP-USA.org, and fill out an application. It only takes about 10 minutes. You will be expected to answer questions about your background, interests, military experience and mentorship preferences, such as gender or Veteran preferences.

After you apply, you can expect a call from ACP within 24 hours, according to their website. They will schedule a 15-minute phone call to ask a few clarifying questions to match the applicant with the perfect mentor.

Veterati

Since 2016, Veterati has been offering their mentorship platform to service members, veterans, and military spouses across the country. They have partnered with the nation’s leading Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) and military employers to offer free, on-demand mentoring to the entire military community.

Their mission is to help unemployed/underemployed veterans and spouses find meaningful employment, and they are driven by the idea that 80% of job opportunities are accessible only through personal networks. Veterati strives to be your personal network.

Mentors from Veterati deliver the following support for transitioning and transitioned service members and their families:

Personalized Advice – A mentor will make contact and offer mentorship for your specific situation and desires.
Questions and Coaching to discover new possibilities – A mentor will assess where you are and where you want to go, and help you plan to get there.
Insider job search tips – Job hunting is already difficult, but having tips and advice from a mentor can give you an edge that may land you a job.
Introductions – Networking is huge when it comes to job hunting. Having the right connections greatly increases your chances of employment.

How to Sign Up?

Head to the Veterati Sign Up page where you will be prompted to sign in with your LinkedIn account. (Follow the link if you don’t already have one.) Sign up takes about a minute and there are no fees or limits to how many mentors you can talk to.

Heavy Hitting Veteran Support

Veterati maintains strong partnerships with other organizations like the USO, Hiring our Heroes, and IAVA. If you are transitioning, check out their Transition Center, where you can have your transition questions answered directly by mentors and other mentees.

FourBlock

FourBlock supports veterans to successfully navigate their transitions by providing the education, mentorship, and relationships needed during that process. Their focus is on helping veterans build professional networks that will lead them to a hiring manager.

This organization is composed of Fortune 500 companies and top universities. Add the transitioning veteran, and they will learn through a blended online and in person program developed in partnership with Columbia University.

How to Apply?

If you’re interested in applying to FourBlocks mentorship program, head to their application page and fill out the webform. They will ask for your LinkedIn profile information, as well as information related to your military service. You will be required to upload your proof of military service, usually your DD214. If you’re active duty, you can still apply, but you’ll need to upload a copy of your current orders and a valid, government-issued ID. (They do not want you military ID.)

Check out their Fall 2020 Schedule to see if there is a program starting near you.

Next Steps

If you are a veteran or military spouse, leaving the security of the service can be stressful. Luckily, there are numerous organizations out there, many of which were founded by veterans like you, that want only to clear that path to your next career.

I encourage you to take advantage of the mentorship opportunities offered by these great organizations.

(Photo by Medienstürmer on Unsplash)

VGLI Application Period Extended

Posted 24 Jun 20 by Karen Hansis

Extension of VGLI Application Period

The VA has extended the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) application period by 90 days.

The extension of the application period ensures all eligible service members and veterans have an opportunity to apply for VGLI despite the widespread upheaval caused by COVID-19.

Under the VGLI application period extension, former service members now have 330 days from the date of separation to apply for VGLI without having a required health review. It used to be 240 days. For those who have been separated longer, the VA extended the VGLI application period for veterans who can provide proof of good health from 1 year, 120 days to 1 year, 210 days.

According to the VA Insurance Service, veterans can apply for VGLI coverage between June 11, 2020 and June 11, 2021 under the extension.

Unexpected financial challenges as a result of the pandemic have discouraged recently separated service members from applying for VGLI because they were afraid they couldn’t afford the premiums. Additionally, COVID-19 has affected veterans’ abilities to schedule and complete the doctor appointments they need in order to get their medical records to be able to prove eligibility for VGLI.

VGLI gives recently separated service members the opportunity to convert the life insurance coverage they had under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program into a new, renewable term life insurance policy. It allows them to keep the same coverage amount they had in uniform as long as the VGLI policy premiums are paid. As an added benefit, policyholders can increase their coverage amount by $25,000 every five years, up to $400,000.

The VA says to be eligible to apply for VGLI under the new application deadlines, veterans and former service members must be in at least one of these situations:

Had part-time Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) as a member of the National Guard or Reserves, and suffered an injury or disability that disqualified them for standard premium insurance rates
Had SGLI while they were in the military
Were retired or released from the Ready Reserves or National Guard
Were assigned to the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR) of a branch of service, or to the Inactive National Guard (ING). Former United States Public Health Service Inactive Reserve Corps (IRC) members are also eligible.
Were put on the Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL)

There are a couple of ways to apply for VGLI. Veterans can apply online through the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) or the eBenefits website. Applications are also available to download and mail or fax to OSGLI.

Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

Posted 23 Jun 20 by Bianca Medina

Improve Your Credit Score

Lenders use your credit score to evaluate your credit risk and estimate how likely it is that you will pay them back on time. If your credit score isn’t high enough, you won’t be able to utilize any of the benefits that come with it such as receiving loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates. It takes time to improve your credit score, but the sooner you pinpoint your issues, the sooner you’ll be able to achieve a higher credit score.

Credit scores are based on a snapshot of your credit file at a particular point in time. Scores vary based on factors such as age of accounts, payment history, and credit utilization. These scores also help you better understand your financial health.

Determine What You Need to Improve

Every year, you can receive a free report from all three credit bureaus; TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. These reports can be obtained through AnnualCreditReport.com. Instead of requesting all three at once, request one report every four months from a different agency to better monitor your credit information. Having this information will point out what is influencing your score the most. Understanding what is affecting your score will help you make the right changes to improve your score.

Dispute Errors On Your Credit Reports

Once you receive your credit reports, check to make sure everything is correct. Making sure your information is accurate will mitigate any damage to your score. If you notice any inaccuracies, you will need to dispute each error individually and contact both the credit reporting company and the company that provided the information. At Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, they provide all of the necessary steps and documents needed to correct your issues.

Keep On Top of Payments

Paying your bills on time can positively impact your credit score. Lenders look into your past payment performance as a sign of how reliable you are when it comes to paying your bills. If your behind on bills, make a budget, list out all of your bills, and include minimum payments to get current. To ensure you make your payments on time, it may be useful to use resources such as calendar reminders or automatic payments.

Keep Balance Low on Credit Cards

Another factor that impacts your credit score is the credit utilization ratio. This ratio is calculated by dividing the amount of credit you owe by your credit limit. A ratio of 30% or less is considered a good indication that you know how to manage your credit. In order to keep your ratio low, don’t overspend, pay off debt, and leave cards open after paying them off.

Don’t Close Unused Credit Cards

Although it may be tempting to close a credit card after paying off the debt, it’s better to keep it open. Closing an account may increase your credit utilization ratio because it affects the amount of credit you have available. For example, if you are $2,000 in debt and have two credit cards with a limit of $3000 and $5000, you have a credit utilization ratio of 25%. If you close the $3,000 limit credit card, you have less credit and that brings your ratio up to 40%. This increase in your ratio can have a negative consequence on your credit score. Before you decide to close an account, access how it will impact your credit utilization ratio.

Avoid Applying For Too Much Credit

Although having more credit can increase your credit limit, any hard inquiry appears on your credit report. This inquiry occurs when you apply for credit and the lender checks your credit score or report from one of the major credit bureaus. If you have multiple inquiries in a short period of time, it will reduce your score and remain on your report for two years. To avoid this, apply for credit only when needed.

TRICARE May Be Extended to Cover Dependents Until 26

Posted 22 Jun 20 by Robert Haynes

TRICARE Extension Possible for Dependents

On June 11th, House Representative Elaine Luria (D-VA) introduced H.R. 7176, the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act, which would improve dependent coverage under the TRICARE Young Adult Program. If passed, this amendment would allow TRICARE dependents to remain on their parents’ insurance policy until the age of 26 without a premium increase.

“The Affordable Care Act allows young adults to stay on their parents’ health plans until age 26, however, military families do not receive this same benefit under TRICARE.,” said Congresswoman Luria in a statement on her website. “During this public health emergency, it is more important than ever to provide our servicemembers and their families with affordable and accessible health care.”

The Congresswoman’s legislation would update TRICARE insurance policies and bring them closer to the dependent eligibility available through private insurance plans that are regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In the ACA, children up to age 26 can remain on their parents’ policies without the dependent incurring any costs. The legislation is expected to be enacted retroactively and extend back to January 1, 2020.

Under the current system, TRICARE dependents are only allowed to stay on their parents’ policy until the age of 21, unless the dependent is enrolled full-time in higher education. In which case the dependent can remain on the policy until they are 23 years old or finish school, whichever comes first.

The Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act is currently under review by the House Committee on Armed Services. Based on the published hearings on the committee’s website, the legislation has yet to be scheduled for discussion. There is also no estimate from the Congressional Budget Office of the expected impacts this legislation may have on defense spending.

(Image courtesy of kenishirotie via 123rf.com)

Free Camping for Service Members and Their Families

Posted 18 Jun 20 by Marissa Fuller

Camp for Free With Tents for Troops

Summer plans are up in the air in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. As traveling restrictions start to slowly ease up, however, people are searching for low-risk ways to get out and have fun this summer. Sometimes the simplest answer is the best answer—go outside!

Take a road trip to a beautiful place in nature and camp under the stars. Active duty military members and their dependents get free access to every National Park in America, but nonetheless, travel can be expensive. Another military travel perk you might not have known about is the program Tents for Troops.

This program partners with campgrounds across America who commit a minimum of two of their campsites to the use of active duty military members and their families completely free of charge, for a minimum of two nights. Some parks even have RV units that can be used for a week for just a $35 nonrefundable deposit. Below are a few great participating campgrounds located conveniently near to some of our beautiful national parks, from Alaska to Tennessee.

Diamond M Ranch Resort

This ranch does it all. It is run by three generations of Alaskans who strive to make Diamond M Ranch Resort both family and community friendly. Located on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula—home to the Kenai Fjord National Park—the site overlooks the Cook Inlet and the Kenai River. They offer free weekly farm tours and free guided hikes to resort guests. Just across the inlet are two more national parks: Katmai and Lake Clark.

What to do in the area:

Catch trophy salmon in the nearby rivers
Fish on the ocean for halibut
Go on a glacier tour by boat to catch sight of whales, sea lions, and other wildlife
Go on a bear viewing trip

Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging

This campground is located just under half an hour from the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park in California. It boasts a pool, its own general store, plenty of activity spaces like a volleyball court and horseshoes, and you can even pan for gold!

What to do in the area:

Hike to the top of Yosemite Falls
Climb or hike the famous rock formation, Half Dome (if you’re a rock climber, there are plenty of bucket-list worthy climbs in this one park)
Go wine tasting at family-owned wineries in one of the oldest grape-growing regions in America on the nearby Madera Wine Trail
Visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, where 500 of these gargantuan trees stand—even one you can drive through!

Dubois Wind River KOA

This campground in Wyoming makes a great base to explore not only one, but two beautiful national parks: the famous Yellowstone and the lesser known Grand Teton National Park. The mountains of Yellowstone are part of the Rocky Mountain Range which starts in Canada and spans seven US states, all the way down to New Mexico.

What to do in the area:

Go trout fishing in the Wind River
Enjoy an on-site heated indoor pool
See Old Faithful, the famous erupting geyser
Go rafting on the Snake River
Take a dinner cruise on Jackson Lake
See the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which was created by a massive volcanic eruption about 600,000 years ago!

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

This highly rated resort is located in Townsend, Tennessee, on the outskirts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to the camp store, there is a wide variety of food trucks that come to the site. There are also bath houses, fire pits, and a community garden.

What to do in the area:

Get an amazing view from an observation tower built upon the tallest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome, which stands at 6,643 miles above sea level and is part of the Appalachian Trail
Hike Rainbow Falls, named for the rainbows that appear in the mist of the waterfall
Visit the impressive Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in nearby Gatlinburg, which houses over 100,000 exotic sea creatures—the aquarium offers a 50% discount to active duty, veterans, retired military, and reserves, as well as a 30% discount for their dependents

Instead of feeling stuck at home this summer, take advantage of the current situation to unplug and view what the great outdoors has to offer you—from sea to shining sea!

Note: Some National Parks and campsites participating in the Tents for Troops program have varied plans for when they will reopen within the context of COVID-19. Be sure to check for closures before you start planning your trip.

COVID-19’s Impact on Military Retirees’ Compensation

Posted 18 Jun 20 by Samantha Cain

COVID-19’s Impact on Military Retirees’ Compensation

The pandemic has greatly impacted the economy and that can be felt in a number of places. Unfortunately, military veteran compensation has not escaped the grasp of COVID-19 and sadly, many retirees have been and will continue to feel its effects well into next year.

Bureau of Labor and Statistics data from the first quarter of 2020 shows that the nearly 69 million retirees receiving Social Security Cost-Of-Living-Adjustment may be seeing a significant drop in 2021, down to 0.8% from this year’s 1.6%. It’s possible that number may hit 0 by January of next year. This fall is due to a number of factors taking place in today’s economy, but one major indictor is the plunge in gas prices which heavily influences the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Cleric Workers (CPI-W) – what is used to determine COLA percentages for eligible recipients. April brought about the largest decline in month-to-month CPI-W since the Great Recession. The prices of goods and services have continued to plummet since then as well. It should be noted that economic impact may level out or subside by July, which is when the CPI-W measurement period begins for the following year’s COLA determinations.

Additionally, federal workers may not see a pay raise in 2021 either. The Office of Personnel Management announced that due to disruption caused by COVID-19, it was postponing the federal government’s annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, which measures among many things, compensation satisfaction. As unemployment rose to more than 20 million in April, and others took pay cuts just to maintain a regular paycheck, it’s unlikely that even the suggested 1% pay raise for federal employees that was proposed in February of this year will be fulfilled.

There’s also the long-standing matter of eliminating/amending two problem-laws: Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). Due to these laws, millions of federal/public employees lose millions of dollars in supposed benefits for either themselves or their spouses. WEP takes away roughly $480 out each month’s Social Security benefit, while GPO erases a widow(er)’s Social Security benefit entirely. Due to COVID-19, it’s likely that these issues will still persist, and addressing them will again be pushed to a later agenda while the current crisis is sorted. Meanwhile, senior veterans continue to be heavily impacted financially while focus has been shifted.

The federal government has done a few things through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide provisions to protect retirement funds. It altered how you can make withdrawals from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401ks, and Thrift Savings Plans (TSPs). While it is strongly advised that you not withdraw funds early, the current state of the economy can mean you’ve reached your last resort. Through the CARES Act, most Americans were also sent stimulus checks.

There are also a few states that are stepping in to help veterans deeply affected by the pandemic. In March, Minnesota started offering two new financial relief programs, the COVID-19 Disaster Relief Grant and the COVID-19 Special Needs Grant. The Disaster Relief Grant can provide $1,000 to veterans who have been negatively, financially affected due to the pandemic. The Special Needs Grant provides a one-time stipend directly to a creditor for a veteran who has been unable to pay bills due to unemployment or under-employment as a direct result of the pandemic. Indiana has chosen to expand existing programs, loosening requirements for its current Military Family Relief Fund to reach a greater number of veterans (and active-duty members) that need additional support during this time.

While the projected outlook for 2021 doesn’t necessarily instill the most positive outlook, as of now these are still just that – projections.

Companies Providing Apprenticeship and Training Programs For Veterans

Posted 18 Jun 20 by Samantha Cain

Companies Providing Veteran Apprenticeship and Training Programs

In an effort to showcase their commitment to the U.S. Military, there are a number of companies that offer apprenticeship and training programs specifically for veterans. Oftentimes, this can lead to an offer of employment once a program is completed.

In 2019, Veterans made up about 8% of America’s adult population, and according to Military.com, there are a significant number of benefits to hiring veterans, such as their accelerated learning curve, team working abilities, efficient performance under pressure, and many others.

These companies recognize the value in veterans’ frequently-untapped skillsets. We’ve compiled information from three of those companies – Microsoft, Amazon, and Volvo – to help shed light on the viable, possibly unknown options out there for veterans to take advantage of.

Microsoft

Microsoft Software Systems Academy or MSSA is an 18-week (or two 9-week terms) intensive-training program that started in 2013 to provide veterans with further development of critical, technology-based skills for today’s growing industry. To enroll, you must meet the following criteria:

Be active duty personnel transitioning out of the military within six months or be a recently honorably discharged veteran. (Active duty service members would go through the program as their duty assignment on base or on a local community campus)
Current security clearance strongly preferred
Interest in IT with no requirement of previous experience
Must demonstrate technical competency for chosen specialization, by earning either the applicable Microsoft Technology Associates (MTA) or Computer Technology Industry Association (COMPTIA) Certifications

Enrollees participate in both classroom and hands-on training in tech products and skills. Those who graduate from the program have the opportunity to interview for a full-time job at Microsoft or one of their 280 hiring partners in career fields such as: cloud development, cloud administration, cybersecurity administration, or database/business intelligence administration.

Amazon

With a dedication to hiring 25,000 military veterans and spouses by 2021, Amazon Web Services has created numerous programs that help develop valuable technical skills and lead to successful careers within the company. Such potential jobs could be in software development, support and data center operations, military recruitment, or others. In 2016, the Amazon Technical Apprenticeship was established to create an avenue for transitioning veterans and military spouses who are specifically seeking careers in cloud computing. It consists of 10-20 weeks of paid, full-time training, followed by up to 12 months of paid, on-the-job training and mentorship that builds technical skills and helps participants grow as professionals. Ideal candidates:

Have military experience in communications, intelligence, cyber security or possess industry-recognized IT certifications
Were active military within the last 6 months, a Guard/Reserve member, veteran, or a military spouse
Have an active security clearance

The apprenticeship is partnered with state/federal government, so reach out to the VA to see if you qualify for additional GI Bill benefits while enrolled. For more information, visit Amazon’s career website.

Volvo (and CALIBRE)

Just last month, Volvo launched a new technician program known as the Volvo Car USA Veteran Technician Careers Program. The program provides the opportunity to veterans for a smoother transition into the civilian workforce and allows military-learned skills to be put to use. The comprehensive program will utilize resident training and e-Learning in an effort to give veterans a chance to break into an automotive career, and takes place in collaboration with CALIBRE Systems. Through this initiative, Volvo and CALIBRE aim to annually provide jobs for 120 U.S. military veterans. Eligible hopefuls are:

Honorably discharged military veterans or currently-serving members of the National Guard or Reserve
Have three or more years of experience in vehicle maintenance and repair
Possess a clean driving record
Can pass a series of background checks and drug testing.

Candidates who meet that criteria can apply to participate in a 4-week instructor-led and on-the-job training program, which provides a full-time job opportunity at a local, participating Volvo Cars Retailer. Upon completion of the program, selectees can participate in a 12-month U.S. Department of Labor and GI Bill-approved registered apprenticeship. Those entered into the apprenticeship have the option to utilize GI Bill benefits to receive a monthly housing allowance stipend for a full 12 months during the apprenticeship, on top of regular pay and benefits, given that they are eligible to receive such benefits. (See here to determine eligibility or reach out to a VA representative.) Upon favorable completion of the apprenticeship program, candidates will be fast-tracked towards a new career as a Volvo Quality Technician or Hybrid Specialist at a participating Volvo Cars Retailer. Interested applicants can inquire further on the Volvo website.

Research Other Companies

There are quite a few other companies that offer similar training programs and even exhibit veteran-preferred hiring practices. The average male veteran makes an estimated annual salary of $42,000 and the average female veteran makes an estimated annual salary of $35,000. Veteran-only opportunities like this are valuable and afford a chance to truly impact one’s future in the workplace outside of the military.

Veterans Economic Recovery Act Bill Introduced

Posted 18 Jun 20 by Caroline Sposto

New Legislation for Veterans Economic Recovery Introduced

In an effort to get veterans and their spouses back to work so they can provide for themselves and their families, top Veterans Affairs lawmakers on Capitol Hill (Phil Roe, R-Tenn., Senate Veterans Affairs Chairman Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, Senate ranking member Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Rep. Mike Levin, D-Calif.), introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill on June 4, 2020 ––the Veterans Economic Recovery Act.

Veteran Unemployment Rises

As America grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, rising unemployment is an urgent concern. Veteran unemployment rose to nearly 12 percent in recent weeks. Female veterans have been hit particularly hard with unemployment at about 20 percent in April 2020.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, (BLS), some early estimates show as many as 1.2 million veterans in major industries could be affected by layoffs, furloughs, pay cuts, and permanent closures of businesses. In addition, the social isolation, anxiety, and demoralizing “left behind” feelings that accompany unemployment stand to hit veterans especially hard.

Aim is to Rapidly Retrain Veterans

This bill was designed to provide the shortest route possible to long-term solutions in the form of meaningful, sustainable work. Its overarching objective is to rapidly retrain veterans to ensure they have the knowledge and skill-sets to make a smooth, successful transition from military to civilian life, quickly reenter the workforce, and continue to thrive in the post-pandemic economy.

What Happens if the Legislation is Passed?

If the legislation is passed, it will provide up to 12 months of educational benefits to help veterans between the ages of 25 – 60 get training in high-demand fields through the Rapid Retraining Program.

The program is intended to mirror current post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits in its tuition funding and housing stipend. If the bill passes, it will be open to 35,000 unemployed veterans who lost their jobs due to the pandemic and are not eligible for any other VA educational programs. It will also expand the VET TEC program (Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses for Training Providers) to assist transitioning service members.

Who is Eligible for the Veterans Economic Recovery Act?

Veterans would need to meet the following criteria to be eligible.

Be between 25 and 60 years old.
Be unemployed on the day they apply for the program.
Have an honorable or other-than-honorable discharge.
Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit.
Not be enrolled in another federal or state job training program.
Not be receiving disability compensation for reasons that led to unemployability.
Not be receiving any unemployment benefit when they start training under the program.

According to lawmakers, members of the National Guard or Reserve activated under federal orders for coronavirus response would also be eligible for the program if they meet the other age, unemployment and discharge requirements.

Benefits of the Veterans Economic Recovery Act

Here are some important things to know about this proposed program:

1.) The benefits are non-transferable.

2.) The payments will be made as follows:

- 50% of the total amount at the start of the program of education.
- 25% upon completion of the program of education.
- 25% upon securing employment in a field related to the program of education.

3.) Any recipient who fails to complete the program of education they choose won’t be eligible to receive additional Veterans Economic Recovery Act funds for for another educational program.

If you’re in favor of The Veterans Economic Recovery Act, you can show your support by asking your Senators and Representative to cosponsor this legislation. This program already has the support of veteran service organizations including the: VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, WWP, Student Veterans, Blinded Veterans Association, Veterans Education Success, National Guard Association of the United States, and more.

For more on the program, here’s a pdf.

Take Ownership of Deployments

Posted 17 Jun 20 by Lori Waddell

Take Ownership of Deployments

Deployments are a fact of life for military families. They mean rearranging your family dynamic to accommodate a new, but temporary, way of life. Deployments can mean missing birthdays, holidays, and special occasions with your military member. However, they can also be a time of growth and opportunity to achieve personal and professional goals. What goals have you been putting off? A deployment might just be the perfect time to accomplish them.

Focusing on conquering your fitness, learning a new skill, being adventurous, and advancing your professional skills will allow you to look at deployment in a positive light. Use this time strategically to advance yourself both personally and professionally.

Ways to Own Your Deployment

Conquer Your Health and Fitness

Make your health a top priority during a deployment by tackling your health and fitness goals. If your fitness goal means getting back to the gym, then take advantage of your ability to use the installation’s fitness center. Fitness centers often offer free classes and group trainers, so be sure to inquire with the front desk staff. If home gyms are more your style, many fitness equipment companies offer military discounts on home gym items, so be sure to check their websites for details.

For those that have children, most installation’s fitness centers now offer a parent-child area, allowing you to workout with children in tow. If you prefer off base fitness centers, then be sure to research your local gyms to see if they offer a military discount. My Military Benefits has a great resource for discounts regarding gym memberships.

Learn Something New

Want to learn how to play an instrument or make stew from scratch? This is a perfect time to dive into learning a new skill or trying something new. Deployments often leave us with extra time on our hands or sleepless nights. Use that time to develop a skill you have been wanting to learn.

Check your local installation for group classes. Most installations have community centers that offer a wide range of activities, specifically designed for spouses such as painting, woodworking, sewing, cooking, fishing, hiking, geocaching, wine tasting, and much more.

Go on an Adventure

Depending on where you live and what time of year the deployment occurs, they can oftentimes become isolating, fight that urge and get out and explore. Exploring your city as a tourist is always a fun way to get out and experience new things in your area.

Installations have outdoor recreation facilities that offer discounts on trips or recreation equipment for military spouses during deployments, take advantage and go on a new adventure. Always check museums, children’s activity centers, and local tourist attractions for military discounts before heading out the door. Federal Parks also offer free military passes.

Advance Professionally

Family life can be hectic and time-consuming which leaves you with little to no time to take advantage of advanced certification courses or start college altogether. Deployments are a great opportunity to develop your professional skills. With many college courses and certifications offered online, it allows you the ability to fit them into your schedule.

With many resources available to military spouses going to college or getting a new certification is easier than ever. My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program consists of $4,000 in financial assistance towards an associate degree, certification, or licensing.

Deployments can be a rough time for military families, by taking control of your deployment and using that time strategically to accomplish your goals you can turn a deployment into a time of personal growth. Having something positive to focus on will help the time go by and is a great strategy to keep your spirits up during the tough times.

Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits: What You Need to Know

Posted 17 Jun 20 by Caroline Sposto

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits

The best strategies for financial health are staying informed and thinking proactively. Even if you‘re under 65, it‘s wise to do your homework now so you can make provisions for your anticipated needs. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Don‘t leave money on the table by overlooking valuable benefits that are rightfully yours. Two that are often-overlooked are Aid and Attendance (A&A), and Housebound benefits.

If you get a VA pension and have a permanent disability that leaves you primarily confined to your house, or to a nursing home, or makes it impossible for you to manage basic personal activities like bathing, eating, and dressing without help, you may be eligible for Aid and Attendance (A&A) or Housebound benefits that pay for assistance. Surviving spouses who are currently receiving monthly payments for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are also eligible.

These benefits are a supplemental monthly allowance paid in addition to the basic VA pension. It‘s important to understand that a VA pension and Military retirement pay aren‘t the same thing. Military retirement is based on years of service (not necessarily wartime). VA pension is based on wartime service (serving as little as one day during a wartime period counts), and financial need. You also must be honorably discharged and at least 65 years old.

Since September of 2018, eligibility for new VA pension claims have been based on household net worth, instead of household income. VA pensions are tiered according to the current Veterans‘s Pension Rate Tables and Survivor’s Pension Rate Tables. The thresholds of A&A and Housebound benefits are different. Before you can qualify for either, you have to establish your eligibility for a VA pension.

Aid and Attendance (or A&A) Benefits

A&A Benefits are designed for those eligible for the VA pension who have a permanent disability that diminishes their mobility, dexterity, and overall capability to manage their everyday needs by themselves. This includes those whose corrected eyesight is at a visual acuity of 5/200 or less.

Housebound Benefits

Housebound benefits are for those eligible for the VA pension who have a permanent disability evaluated as 100%, and are either permanently and substantially confined to their home, or have an additional disability, or disabilities, evaluated as 60% or greater.

Important: You can’t get both A&A benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time.

How to Apply For A&A or Housebound Benefits

You can apply for A&A or Housebound benefits either by mail or in person. If you want to apply by mail:

Send a completed VA form to your pension management center (PMC)

Fill out VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) and mail it to the PMC for your state. You can have your doctor fill out the examination information section.

Download VA Form 21-2680 (PDF)
Find your PMC

You can also include:

Other evidence, like a doctor’s report, that shows you need Aid and Attendance or Housebound care
Details about what you normally do during the day and how you get to places
Details that help show what kind of illness, injury, or mental or physical disability affects your ability to do things, like take a bath, on your own

If you’re in a nursing home, you’ll also need to fill out a Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance (VA Form 21-0779).
Download VA Form 21-0779 (PDF)

If you want to apply in person, you can bring your information to a VA regional office nearest you.

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) Overview

Posted 16 Jun 20 by Robert Haynes

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) is a Veterans’ Affairs insurance program that offers low-cost coverage to eligible service members. It is available to veterans who have service-connected disabilities. The basic coverage amount is up to $10,000.

Can you apply?

You can apply for S-DVI if all of the following conditions are true. You:

Were released from active duty on or after April 25, 1951, and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, and
Were rated for a service-connected disability (even if only 0%), and
Are in good health except for any service-connected conditions, and
Apply within two years from the date we grant your new service-connected disability.

As a note, the VA states that an increase of a disability rating (like, from 0% to 30%, for example), or a rating of Individual Unemployability, which indicates that you can’t work, does not qualify you for S-DVI.

For example, I applied for S-DVI in 2014 after I retired and received a 70% disability rating. I was turned down for coverage under this program because I suffered from stage 3 chronic kidney disease. I was not considered healthy enough for the program in light of my disabilities. I was able to appeal the decision and get the basic coverage for my family’s benefit.

Can I increase my coverage?

If you have an S-DVI policy and become totally disabled and are unable to work, you can apply for an increase of up to $30,000 in extra coverage. This extra insurance is called supplemental S-DVI coverage.

To be eligible for coverage you must first apply for the coverage within one year from the date you receive notice of the grant of waiver. The other eligibility requirement is that you be younger than 65 years old.

What if my discharge is not honorable?

Since an honorable discharge is a requirement for coverage under S-DVI, there are steps you can take if you fall into any other discharge category.

First, you can apply for a discharge upgrade through the VA. If you can show that your discharge was connected to any of the following categories, then you have a strong case for an upgrade:

Mental health conditions, including PTSD
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Sexual assault or harassment during military service
Sexual orientation (including the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy)

Their application page is strictly confidential, so the answers you put down in support of your discharge upgrade are protected.

Once your application is submitted, the time it takes to review and process depends on the content and evidence you submitted as justification for your upgrade. Once it is approved, though, you will receive a DD215, which will show corrections to the DD214. These two forms must remain together until you receive an updated DD214. They may not send you one automatically, but you can use this link to apply for one. Just select,

“I received a discharge upgrade or correction, but my upgrade came in the form of a DD215, and I want an updated DD214.”

How do I apply for this great S-DVI benefit?

If you meet the criteria listed above, then there are two ways you can apply.

Apply online for basic S-DVI coverage, or
Download VA Form 29-4364 (PDF), the Application for Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance

Once you’ve filled out the paper form, you can either

Fax it to (888) 748-5822, or
Mail it to:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Regional Office and Insurance Center (RH)

PO Box 7208

Philadelphia, PA 19101

How much are the premiums?

The monthly amount you will pay each month (the premium rate) depends on a few different factors:

Your age
The amount of insurance you want
The coverage plan requested

Check out VA Pamphlet 29-9 for information on the premium rates and policies. (Be advised, this document is the most current document posted on the VA’s website and was last revised in May 2012.)

Are there waivers for premiums?

Yes! Under certain circumstances, the basic S-DVI insurance policy will allow for the waiver of premiums for veterans who are totally disabled. A veteran who is totally disabled and obtains a waiver for the basic policy must still pay the premiums for the supplemental S-DVI policy discussed above.

In order to apply for these waivers, you must download, fill out, and sign a Claim for Disability Insurance, VA Form 29-357. When completed, mail the form to:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Regional Office and Insurance Center (WP)

P.O. Box 7208

Philadelphia, PA 19101

S-DVI Claim Assistance

If you have questions about the Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance or a VA life insurance policy that starts with a “V’, “RH”, “J”, “RS”, “K”, or “W”, call the VA Life Insurance Center at 800-669-8477 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST.

Does it Matter?

The need for life insurance is never a fun conversation to have. It requires an uncomfortable discussion of what will happen after someone passes away. My wife and I agree, especially after having six kids, that it is necessary to have coverage adequate enough to care for the costs associated with the burial and to allow for an easier financial transition by eliminating worry over debt during a time of mourning.

The VA offers some decision-making tools to help with this process, including a pretty awesome Life Insurance Needs Calculator that can help you remember areas of finance that you might overlook in the planning stages. I’ve used it in the past and found it to be a great benefit. It’s not hard to fill out, but you will need any current balances for debts, bank accounts, investments, and the current coverage amounts for any insurance policies you already have. I highly recommend using this as a starting point to assess your life insurance needs.

(Image credit: Courtney Keating via Getty Images)

Veterans’ Mortgage Life (VMLI) Overview

Posted 16 Jun 20 by Robert Haynes

Veterans’ Mortgage Life (VMLI)

If you have a service-connected disability that the VA concluded was caused or made worse by your service, you may be eligible for a Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) policy. In the event of your death, this insurance can help your family pay off the home mortgage that has been adapted to meet your needs as a result of your disability.

To get VMLI, you will need to apply for the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant, which is a grant that allows a veteran to buy, build, or change a home that facilitates greater independence in living. When you apply for the SAH grant, your loan guarantee agent will determine your eligibility for VMLI.

VMLI Eligibility

All of the following criteria must be met for VMLI eligibility:

You have a severe disability that was determined by the VA to have been caused or exacerbated by your military service, and
You’ve received an SAH grant to buy, build, or make changes to a home, and
You have the title of the home, and
You have a mortgage on the home, and
You are under 70 years old

Benefits and details of a VMLI policy

The money will be paid directly to the bank or lender that holds the mortgage
The amount of coverage will equal the amount still owed on the mortgage, not to exceed $200,000
VMLI is a decreasing-term insurance, meaning that your coverage amount goes down as your mortgage balance goes down. If you pay off your mortgage, the VMLI coverage will end.
The VMLI policy has no cash value and does not pay dividends.

How to Apply

As mentioned above, you will need to have already been approved for a Specially Adapted Housing grant. If you already have an SAH grant, ask your agent about getting a VMLI policy.

They will help you fill out the Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance Statement, VA Form 29-8636. Keep in mind that you must apply for the VMLI before you turn 70.

How much does it cost?

As with most insurance policies, your VMLI premium will be based on various factors, including:

Your age
The current balance of your mortgage loan
How many mortgage payments are needed to pay off the mortgage
The amount of VMLI coverage you need

The VA has a VMLI Premium Calculator that you can use to get an estimate of your monthly premium.

What if something changes?

The home covered by the VMLI policy must be your primary residence, meaning where you live most of the time.

To keep your VMLI coverage, you must inform the VA if you:

Move
Transfer your mortgage from one lender to another
Liquidate your mortgage (foreclosure, bankruptcy, etc.)
Refinance the home, which changes the terms of your loan
Sell your property

If any of these changes apply, send a notice of the changes to:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Regional Office and Insurance Center

P.O. Box 7208 (VMLI)

Philadelphia, PA 19101

As with any insurance policy, it is ideal to check things out from time to time. If you want to check your VMLI policy, or any other VA insurance policy, head over to the VA’s online insurance access page.

(Image courtesy of Alexander Stein via Pixabay.com)

Top Virtual Jobs for Education Professionals OCONUS

Posted 16 Jun 20 by Chelsea Bostelman

Top Virtual Jobs for Education Professionals OCONUS

Degrees in education are among the most portable careers for military spouses. A shortage of qualified professionals contributes to a high demand for educators in the US.

Challenges related to license transfer from state to state can delay portability within the US. Employment landscape – employer requirements, local salary rates, and local level of education professional shortages – can vary significantly from region to region.

Barriers to Employment OCONUS

The list of barriers faced by spouses with education degrees becomes daunting in the OCONUS setting. Requirements to secure or renew a professional license are often vague or nonexistent for spouses moving out of the country.

Similar to spouses with healthcare degrees, education professionals face barriers related to working on a foreign economy – like SOFA agreements and language barriers. Read a more detailed outline of barriers here.

USAJobs and DoDEA Employment Application System Abyss

Staff and educational support positions – like substitute teachers, tutors, or teacher aid positions – are listed on USAJobs. This official employment site of the Federal Government has a reputation for being a major hurdle for finding employment.

DoDEA teaching vacancies are not listed on USAJobs. Strangely, they are not truly listed on the DoDEA Employment Application System either. It is through this system, however, where applications for DoDEA teaching jobs are submitted. Both USAJobs and DoDEA Employment Application Systems contain complex processes that create employment barriers for spouses.

Fortunately, online discussion boards, like the DODD Teachers Chatboard, can assist in better understanding the barriers involved in securing employment as a DoDEA teacher.

Barriers to Completing an Education Degree

Many spouses choose to continue their education through online programs. Paying for a college education while facing unemployment is not ideal.

Most teacher education programs require some amount of student teaching or internship.

Completing these requirements may involve additional steps when compared to completing the same requirements within the US. Your institution must enter an agreement with DoDDS and only minimal information on student teaching can be found on the DoDEA website.

Top Jobs for Educational Professionals OCONUS

For spouses with education degrees living OCONUS, maintaining a career can be nerve-racking – especially for families that rely on two incomes. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to utilize your training and supplement your income.

Tutoring

Multiple organizations hire tutors to provide virtual one on one support for students preparing to take tests like the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, and advanced placement tests. Organizations with 100% remote and flexible positions include Arbor Bridge.

Countless organizations hire tutors or instructors for students learning English. Online tutoring options are available through organizations like Rosetta Stone, VIPKid, and Learnship.

Content Expert

Organizations like Freedom Learning Group are dedicated to providing career opportunities for underemployed military spouses. They do this by harnessing the expertise of spouses across the globe to develop educational content like developing test questions and writing content for textbooks. Jobs through Freedom Learning Group are 100% remote and can be filled by anyone living anywhere in the world.

Proofreader

Cambridge Proofreading is an organization that hires subject experts across the globe who hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Editors and proofreaders work remotely to improve various documents – like theses, manuscripts, essays, etc.

Education Writer

Writing – typically on a freelance basis – provides an opportunity to work remotely from anywhere. Similar to content or subject matter experts, education writers create original content for various platforms. In addition to writing content for websites, magazines, or training materials, teachers can sell education content through platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers or Outschool.

Think Temporary

Spouses experiencing an OCONUS employment landscape need to be kind to themselves. Continuing any career in this setting may feel like a giant ripple or a screeching halt. Chances are this experience is temporary. Perhaps an OCONUS living provides an opportunity to explore something new or think outside the box. The US Education system will need you when you return!

Blended Retirement System (BRS): An Overview

Posted 15 Jun 20 by Julie Provost

The Blended Retirement System (BRS) was created with the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act.

What is the Blended Retirement System (BRS)?

The Blended Retirement System, or BRS, is a new military retirement system.

The new system blends the traditional legacy retirement pension with a defined contribution benefit.

This benefit is applied to the service member’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account.

The Blended Retirement System went into effect on January 1st, 2018.

The BRS was one of the most significant changes to the compensation system since World War Two.

Eligibility for Blended Retirement System

Your eligibility depends on when you joined the service.

If you:

joined on or after January 1st, 2018, you are automatically enrolled into the BRS. That will be your retirement plan.
have served on active duty with 12+ years before December 31st, 2017, you will be grandfathered into the legacy retirement system. Nothing will change for you.
have served on active duty with less than 12 years, as of December 31st, 2017, you are grandfathered under the legacy retirement system but may choose to opt into the BRS. The opt-in period is from January 1st-December 31st, 2018. You will not be moved to the BRS unless you request to do so.
are a cadet or a midshipman attending a service academy as of December 31st, 2017, or if you are in the Reserve Officer Training Program, and have a signed contract as of December 31, 2017, you’re also grandfathered under the legacy retirement system.
If your commissioning date or when you will be placed in pay status occurs after the 2018 opt-in window, you’ll have 30 days upon commissioning to opt-in to the BRS. If you enter an academy or sign your service contract on or after January 1st, 2018, your retirement plan will be the BRS.
are in the reserves or national guard and have accrued more than 4,320 retirement points as of December 31st, 2017, you will be grandfathered into the legacy retirement system, and nothing will change.
have accrued fewer than the 4,320 retirement points as of December 31st, 2017, you will be grandfathered into the legacy retirement system but can choose to opt-in to the BRS.
The BRS won’t change how you accrue retirement points or when you can retire.

Defined Benefit

The BRS provides a defined benefit. So this means that it is a monthly pension for life. You will receive this benefit after 20 years or more of active duty service. How much you receive depends on how long you have served. The longer you do, the higher your benefit.
The BRS uses a multiplier to figure out how much money you will receive. This would be 2.0% times the years served times the average of your highest 36 months of basic pay. For example, if you have served 20 years, you would receive 40% of the average of your highest 36 months of basic pay. If you served for 25 years, you would receive 50%, and so on.
The Defined Benefit also has an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (more commonly referred to as COLA).

Defined Contribution

The Defined Contribution is a way for you to save for retirement, whether you plan to stay in the service for two or 20 years. The Blended Retirement System will provide government benefits toward retirement through your Thrift Savings Plan. This offers you access to a mix of investment funds through contribution to a traditional (pre-tax) retirement account, a Roth (after-tax) retirement account, or a combination of both.
If you were automatically enrolled in the BRS because you joined after January 1st, 2018, you would need to wait 60 days before the 1% Service Automatic Contribution will begin. You will start to do so immediately, if you opt in instead.
If you were automatically enrolled in the BRS because you joined after January 1st, 2018, you would need to wait two years before you start Service Matching Contributions. You will be able to start receiving them immediately if you elect to opt in instead. Your service will match up to an additional 4% of your basic pay. For example, if you put in 3%, you would have a total of 7%. 3% from what you put in, 1% for the Service Automatic Contribution, and 3% Service Matching Contribution.

Continuation Pay

Through the Blended Retirement System, you are eligible to receive Continuation Pay. Continuation Pay is a one-time, mid-career bonus payment in exchange for an agreement to perform additional obligated service. Your specific service will determine your commitment, which will be a minimum of three years.
The money is payable between the completion of 8 years of service, but before you hit the completion of 12 years of service. This is based on your pay entry base date.
You are eligible for this if you are active duty. This includes AGR (Active Guard Reserve) and FTS, (Full Time Support.) National Guard and Reserves is also eligible.
The amount for active duty can be from 2.5 to 13 times your regular pay. Your taxable contribution pay can place you in a higher income bracket. You can then split it up into four equal payments over four years to avoid that.
If you are in the National Guard or Reserves, you can also do Continuation Pay. This will require that you agree to perform additional obligated service. You would receive between 0.5 to 6 times the monthly basic pay of an active duty service member, in the same pay grade.

Lump Sum

Under BRS, you may be eligible to elect to receive a discounted portion of your retirement pay upfront.
If you opt for a lump sum, you will need to decide if you want 25 or 50% of your future payments at retirement. You may receive one lump sum or equal annual payments, one a year for up to four years. Monthly retired pay reverts to the full amount at full social security retirement age, which is usually 67 years old.
The lump sum of 25 or 50% is discounted to the present value. Therefore a lifetime of equal, personal, monthly payments is usually worth more.

The Blended Retirement System will be the new way of retirement when it comes to the military. While some are still grandfathered in, new recruits will automatically be enrolled in the BRS.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Everything You Need to Know

Posted 15 Jun 20 by Julie Provost

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees.

The plan is also available for members of the uniformed services, including the Ready Reserve.

The Thrift Savings Plan was established by Congress in the Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986. The TSP offers the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations provide their employees under their 401-K plans.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

The retirement income that you will receive from your TSP will depend on how much you can put into your account during your working years and earnings over time. The TSP will be a supplement to your retired military pay.

Who Administers the Thrift Savings Plan?

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is who administers the TSP.

How Much Can You Contribute?

Uniformed service members elect a percentage of their pay up to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) which is $18,500 for 2018. Once this is set up, it will renew every year at the same percentage until the service member elects otherwise.
If the uniformed service member is 50 years old or older, they can do what is called a “catch-up” contribution up to the code limitation, which was $6,000 for 2018. These are tax-deferred and allow eligible participants to defer up to $24,500 for 2018 in their TSP accounts. These do not automatically renew every year.
Service members are allowed to make their contributions from basic pay as well as incentive, special, or bonus pay but are subject to regular contribution limits.
If the service member is deployed to a designated combat zone, they are subject to the combat zone tax exclusion. That means that those payments made to the TSP while deployed are tax-exempt and accrue tax-deferred earnings. These TSP payments will not be subject to the IRC elective deferral limit but they are combined with tax-deferred contributions that are made and are subject to the IRC section 415 (c ) annual additions limit of $55,000 for 2018.
If a service member is also a civilian federal employee, they will have two separate TSP accounts, but they can not exceed the IRC elective deferral or catch-up limits.
Service members are eligible for matching contributions only if the secretary of their specific service designates them. This currently isn’t the case but did happen from April 1st, 2006- December 31st, 2018 and would be something to be aware of if it is allowed again in the future.

Withdrawing From Your Thrift Savings Plan

A partial withdrawal allows service members to make a one time only withdrawal and leave the rest of the money in the TSP until a later date.

You can do so if:

You have not made a prior partial withdrawal or have one that is currently pending and
You did not make an age-based in-service withdrawal while you were still in the uniform services and
You request $1,000 or more from your account.

Full Withdrawals

A full withdrawal is where you can take all of your money out at once, over a period of time, or purchase an annuity that will give you payments for the rest of your life. If you are a uniformed service member, you might also have tax-exempt contributions in your traditional balance if you had served in a combat zone. Those contributions, not the earnings from them, are exempt from federal income taxes when distributed. There will be a tax on the earnings.

In-Service Withdrawals

In-service withdrawals are when you make the withdrawal from your TSP account while you are still actively serving in the uniformed services. There are two types, financial hardship, and age-based.

You can’t return or repay the money you remove from your TSP account.
You are subject to income taxes on the withdrawal except on any tax-exempt portion, Roth contributions, or qualified Roth earnings. With a hardship withdrawal, you may be subject to the IRS 10% early withdrawal penalty tax.
If you have a financial hardship withdrawal, you will not be able to make contributions for six months.
If you are married service member, your spouse must sign a consent waiver before you can do an in-service withdrawal.

TSP Loans

TSP loans will allow you to borrow money from your account while in the service.

You can get a general one for any purpose that you will need to pay back within 1-5 years.

You can also get a resident loan used for the purchase or construction of a home that will be your primary residence.

You will need to pay back between 1-15 years.

How To Set Up Your TSP Accounts

BRS Members of the Uniformed Services

For those who began serving on or after January 1st, 2018, your service automatically enrolled you. You would have been enrolled once you served 60 days.

3% of your basic pay is deducted each pay period and deposited in the traditional balance of your TSP account. You can elect to change or stop your contributions.

Non-BRS Members of the Uniformed Services

If you are not covered by the Blended Retirement System (BRS) your account is established by your service.

This occurs after you make a contribution election using your service’s automated system (for example, My Pay).

Returning Members

If you were previously in the BRS plan before you left the service, you would be automatically re-enrolled when you re-enter the military.

If you were not in the BRS plan, and you served fewer than 12 years when you left, your service may give you the opportunity to opt-in when you reenter.

If neither of these situations applies to you, you can still start a TSP account or resume as a non-BRS service member.

The Individual Funds

The Thrift Savings Plan has five individual investment funds –

The Government Securities Investment (G) Fund
The Fixed Income Index Investment (F) Fund
The Common Stock Index Investment (C) Fund
The Small Capitalization Stock Index (S) Fund
International Stock Index Investment (I) Fund

There is a lot of information when it comes to having a Thrift Savings Plan. Contributing to yours over the years can help you immensely once you are retired from the military.

Make sure to take advantage of what the TSP can offer you for your financial future.

Maximize Your TSP Retirement Fund

Posted 15 Jun 20 by Hannah Heine

Maximizing Your Thrift Savings Plan Retirement Fund

All government employees are uniquely positioned to set themselves up for a great retirement. How? Through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP offers the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations provide their employees under their 401-K plans. (Learn the full ins and outs of the TSP here.) Not sure how to best utilize your TSP? Here are some tips…

Why Is The TSP So Great?

The government doesn’t have a 401-K plan or normal retirement funds like an IRA or Roth IRA. (In 2020, the limit for contribution to your Roth IRA is $6,000.) However, the limit for contributions for the TSP in 2020 is $19,500.

Basically, the more you contribute to your TSP, the better off you’ll be when it comes time to tap into your retirement savings. If your retirement fund has a higher limit for contributions, you’ll be able to save more.

How to Make The Most Of Your TSP

‘Maxing out’ or contributing the full limit to your TSP ($19,500) year after year is the best way to make the most of your TSP retirement fund. Nothing seems to be guaranteed anymore and that is why we suggest taking matters into your own hands and preparing for retirement yourself by getting as close to maxing out your TSP yearly.

“I Can’t Afford To Put $19,500 Away”

Not everyone is going to be able to save $19,500 every year because of life situations, income level, etc. However, by starting to put away as much money per year into your TSP as early as you can is going to significantly help you when you are looking to retire.

Life situations change. This year might not be the year for you to start investing heavily because of car payments, but maybe next year you are getting a raise or a promotion. Put some or most (if you can) of that raise into your TSP instead of increasing spending.

How to Contribute Effectively

Set up automatic payments that transfer money from your bank account to your brokerage account regularly, such as every two weeks or once a month. This way, smaller increments of money are being put away as opposed to one large chunk of money all at once. This way you can also become accustomed to & comfortable with regularly saving smaller amounts, if you aren’t already.

Setting up these periodic contributions has another benefit, too. You’re adopting the practice of “dollar-cost averaging.” That’s when you buy investments in small periodic payments, rather than in one big lump sum. Doing this means you buy no matter what is going on in the market and over time (we’re talking long-term here) the differences in prices eventually average out.

The opposite of “dollar-cost averaging” is “market timing.” Market timing is when people try to figure out when prices are low, thus indicating the best time to buy. The problem is that no one will actually know when the best time is, so it’s best to dollar-cost average and set your sights on long-term retirement savings.

What Will $19,500 Saved Be Worth At Retirement Age?

The average return on investment over the long term for someone investing for retirement is 7%. (That means that some years will be better than 7% and some will be worse, but by the time you retire you are likely to have had an average of 7% return on investment each year.)

Let’s say you invest $19,500 in your TSP for 2020 and don’t touch it or add to it for 35 years. That $19,500 is projected to be worth $208,193.34 based on a 7% yearly return. That’s a lot of money. But if you can’t ‘max out’ or invest to the $19,500 cap that doesn’t mean that you can’t still reap major investment payouts. A single investment of $10,000 in 2020 that sits for 35 years is projected to be worth $106,765.81.

Investing in your future (literally) is extremely important to have a comfortable retirement. Why not take advantage of the ability to put more away for your future when given the opportunity?

What If I Wait 20 Years To Start Investing In Retirement?

Every year that you don’t put money in your TSP (even if it isn’t a lot), you’re missing out on money that your money makes for you by just being invested.

For example, if you invest that same $19,500 that we spoke about earlier and invest in into your TSP 20 years from now (we’re pretending that from 2020 you can retire in 35 years) it will only have 15 years to sit in the stock market. After 15 years, that one-time investment of $19,500 will be worth $53,801.12.

Compare that $53,801.12 to the previously mentioned $208,193.34 that your one time investment could be worth if you invest $19,500 into your TSP this year.

How Much Are You Putting Away For 2020?

Now is a great time to check your retirement investment totals as well as your disposable income. Could you increase your investments slightly to get you closer to ‘maxing out’ your yearly contribution? Tip: You have until the tax filing deadline, April 15, 2020, to contribute to your TSP for 2019 (whose limit is $19,000.) You have until the tax filing deadline, April 15, 2021, to contribute to your TSP for 2020.

Service Members Now Have More Options to Invest in TSP

Posted 15 Jun 20 by Sarah Schlicht

Service Members Now Have More Options to Invest in TSP

The Thrift Savings Plan will retire one fund and add six new funds on July 1^st. The six new TSP options consist of L Funds or lifecycle funds which are crafted to allow investors to balance returns and risk on their TSP portfolio of holdings.

Five Main Funds

Servicemembers and others who qualify can choose to invest in five main funds:

G Fund

Offers the least risky option and while you won’t lose money with this investment, the rate of return is the lowest. The G Fund invests in government securities.

F Fund

This fund is low risk but offers little by rate of return. The F Fund invests in US government mortgage-backed corporate and government bonds. Bonds increase in value as the stock markets go down.

C Fund

Riskier than the G and F Funds, but the rate of return is higher because the funds invest in the stock market. The stocks consist of S&P 500 Index (Standard and Poor’s 500) which is a mix of stocks of 500 large to medium-sized US companies. When these stocks go up, so does the investment return but the reverse is also true.

S Fund

This fund is riskier than the C Fund. It invests in the stock market as well but not in larger companies. It invests in smaller companies, not in the S&P 500. When the stock market goes up so does the investment return and vice versa.

I Fund

The riskiest fund as it invests in international stock markets.

L Funds

The L funds were designed to help participants reallocate their investments more easily as they work towards retirement. This is achieved by combining various investments from the five main fund options.

There are five L funds with different retirement goal dates. As the retirement goal date nears, the L funds automatically adjust their holdings to become increasingly conservative. These investment fund types are also known as target-date funds because they reallocate participant investments regularly based on the retirement goal date.

L Funds Designed to Work By Themselves

Whether TSP participants are deployed or just casually investing, they may not have time to closely monitor their mix of investments and now there is no need to. The funds are beneficial to military members because they are designed to work by themselves once they are set up and don’t require rebalancing every quarter.

The new plan allows L Funds to be divided by 5 years instead of 10. The more precise division of funds gives participants more room for adjustments to maximize their investment performance while maintaining the safety of their money and not having to micro-manage their portfolio mix.

New TSP 2020 L Fund Options

Selection By Date of Birth and Retirement Year

L 2025 Fund

This fund is created for those born between 1958 and 1964
Those who plan to start withdrawing from their TSP account between 2021 and 2027

L 2030 Fund

For those born between 1965 and 1969
Plan to start withdrawing from their TSP account between 2028 and 2032.

L 2035 Fund

Created for those born between 1970 and 1974
Plan to start withdrawing from their TSP account between 2033 and 2037

L 2040 Fund

This fund is created for those born between 1975 and 1979
Plan to start withdrawing from their TSP account between 2038 and 2042

L 2045 Fund

For those born between 1980 and 1984
Plan to start withdrawing from their TSP account between 2043 and 2047.

L 2050 Fund

Created for those born between 1985 and 1989
Plan to start withdrawing from their TSP account between 2048 and 2052

L 2055 Fund

This fund is created for those born between 1990 and 1994
Plan to start withdrawing from their TSP account between 2053 and 2057

L 2060 Fund

For those born between 1994 and 1999
Plan to start withdrawing from their TSP account between 2058 and 2062.

L 2065 Fund

Created for those born after 1999
Plan to start withdrawing from their TSP account after 2062

L Income Fund

This fund is created for those born before 1958
Those currently withdrawing from their TSP account

Many participants and most new participants have invested automatically into the L Fund most appropriate to their age. Anyone wishing to make changes to their investment fund can log in to the TSP website after July 1 to make adjustments.

Source

USTRANSCOM Revokes $7 Billion PCS Contract

Posted 15 Jun 20 by Justin Fisher

Contract Revoked for Privatizing PCS Moves

There has been increasing pressure on defense officials to improve household goods moves for military families, and to hold moving companies accountable. Officials at U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) have been considering several ideas and suggestions to improve the process.

USTRANSCOM is a unified, functional combatant command which provides support to the ten other U.S. combatant commands, the military services, defense agencies and other government organizations, and is the executive agency for military household goods moves. However, the attempt to privatize military household goods moves has recently hit a delay. In a report by Military Times, a $7.2 billion contract for outsourcing the management of moving service members’ household goods has been pulled back by the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM ). USTRANSCOM officials are reviewing reported allegations made by “an interested party,” according to USTRANSCOM spokesman Michael Walton. “An interested party has presented USTRANSCOM with information that they believe should have been considered in the Global Household Goods Contract award decision. USTRANSCOM intends to take corrective action to consider this new information, gather facts and conduct a review of the award,” he said, in a statement. Protests were filed with the Government Accountability Office by two of the unsuccessful bidders on the contract — HomeSafe Alliance, LLC and Connected Global Solutions, LLC.

The contract, which was awarded to American Roll-On, Roll-Off Carrier Group (ARC), of Parsippany, N.J., was to cover a nine-month transition period and three-year base period. But if all the options are exercised, the contract will be worth about $20 billion over nine years. According to its website, ARC provides global logistics and shipping services to the U.S. Government. ARC is part of the Norwegian company Wallenius Wilhelmsen and operates the largest U.S.-flag fleet of roll-on, roll-off vessels. This includes providing American-owned, managed, and crewed Ro-Ro shipping and intermodal services committed to the requirements of the Department of Defense, other U.S. Government departments and agencies, and commercial customers.

The ARC contract award is the first time the Pentagon has outsourced household goods and delivery system management. The contract is aimed at fixing military families’ long-standing problems with damaged household goods, and other frustrations with movers, and puts management of the moving process in the hands of a consortium of private companies. All household goods moves conducted before February, 2021 will continue under the current system.

But instead, U.S. TRANSCOM on June 9 notified the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of a request to take corrective action on the contract. The GAO oversees government contract protests and disputes. “If approved, U.S. U.S. TRANSCOM will review the entire evaluation record, to include reviewing the reported allegations along with gathering additional facts. We anticipate the corrective action to be complete in the coming weeks,” Walton said.

“The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) has decided to take corrective action in response to protests of the contract awarded under Solicitation No. HTC711-19-R-R004,” ARC spokesman Charles Diorio said in a statement to Military.com. “This is a standard process available through the U.S. Government Accountability Office to ensure U.S. TRANSCOM followed the terms of the solicitation and applicable acquisition regulations,” Diorio said of the protests in a news release posted to ARC’s website May 28. “With large government contracts, it is not unexpected that unsuccessful bidders protest the award. We have no reason to believe that the protest process will change the ultimate outcome of the award.”

“Corrective action occurs in a substantial number of GAO protests where an agency determines that it would like to address potential issues in the record or raised by the protests,” said Charles Diorio, spokesman for ARC. “U.S. TRANSCOM will re-evaluate proposals and render a new award decision.”

ARC is the lead in the contract. The Team ARC consortium includes UniGroup, a $1.7 billion transportation company and the parent of United Van Lines, and Mayflower Transit; Suddath, a company that moves about 30,000 military members a year; Atlas World Group, the parent company of Atlas Van Lines, Inc. and Atlas World Group International; The Pasha Group, which has moved military members since 1947; and Deloitte.

According to a Justice Department press release from July, 2016 Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics pleaded guilty to price fixing and paid a $98.9 million criminal fine for its involvement in a conspiracy to fix prices of international ocean shipments of roll-on, roll-off cargo to and from the Port of Baltimore and other locations in the United States. No statements were provided by USTRANSCOM or ARC on if the Justice Department’s press release influenced the revoking of the contract.

Sam’s Club Limited Time Military Offer

Posted 12 Jun 20 by Lori Waddell

Limited Time Sam’s Club Special Military Offer

What is the Sam’s Club Military Discount?

Technically, they don’t offer a discount. However, Sam’s Club is offering a limited time promotional $30 gift card for a new Sam’s Club or Sam’s Business Membership exclusively for active duty, former U.S. military members, and their spouses.

The offer is valid through July 31, 2020 and is for one-time use only. Sam’s Club Membership fees are $45 and consists of a 12-month membership subscription.

Who is Eligible for the Sam’s Club Military Discount?

Active duty military
Veterans
Spouses of active duty or former military member

You must be 18 or older to purchase a membership.

Verification Process

Sam’s Club verifies eligible members through id.me, a website used by businesses to verify military status or affiliation. After completing the verification process, you can complete your Sam’s Club registration online through id.me to receive this special offer.

How to Receive the Discount

Within 5 days of signing up for the membership, you will receive an e-mail, to the e-mail used to register for the new membership, containing an e-gift card code. The $30 e-gift card code is redeemable online.

Some Limitations and Restrictions Apply

No substitutions or rain checks
No cash value
Cannot use the e-gift card code for membership fees or on select services
Must be used within 30 days of signing up for the membership
Cannot be combined with other offers or promotions
Walmart and Sam’s Club Associates are not eligible for this promotional offer
Valid in U.S. clubs, excluding Puerto Rico

Does Sam’s Club Normally Have a Military Discount?

Again, while not technically a discount, when you join or renew your membership as an active duty, former U.S. military member, or spouse, you qualify for a free $10 gift card.

Sam’s Club Member Benefits

Free shipping on most items for Plus members
Cash rewards
Early shopping
Savings on medications
Sam’s Club Credit
Instant savings
Free health screenings
Daily “Tastes & Tips” sampling demonstrations
Members-only savings on fuel

About Sam’s Club

There is a total of 598 Sam’s Club locations in the United States, find a store near you by using the Find a Club locator. You can sign up for a new Sam’s Club or Sam’s Business Membership to receive your special limited time offer here.

> Never miss a military discount! Sign up to receive the Military and Veteran Discounts newsletter direct to your inbox FREE!

Basic Training for Taxes for Military

Posted 12 Jun 20 by Caroline Sposto

Basic Training for Tax Time for Military

Taxes are due on July 15, 2020, though if you’re serving in a combat zone, you have additional time to file. Whether you have one month or several before your deadline, taking these steps can help you make sure you don’t overpay.

Earned Income Tax Credits

See if you’re eligible for any Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC).

Understand Your Combat Pay Exclusion

Money earned in combat zones recognized by the IRS, is usually tax exempt. You shouldn’t have to do anything to receive the combat service exclusion, but if it isn’t reflected on your W-2, contact your military pay office ASAP so they can make that correction and send you an amended W-2.

Know Which Income Is Taxable vs Non-taxable

In general, Taxable Income includes: non-combat pay wages, bonus, and incentive money, and student loan repayment from specific programs.

Non-taxable income includes:

Allowances received for living and family expenses
uniforms
death expenditures
moving and travel costs
group-term life insurance
professional education

Take Advantage of Travel & Lodging Deductions

If you travel more than 100 miles and stay overnight as a National Guard member or Armed Forces reservist, you can deduct those expenses – even if you don’t itemize.

You can also deduct 50% of the cost of your meals while traveling, but be sure to not deduct more for food and lodging expenses than your per diem rate allows. Those rates are updated annually, and vary by state.

Deduct Any and All Non-reimbursed Moving Expenses

Even if you don’t itemize. (Military moves don’t have to meet the distance or time requirements of civilian moves before they’re deductible.)

Decide to Take the Standard Deduction or Itemize

Determine your Standard Deduction and then figure out whether or not your legal itemized deductions add up to more. Choose the option that works in your favor.

Typical itemized deductions include:

Home mortgage interest
Property, state, and local income taxes, (and in some cases, sales tax)
Medical and Dental expenses
Charitable contributions
Miscellaneous itemized deductions including the cost of purchase, cleaning, and maintenance of your military uniforms.

Decide Whether Keep Your Home Residency State

If you move for military reasons, you can keep your permanent legal residence in your home state, or choose the new state. Generally when you live in a state that collects income tax, but keep residency in a state that doesn’t, you don’t have to pay income tax in the new state. If income tax is withheld from your paycheck, you can file a nonresident return with that state to receive a refund.

Your Spouse Needs to Decide State Residency

Military spouses can either claim same state of legal residence as their partner, or claim the state they’re living in. In certain cases they’re allowed to claim the state of legal residence they had before marriage. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) you won’t be double taxed if your spouse works and is taxed in one state and has a permanent legal residence in another.

Important: SCRA doesn’t apply to military children. If they’re filing state income taxes, they need to file in the state where they live.

To decide which strategy works to your advantage, you’ll need to compare state income tax rates.

The states with no personal income tax are: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

Tennessee and New Hampshire have no personal income tax on wages – though there is tax on interest and dividend income.

For more information on taxes, you can review this newly-revised IRS tax guide for members of the armed forces. Whether you’re planning to file your taxes on your own, or with the help of a professional tax preparer, here are some additional tax information and tax preparation resources you’ll find worthwhile.

OCONUS Jobs for Healthcare Professionals

Posted 11 Jun 20 by Chelsea Bostelman

Top 3 Jobs for Healthcare Professionals OCONUS

Healthcare degrees tend to be inherently portable. An aging population and shortage of healthcare professionals across the country results in a high demand for this field.

Within the US, challenges related to license transfer from state to state can delay portability. The employment landscape – requirements for different employers, local salary rates, and local levels of healthcare worker shortages – can vary significantly from region to region.

Barriers to Employment OCONUS

The list of barriers faced by spouses with healthcare degrees becomes daunting in the OCONUS setting. Requirements to secure or renew a professional license are often vague or nonexistent for spouses moving out of the country.

Working on a Foreign Economy

This is one of the most obvious barriers for military spouses seeking employment OCONUS. It sounds adventurous, an opportunity to learn about healthcare in another country. The following factors must be considered.

Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA) – These agreements between the US and the host nation define what rights and privileges military families have while living in a foreign country. Depending on the specific agreement, working in the host nation may require multiple extra steps – if it is allowed at all.
Language Barriers – Although some spouses have a second language before moving OCONUS and the rare opportunity to work without speaking a second language may exist – proficiency in a foreign language is typically necessary. Achieving the level of B1 according to the Common European Framework is a common requirement – and that takes time!
Differences in Healthcare Structure – While the US generally functions as a third-party payor healthcare system, many OCONUS destinations have something closer to universal healthcare. Although they often carry the same name, healthcare roles can look very different from country to country.

For those seeking to learn a new language – utilize the free MWR library resources or military and student discounts for Rosetta Stone.

The USAJobs Abyss

Considering the uphill battle for working on a foreign economy, more traditional employment may be available through a US military installation. USAJobs is likely the most common avenue for employment – though opportunities through contracting companies may also be available.

USAJobs is the Federal Government’s official employment site. Frustration is a common reaction to navigating the application and hiring process using this system. Some reasons why include:

Unusual Resume Expectations – While most resumes are 1-2 pages long and succinctly hit the highlights, a USA Jobs resume is far more detail oriented and longer.
Complex Automated Systems – Many agencies rely on an automated system to identify key words and select the best candidates. Without fully understanding how this system selects candidates, creating a resume that the system will pull is difficult.
Eligibility is Independent of Qualification – What? While a person may be qualified – or even overqualified – they must fall into a hiring path to be considered eligible.
Competitive Nature OCONUS – What do you get when 50 unemployed healthcare professionals apply for one of five annual job vacancies? Competition. Though poorly documented, the unemployment rates among military spouses in OCONUS communities is arguably higher than within the US. This is true for vacancies through USAJobs and contracting companies.

Fortunately, USAJobs offers recurring, free, virtual webinars to help applicants tackle writing a federal resume and navigating USAJobs. Deeper understanding of the USAJobs system increases the likelihood that a resume will actually make it into the hands of a hiring manager.

Protected Healthcare Data

Just because a job is advertised as remote or called telehealth/telemedicine does not mean that the person filling that role can work from anywhere. Data security and HIPPA laws often restrict eligible applicants to a specific region within the US. Many telehealth/telemedicine jobs require employees to report to a call center. Jobs may also be advertised as remote, but still require the employee to report to work a percentage of the time.

Barriers to Completing a Healthcare Degree

Many healthcare professionals choose to continue their education through online programs. College is expensive and paying for it while you face unemployment is not ideal. Obtaining a healthcare degree often requires clinical hours – hands-on practice that supports learning. While it isn’t impossible to complete clinicals while living OCONUS, it does depend on finding a facility that supports students, an agreement between the facility and your school, and identifying a qualified preceptor.

To explore this further, contact the education department at a local military treatment facility. A good network can also help identify and navigate local options.

RELATED: Search colleges with Healthcare degrees at CollegeRecon

Top 3 Jobs for Healthcare Professionals OCONUS

For spouses anticipating a move to or already living in an OCONUS location, hurdling this list of barriers can be intimidating – and scary for families that rely on two incomes. Fortunately, there are some options to continue a career in healthcare.

Content or Subject Matter Expert

Companies like Freedom Learning Group are dedicated to providing career opportunities for underemployed military spouses. They do this by harnessing the expertise of military spouses across the globe to develop educational content like developing test questions and writing content for textbooks. Jobs through Freedom Learning Group company are 100% remote and can be filled by anyone living anywhere in the world.

Health Writer

Health writing affords an opportunity to work remotely from anywhere. Similar to content or subject matter experts, health writers create health-related content. Health writing is often done on a freelance basis. The Savvy Scribe is one platform to learn more about launching a career as a health writer – learn more by listening to the podcast.

Educator

An ongoing shift to distance education may provide opportunities for spouses with healthcare degrees to work remotely as course instructors. Start by searching fully online institutions like American Public University System or Wester Governor’s University. Then dig for leads teaching subjects like Medical Terminology or Anatomy and Physiology.

These options require more effort than a traditional job search, but can provide supplemental income. Remember to keep in mind the differences in time zones. Networking will be extremely beneficial when searching for virtual and remote jobs available to OCONUS spouses.

Think Temporary

Spouses experiencing an OCONUS employment landscape need to be kind to themselves. Continuing a healthcare career in this setting may feel like a giant ripple or a screeching halt. Chances are this experience is temporary. This transition may be an opportunity to explore something new or think outside the box. The US Healthcare system will need you when you return!

Travel Savings Guide and Planning

Posted 11 Jun 20 by Gregory App

Travel Savings Guide for Military Families: Save Every Step of the Way

If you are planning a vacation this year be sure to review MyMilitaryBenefits.com’s articles covering many discounts offered by companies to military members and their families. If you know where to look there are discounts to be had during all legs of your trip including specific destinations, hotels, rental cars, and events.

Location

First, you need to choose where to go. Here is a list of great vacations for military families in the United States.

Savings abound, but notably Disneyland and Disney World offer over $250 off their Park Hopper passes. For a family of four, that would net you over $1,000 in savings.

The National Park Service offers free annual passes ($80 value) for active duty service members and their families. This includes access to over 2,000 sites and will cover entrance and amenity fees.

Other military discounts for camping include 10%-20% off at Jellystone Park & Resorts (except at the Iowa location which provides a 100% discount for active duty). KOA campgrounds do not have a corporate policy regarding military discounts, but calling your desired location will net you a discount if available. Many other state park systems offer discounts for active duty and veterans, so be sure to check your state park’s website.

Great Wolf Lodge, a chain of indoor waterparks, offers their Howling Heroes special. Active Duty and Retired military members will save up to 30% on their lodging from June 16 through December 31 , 2020.

Busch Gardens allows for one complimentary entrance to their SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or Sesame Place parks for active duty military and up to three dependents. You will need to verify your status at ID.me

Lodging

There are plenty of hotel chains offering military discounts as listed here. Some of the better deals include a 20% discount at Wyndham Hotels, and 10% off at Red Roof Inn for official or leisure orders plus 10% off for friends and family visiting a service member.

If you are flexible, look into the Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC) or In Honor of Our Troops (IHOOT). The AFVC is a free service offering active duty families, Gold Star families, retirees, veterans, and DoD employees, discounted lodging at various resorts, hotels, condominiums, apartments, and timeshares. Their “R&R” choices start at $359 a week ($51 per night) for low demand, high supply locations. They also offer traditional bookings accompanied with modest savings, but the real value is in the R&R bookings.

You can upgrade your free membership to a premium membership for $119 a year which will unlock more discounts, provide exclusive access to Last Minute Vacations, and allow you early access to sales among other benefits.

IHOOT’s program Vacations for Vets offers free stays at various locations throughout the US and Canada, but hopeful vacationers must apply via their website. A $75, $100, or $150 fee applies to active duty, veterans, and DoD employees respectively. Applicants can expect to wait over a month to hear if they have been selected or not, so be sure to have a back up plan.

Getting There. Flights, Car Rental, and Rail Travel

Airlines have become notorious for tacking on extra fees for bags and services. Check out our article here to learn how military families can save on baggage fees and more.

At a minimum, you should get one to three bags checked for free on almost all airlines. Few offer actual discounts on ticketing, but Delta offers a military rate (call 1-800-325-1771), as well as JetBlue, United, and Southwest.

Pro tip: If any of the airports you will be traveling through have an accessible USO lounge, go! Most offer snacks, toiletries, and respite from the hustle and bustle of airports. Some (like Philadelphia and Charlotte) are superior experiences to any other lounge or restaurant in the airport.

If your vacation needs include a rental car, look no further than here.

The two big names, Hertz and Budget, offer discounted rates to military members. Hertz provides the discount upon checkout as well as enrollment into their rewards program, Hertz Gold Plus. Budget works with USAA and offers discounts through the bank and maintains a presence on military installations. Depending on your needs either company should offer great service to their military customers.

AMTRAK advertises a 10% discount for those active duty personnel who prefer a more leisurely pace to their travel.

Things to Do

If you need to fill some gaps in your itinerary consider attending a special event.

The Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) is a website that offers free tickets to sporting events, concerts, and performing arts acts throughout the country. Simply pay a small delivery fee and get access to a wide variety of events. For more popular events they hold lotteries in which you bid digital coins, but they offer many tickets on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to verify your military status via ID.me.

Fans of golf who cannot make it to the sold-out PGA tour events should check out the LPGA tour schedule. These events are cheaper and less congested than their male counterparts’ tournaments and many provide free or discounted entrance for military personnel. The LPGA holds tournaments around the world, but below are a few near popular tourist destinations offering free admission.

The Shop Rite Classic (October 2 – October 4) held outside of Atlantic City. $1.75 million purse.
The ANA Inspiration (Sept. 10 – 13) held outside of Los Angeles. $3.1 million purse.

Finally, if your vacation takes you close to a military base, be sure to look into that installation’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation office. There may be a great tour or event you can check out, or, if it rains on one of your vacation days, you can simply get out and watch a movie.

Never miss a military deal or discount! Stay up-to-date with the MyMilitaryBenefits Discount Newsletter. Start saving now! Go here.

PCS Checklist

Posted 08 Jun 20 by Kellie Fergusson

Checklist for PCS Moves

For most military families, moving becomes second nature. From the pack-outs to the paperwork, it can be a very stressful time for everyone involved. A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is a good way to get organized quickly and force yourself to get rid of that old lawn mower that has been collecting dust in the garage.

Some of the moves that families experience are within the same state or just a few hundred miles away. For other service members, the move could be across the United States or outside the continental U.S. (OCONUS). Knowing what to expect and how to prepare is a game changer in the short time you typically have in order to prepare for the move.

Military members and their families should understand that they are not alone in this process. With over 400,000 families PCSing every year, there are hundreds of different online groups that make it easier to map out the unknown and answer any questions you may have. Electing to move OCONUS, is a great opportunity to experience new cultures and adapt to a new environment.

Moving to a different country is a daunting challenge in itself. Different time zones make it hard to keep in contact with loved ones at home or friends at your last duty station. Foreign languages can pose the challenge of difficulty in communicating with locals out in town or contractors that work on the base. With many other challenges, it is important to get a head start on the moving process as soon as you know where you are PCSing.

Find out when and how much you can pack-out.

With different family sizes, the amount of weight you are allowed to ship out can vary heavily. Knowing how early and how much you can ship is crucial in determining what you plan on taking versus what you plan on leaving behind. Finding out the difference between the Household Goods and the Unaccompanied Baggage shipment, helps you to understand how fast your items will arrive and how long you may be waiting for them.

Save money.

The expenses like travel and lodging will be reimbursed, but most of the time you will need to pay out of pocket. If you plan on moving your pets, plan ahead. On short notice your pets could cost upwards of $2,000 per pet, not including vet fees and updating vaccinations. If it is your dream to live off post, putting money aside for the initial deposits is critical. In Japan, renters will typically charge an agent’s fee (1 months rent) and a deposit (1-3 months rent) in addition to setting up utilities and internet services.

Speaking of pets…

Moving pets can be just as difficult as having another human in the mix. They do not understand why the whole family is acting weird and will know something is up. With additional vet visits, vaccinations, and travel health certificates, their PCS folder will be just as full as the service member’s. It is important to speak with your veterinarian at the future base, as well as your current veterinarian, as soon as possible to avoid any quarantine challenges or vaccine mishaps.

Have hard copies of everything.

With your family’s medical documents, school and dental records, it is important to have hard copies for a smooth transition. Being able to hand your child’s new school their old records will ease the check-in process and save having to write time-consuming emails. With a little advanced notice, the hospital, dental, and school offices will have them ready to go for you.

Take pictures of everything.

And I mean everything. From your 65 inch TV to your china hutch that has been in the family for generations, take pictures of every angle. Being able to identify dings and scratches that were done by the shipping company will save the money of having to buy new furniture in a brand new country. Having physical evidence will help you file your reimbursement claim. Packing items that are especially valuable to you like your fine china, musical instruments and family heirlooms yourself will ensure that everything will make the trip across the pond.

Being one step ahead, and ensuring that all paperwork is done and handed in on time will make a smoother transition. Making sure every family member is ready to go weeks in advance will help avoid mishaps that may pop up during the physical move. Additionally, having extra copies of important documents and favorite snacks will always come in handy to ensure peace of mind.

The Defense Travel System (DTS): An Overview

Posted 08 Jun 20 by Justin Fisher

DTS: Informational Guide

The prospect of traveling and seeing the world is one of many allures of service in our nations Armed Forces. Whether if it is changing duty stations, going on a deployment or for official business, such as training or retirement out-processing; travel is a reality for both military members and Department of Defense (DoD) Civilian personnel. The Defense Travel System (DTS) is a fully integrated, automated, end-to-end travel management system that enables United States Department of Defense travelers to create authorizations, Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) orders, prepare reservations, receive approvals, generate travel vouchers, and receive a split reimbursement between their bank accounts and the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) vendor. DTS operates at over 9,500 total sites worldwide, and on average, DTS processes more than 25,000 transactions while approximately 100,000 unique users access it daily. The traveler can access DTS via a single web portal available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

DTS provides full functionality, accessibility, and security when processing travel documents. You may search for airline, hotel, car rental, and rail availability as well as gather other details to plan a trip. Real-time reservations for air, lodging, and rental cars are built into DTS to provide easy access to commercial travel service information. The system streamlines workflow and processes to improve efficiency and productivity. DTS meets the major functional requirements of the DoD and serves the needs of all users and travelers. A Common Access Card (CAC) is needed to access the site. The following is a short informational guide on three areas of DTS that tend to create conflict for DoD personnel.

Logging Into DTS. Before you can access DTS, you will need to ensure your web browser is fully compatible, obtain a digital PKI certificate and contact your Defense Travel Administrator (DTA) about setting up an account. You must have an active DTS profile to log into DTS. Although you can create your own profile as part of the login process, your organization may prefer to have a DTA create a profile for you. Note: If you unintentionally create a self-registration profile, you can remove the entry. The most common reason for profile rejection is entering the wrong DTS Organization. If you enter the wrong organization, your self-registration request routes to the incorrect DTA, who does not know you, so the DTA will not accept the request. The DTA will reject the submission, providing comments explaining you selected the wrong organization, and advise you to contact your DTA or supervisor for assistance. Once you make the corrections, re-submit the profile. Your Component Representatives can also provide more information on DTS. You can find contact information for your Component Representatives at https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/dtsContacts.cfm.
Creating an Authorization. A DTS authorization captures information regarding an upcoming TDY (locations, should-cost estimates, and travel information). Essentially, the authorization is a means of informing everyone who needs to know when you will be gone, where you will be working, and how much you expect your trip to cost. When you create a TDY authorization in DTS, the system accesses database information from your DTS personal profile, your organization’s budget, and DoD travel regulations to help streamline the document creation process.
Creating a Voucher. A voucher is a claim for reimbursement of actual expenses you incurred and payment of allowances you earned while you were TDY. When you create a voucher in DTS, the system populates it with information from your approved DTS authorization. DTS lets you create a voucher before or during your TDY, but you cannot sign it until your trip is complete. DoD policy mandates travel voucher submission within five working days of returning from TDY. Information on authorizations includes (by design) cost estimates and assumptions about an upcoming trip. Since the voucher must always reflect accurate cost and trip information, you must update the voucher from estimated charges to actuals based upon the trip. In other words, your primary responsibility on a voucher is to make changes to it. Note: DoD travelers must stay within the constraints of the authorization order, unless otherwise authorized by the Authorizing Official (AO). Failure to follow this guideline could result in out-of-pocket expenses at cost to the traveler, that may not get reimbursed.

DTS Training. In addition to providing a wide variety of on-demand and scheduled training, the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) publishes many useful resources such as Manuals, Guides, and Trifolds that clarify many aspects of official travel.

DTMO offers both web-based Training and Distance Learning for DoD personnel. All courses are offered through Travel Explorer (TraX). To access TraX, users must register through Passport, DTMO’s web portal. DTS can be a complicated system, however, with the resources and training provided by the DTMO, the DoD traveler can ensure that travel pay is one stress they do not have to worry about.

Top Personal Budget Plans

Posted 08 Jun 20 by Samantha Cain

Top Personal Budget Plans

Monthly budgeting can be a tedious task, but acknowledging that there’s no one perfect way of doing it leaves room for comfort. There are countless ways to control personal finances, depending on income bracket, amount of debt you’re in, desire for control over your finances, or simply personal preference.

If you’re not sure where to start to make your budgeting life easier, or you just want to see what other options are out there, here are the four most popular personal budget plans used by people today to help you on your way.

Balanced Money Form/50-20-30

What is the 50-20-30 Plan?

Derived from Senator Elizabeth Warren’s book, All Your Worth
Sometimes referred to as the “Rules of Thumb”
50 percent of after-tax income should go towards needs, or essential items like insurance, health care, rent/mortgage, car payments, utilities, groceries, etc.
20 percent of after-tax income should be allocated to savings and investments, to include savings accounts, emergency fund (at least three months on hand), IRA, or debt repayment (excess payments made after the minimum payment of the needs category is fulfilled).
30 percent of after-tax income should go towards wants, things such as gym memberships, vacations, date nights, season tickets to your favorite sports team, etc.

Good & Bad?

There are a few good parts to this plan. It’s relatively straight forward and simple. It allows you to track where each month’s earnings are going. And all you have to do is categorize your spending into only one of three options, wants, savings, or needs.

One point of contention with this plan is that 20% savings, while an admirable goal, is unlikely for the average American. In 2019, the average adult saved less than 10% of their annual income (although this does vary by age). Some people also find issue with categorizing needs from wants and facing the hard truth that some wants may have to be cut out.

Who Is It Best For?

The 50-20-30 is best for those that are new to self-money management or have a problem with over-spending in the wants side of things. It can provide a great framework for first-time budgeters, but also has longevity if one desires to maintain it.

It is also a great strategy for someone who wants to retire early (the younger you are, the easier that goal is to achieve with this plan). However, if your goal is to get out of debt, this is not the recommended starting point, as it is not as customizable a budget as needed for a Debt Snowball or other debt reduction approach.

See here for a helpful 50-20-30 Calculator

Envelope/Cash-Only

What Is It?

Cash-based system
Determine your personalized “envelope” categories based on spending habits (use apps or programs to track where your money goes and prioritize; here’s a good article on the top, most-recent expense trackers).
Obviously some things cannot be paid for in cash (like mortgage, utilities, etc.); using online banking or a check in these instances is expected but should still remain within your after-tax income window when combined with envelope categories.

Good & Bad?

Categories are near-endless and entirely customizable – you can create an envelope for anything that’s important to you. It is simple, well-organized, and regimented.

It will require you to get rid of all plastic (no debit cards for everyday transactions or credit cards as a “safety net”), which is a very scary thing for some to adjust to. This also may seem scary for those who don’t like to keep cash-on-hand or fear losing their money-filled envelopes.

Who Is It Best For?

This method works great for those who are trying to get rid of bad spending habits, knock down their debt, completely reorganize their finances, or want tight control over their money.

Zero-Based/Every Dollar

What Is It?

Known for giving every dollar a job
Allocate every single penny of your after-tax income to a specific purpose/category so you have “zero” leftover.

Good & Bad?

The most positive aspect of this system is that you have detailed, focused, specified spending. It lends toward efficiency and accounts for financial needs of right now rather than what may/may not have worked for you in the past.

The biggest complaint about this system is the amount of time it takes to set this up and maintain it (although there are things to help with that, like EveryDollar or YNAB). It also does not really allow for extraneous or spontaneous spending.

Who Is It Best For?

If you want absolute, planned-out control of your finances, this budget method is best for you. If you lean towards a more flexible system, this is one to probably avoid.

No-Budget

What Is It?

Only have to manage two main things: how much money is in your bank account and how much money you absolutely have to spend each month on necessities (like rent/mortgage, car payment, insurance, etc.)
Set-up auto pay to take care of everything automatically (suggested 10% sent to savings from each paycheck and the exact amount for your fixed expenses taken out on a monthly basis)
The rest is up to you to save or spend as you see fit, but when it’s gone, that’s it.

Good & Bad?

This is a very relaxed approach to budgeting that requires very little work, very little time, and does not require you to allocate for every penny.

Unfortunately, this method can allow you to forget about important future planning (like retirement, savings, future down-payments, etc). If you don’t take the time in the beginning to do the set-up, decide to never revisit your income, or fail to recognize spending habits, this can potentially set you onto unstable financial ground.

Who Is It Best For?

This is the best plan for those who hate having a plan. Typically, this tends to work better for those with a higher, more cushioned income or those who make way more than their regular expenses. It would not be recommended for those who have a tendency to overspend, like to plan, or are trying to pay down debt.

VA Adapted Housing Grants: An Overview

Posted 08 Jun 20 by Robert Haynes

VA Adapted Housing Grants: An Introduction

Our military community is amazing! They are frequently away from home, missing anniversaries and birthdays, to answer the call of the nation. Many honorable men and women have sacrificed their lives in the service of our country. Many others have suffered and become disabled as a result of their service. Learning to live with these disabilities is challenging, but there are programs to help.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has a number of housing grants that are funded to help veterans regain independence in their daily lives. These programs are:

The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant
The Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant
The Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant
The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

The purpose of this grant is to allow a wounded and disabled veteran to live in an environment that grants more independence in daily living. It is available to those veterans with a service-connected disability for the following conditions:

Loss or loss of use of both legs requiring the use of wheelchairs, crutches, canes, or braces
Blindness in both eyes, plus the loss or loss of use of one leg
The loss or loss of use of one leg along with,
- Residual effects of disease or injury (like cancer, or its treatment)
- The loss or loss of use of one arm, affecting one’s balance, and requiring the use of wheelchairs, canes, etc.
The loss or loss of use of both arms at or above the elbow

Starting in 2020, the grant is limited to $90,364 and can be used for the construction of an adapted home or the modification of an existing home to meet the adaptive needs of the veteran. The installation or construction of a wheelchair ramp is one example of a home modification for which this grant is commonly used.

Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant

The SHA Grant is used to assist veterans with the adaptation of their existing home to meet the needs of their disability. This includes mobility adaptations. You are eligible for this grant if you are:

100%, permanently disabled with a service-connected disability related to blindness (vision not better than 5/200 with corrective lenses)
Suffering from the loss or loss of use of both hands or arms below the elbow

This grant differs slightly from the SAH grant in that it is specifically blindness related and that it covers those diabled vets who have injuries below the elbow. It is provided to assist veterans whose disabilities are not as severe as others. It has an $18,074 cap.

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant

If you are eligible for the SAH or SHA grants described above, but you do own or live in your own home, you can use a portion of the money from those grants to modify a family member’s home to fit the needs of your temporary shelter.

For the SAH grant, the TRA allowance is $39,669, meaning you can use almost $40k of your grant to modify the home where you’re living.
For the SHA grant, the TRA allowance is $7,083.

If you are living with a loved one who is taking care of you, these TRA grants can greatly assist with modifications that benefit the veteran and the caregiver.

Home Improvement & Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant

This HISA grant is available to veterans with service- and non-service connected disabilities. It is designed for home improvements that are needed to facilitate continued treatment or to improve access to the home and bathroom facilities. Examples are:

Roll-in showers
Lowering of sinks or counters
Improving entrances with ramping
Improving plumbing or electrical systems to accommodate medical equipment

The VA also makes it very clear that HISA will not pay for:

Walkways to exterior buildings (sheds, greenhouses, etc.)
Spas, hot tubs, or Jacuzzis
Exterior decking
New construction

A VA physician must indicate that you need improvements and/or structural alterations to your home that would appropriate effective treatment of your disability. For service-connected disabilities the lifetime cap of the grant is $6,800. It is $2,000 for veterans having non-service-connected disabilities.

Great! But how do I apply?

To take advantage of the SHA, SAH, or TRA housing grant benefits you deserve, you must login to the VA’s eBenefits website using a DS Logon basic or premium account. If you don’t have a DS Logon account, don’t worry. You can register for one on their site. To register for a housing grant online, you need to fill out an “Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant” (VA Form 26-4555). Make sure you have your Social Security number available as well as your VA file number or claim number.

If you wish to apply by mail, you can download the VA Form 26-4555 (PDF) and mail the application to the regional loan center nearest you. If you have issues downloading or printing out the form, call 1-800-827-1000, Monday thru Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST, and ask to have a claim form mailed to you.

If you need assistance filling out your application, or you have questions regarding any portion of the application or application process, call an SAH staff member at 877-827-3702, or email them at sahinfo.vbaco@va.gov.

For the HISA grant, it’s a little different. You HISA application package will include:

A prescription written or approved by a VA physician that includes:
- Name, address, and telephone number of beneficiary
- Identity of the improvement or structural alteration
- Diagnosis and medical justification for improvement
A completed and signed VA Form 10-0103, the Veterans Application for Assistance
FOR RENTERS: a signed and notarized statement from the owner authorizing the improvement or structural alteration
A written and itemized estimate of the costs relating to labor, material, permits, and inspections for the project
A color photograph of the unimproved area

Please note that the VA may deem an inspection of the site is warranted before processing your application. They’ve also published a HISA Roadmap to visualize the steps of the application process.

Follow this link to read the PDF version of the VA’s Handbook for Design, that guides you through the process of adaptive housing projects.

(Photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash.com)

CARES Act and What It Means For Your VA Loan

Posted 05 Jun 20 by MyMilitaryBenefits

Key Points for CARES Act and Your VA Loan

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020. Its purpose is to address the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. economy by “providing fast and direct economic assistance for American workers and families.” For most Americans, that has resulted in the receival of stimulus checks, additional unemployment payments, an extension to file taxes, and insurance coverage of virus-related treatments, to name a few. But for service members and veterans with a VA home loan, there are some additional benefits the CARES Act provides.

Provisions within the CARES Act give VA (and other government-backed) loan borrowers the ability to request a special forbearance. If you are paying your mortgage with a VA loan, you are eligible to request either a delay in payments or the ability to pay only partial payments for a specified period of time. This specialized agreement is made between you and your loan servicer, not the VA, and can differ from person to person.

The key points for borrowers with VA/federal-issued loans:

You have the right to request a forbearance for up to 180 days.
You have the right to request an extension of up to an additional 180 days before your first forbearance ends.
You MUST contact your loan servicer to request this – it does not apply automatically.
There are no additional fees, penalties, or interest added to your account, but regular interest will still accrue.
If approved and utilizing the CARES Act borrower relief, your lender cannot report you delinquent during the pandemic or for up to 120 days after.
You won’t need to submit additional documentation to qualify, but you will need to signify that this request is due to a COVID-related hardship

If you are struggling to make ends meet, this is an option that can provide you some relief.

For a visual summary, check out this video by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

A few additional points to keep in mind:

When you call, it’s possible you may be met with longer-than-normal wait times. There are many people in similar circumstances, and due to the virus impacting working numbers, your servicer could be under-staffed.
If you can keep up with your payments, you should continue doing so. Underreporting your income has the potential to result in foreclosure if a servicer determines you can’t afford your loan. Forbearance is not something to take advantage of simply because you don’t want to pay right now.
Putting your loan in forbearance does not change how much you owe. Make sure you ask how you are expected to pay back the amount owed once your ‘pause’ is lifted.
Entire unpaid amount in one lump sum immediately after the forbearance period ends?
Entire unpaid amount in one lump sum at the end of the loan term?
Will loan term be extended and missed payments added to the end of the mortgage?
Once un-paused, will monthly payments be higher for a specified period of time to make up missed amounts? In the case of VA loans, if you cannot afford higher monthly payments, you can request a loan modification. There are specific regulations with this, which you can read here or by reaching out to your lender.
Watch out for scams – always make sure you are dealing directly with your mortgage lender and not someone posing as them.

As with any situations of financial hardship, if you’re experiencing any difficulty in making your payments – even those not related to COVID-19 – you should always reach out to your lender right away.

New Virtual Paid Fellowship for Veterans and Military Spouses

Posted 04 Jun 20 by Chelsea Bostelman

New Virtual Paid Fellowship for Veterans and Military Spouses

Partnering with Salesforce (formerly known as Vetforce), Hiring Our Heroes announced a new paid fellowship program for veterans and military spouses on May 21^st.

This program works to mitigate problems like overcoming employment barriers in the military community and bridging the digital skills gap. Unlike many other fellowship programs, this program teaches high-demand skills while providing income.

Applicants are less restricted by geographical location with virtual fellowships. This has always been important for families that PCS often. Virtual opportunities are also important when travel is restricted during COVID-19.

What is a digital skills gap?

COVID-19 has further accelerated the shift to virtual and remote work. Growth in the use of technology has resulted in a divide between human labor and what is accomplished by machines, algorithms, and cloud computing. This translates to a high demand for technology skills and a relative deficit of qualified applicants.

Veterans and military spouses have access to free opportunities for adding certifications to their resumes and qualify them for these high demand, profitable, and portable careers.

The Salesforce Fellowship Program is an innovative program that provides the tools for

veterans and military spouses to capitalize on employment opportunities. Not only does the program fill the rapidly expanding digital skills gap, it aims to connect veterans and military spouses with host companies on a deeper level than filling vacancies.

What is Salesforce?

Substantial growth in cloud computing has arguably contributed to growth in Salesforce – a cloud-based software company focused on customer relationship management. Committed to building in-demand technology skills among military community members, Salesforce builds relationships between its network of talent and companies dedicated to hiring veterans and military spouses.

About the Salesforce Fellowship

This hands-on experience completed virtually over 12-weeks is a paid opportunity. Veterans and military spouses who have completed a Salesforce certification are eligible to apply. If selected, fellows are matched with host companies based on their skill set.

Application Deadlines

Cohort 1 – June 26, 2020
Cohort 2 – July 24, 2020
Cohort 3 – September 21, 2020

Apply for a Salesforce Fellowship.

Host companies benefit from the Salesforce Fellowship. At no cost to their organization, they are connected with qualified professionals and a pathway to a deeper understanding of the veteran and military spouse talent pool.

How to Complete a Salesforce Certification

Verify your status as a veteran, active duty, national guard, reserve, or military spouse with TroopID. Then use Trailhead Military to complete self-paced virtual training and earn vouchers for Salesforce classes and certification exams for free.

For those who need a “softer landing,” Salesforce has partnered with Merivis to offer combined virtual and in-person training in Texas, Washington, and Washington DC. This hybrid format provides active duty, reserve, guard, veterans, and military spouses with a personal coach and successfully passing a certification exam.

How much does the Salesforce Fellowship Pay?

Fellows receive $25 per hour during the fellowship. Participation can open doors for profitable careers. Though salaries vary by location and experience, Salesforce certifications – like Administrator, Developer, or Consultant – can lead to annual salaries over $70,000.

Is the Fellowship Available OCONUS?

Unfortunately, no. Due to local hiring restrictions and SOFA agreements, the fellowship cannot be offered OCONUS.

Salesforce Military Employer Partners

With the goal of accelerating the hiring of veterans and military spouses, Salesforce Military Alliance Partners commit to automatic interviews for Salesforce Military applicants and providing Salesforce training and placement in Salesforce roles for existing military connected employees.

Veteran and Military Spouse Owned Partner Employers include:

America’s Warrior Partnership
Blue Star Families
Cheshire Impact
Cloud for Good
Cloud Pathfinder
Emelar Consulting Group
Kicksaw
Liberty IT Solutions
Merivis
Provisio Partners
Shift
SifData
SitRep Digital
The Mission Continues

COVID-19 has led to a recent spike in the number of veterans filing for unemployment benefits. It has also accelerated the shift to virtual and remote work and created paid opportunities to learn skills that can lead to a high demand, profitable, and portable career.

All-Too-Common Money Mistakes of the Military Family

Posted 04 Jun 20 by Samantha Cain

Common Money Mistakes of the Military Family

According to the 2019 Military Financial Readiness Survey, more than one-third of enlisted military members do not pay their bills on time and almost half say they had to find additional ways to supplement their income. Worries surrounding meeting personal finance goals are further heightened when taking into account the number of potential mistakes that can set you back. We’ve compiled a list of common money mishaps in an effort to help you avoid them on your path to fiscal satisfaction.

Not Making a Budget

No matter the current state of your finances, the first step towards achieving financial stability is to develop a budget. A lot of military families find themselves living paycheck-to-paycheck and may think that there’s no place in their finances for a budget. But in fact, by choosing a customizable financial plan, it can be a great way to avoid other common money mistakes. Check out this helpful article on the best personal budget plans to get you on your way.

Not Thinking Toward the Future

On the theme of budgets, you should make sure to include saving and other forward-thinking moves in your plan. A common mistake that plagues military families is overlooking places where you can put your money away for the future: avoiding the creation of an emergency fund, neglecting to contribute to retirement accounts, or not fully understanding the power of compound interest (have you heard the phrase, “Make your money make you money”?).

You should also be checking your credit regularly – with constant moves, military members are at more risk of compromised credit than the average American. Another mistake that is more focused on now instead of when is with choosing to spend all the extra pay made during deployment. While it can be nice to find yourself with extra income, it can prove beneficial to save or invest all or a portion of your excess. Otherwise, you may be left figuring out how to readjust to life back at your normal compensation rate.

And lastly, don’t ever assume a full pension awaits you at the end your service. You never know what can happen in twenty years’ time; it’s estimated that only 17% of those who serve actually make that far and are able to collect that coveted retirement!

Underestimating Becoming a Homeowner

In addition to a home purchase being a financial risk, it also carries with it an emotional risk. With the nomadic lifestyle that a lot of military families live, it can sometimes be enticing to jump at the chance to become a home owner. Rentals can take every ounce of your BHA or be extremely limited in desirable options. One common money mistake of buying real estate can be getting in over your head/upside down on the payments; savings can help mitigate this type of issue. Another mistake is not fully having an exit strategy. Simply thinking you can sell or rent when you head to your next location isn’t a well thought-out plan. Consider all the possible avenues before jumping into a 15 or 30-year mortgage.

Poor Spending Habits

Poor spending can be a problem for anyone, but being a military family brings with it a few unique problems. One common mistake is overspending bonuses. While having extra compensation for committing more years of your life to service can be a blessing, if a purpose for those excess funds isn’t well-defined and executed, you can be left wondering where exactly it went to. Another common money mistake, especially for the younger generation of service members, is draining your bank account to pay for a fancy new car. That erroneous purchase can cause even more problems if you find yourself opting to roll that negative equity over into another vehicle purchase. One last common spending mistake is choosing to lease things – like appliances or furniture. While it may seem appealing, given the average military family’s constant movement of possessions, it is more fiscally responsible to own things outright; the cost of leasing probably means you could have bought that item two or three times over.

Getting Pulled Into Predatory Lending Situations

Due to the dependent nature of the average military family on every dollar earned, tough times may come where you need money quickly or you need to purchase something before the next direct deposit hits. In those situations, a common mistake that military families make is depending on predatory lending options, like payday loans, pawnshops, or car title loans. It’s best to avoid these types of schemes at all costs so you don’t get trapped in a revolving cycle of debt. There are considerably more risks than rewards with these practices.

Even though this is not a comprehensive list of potential money mistakes, it can hopefully provide a good foundation to build upon. Staying diligent is key to avoiding these common pitfalls. Aim for building your family a sound, financially stable future by making well-informed choices.

DIY Home Improvements to Increase Home Value

Posted 02 Jun 20 by Chelsea Bostelman

Three DIY Home Improvements for Home Resale

Although occurring in slow motion this year, PCS season is upon us. Many military families are once again facing decisions about renting or buying a new home. Selling a home requires understanding that a house is a product.

DIY home improvements are excellent ways to pass the time in quarantine and a great way to utilize a COVID-19 stimulus check. They also increase the value and appeal of a home.

Work with a Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents are experts in selling homes. They know their local housing markets well and can be a major asset in finding a home in a great location that “checks all the boxes.” The ability to resell a home is often among the top priorities for military families when buying.

Finding an agent that understands the military experience is a necessity. There are several ways to find a good one. Referrals from people you trust or from a great agent you already work with are excellent places to start.

Real estate agents want to sell houses. After moving into a new home, continue working with an agent. They can help prioritize home improvement projects and choose improvements that will efficiently maximize the value and appeal of a home for future buyers.

DIY Home Improvements to Increase Likelihood of Resale

There are plenty of ways to increase the value and appeal of a home. A good agent can guide you. Here are three easy to tackle projects that will increase the likelihood of reselling a home.

Curb Appeal

First impressions are important. What does your house look like from the street? Are there weeds in the flowerbeds? Bird droppings on the mailbox? Does the paint need to be touched up?

Would a stranger be excited to live here? Try these cost-effective projects to boost curb appeal.

Rent a pressure washer – quickly clean scum from siding, decking, and windows
Remove weeds – from the flowerbeds, sidewalks, and driveway
Landscape – mulch, prune, and plant trees or shrubs
Create outdoor living lure – replace faded outdoor pillows or add patio furniture
Add color – either with flowers or by flying a crisp new American flag
Upgrade the front door – house numbers, doorbell button, and the welcome mat

Think about replacing your front door handle. A small dirty knob with key scratches will never compete with a large sturdy handle that makes a buyer feel like they are the king of a castle.

Lowe’s and Home Depot offer military discounts that can make DIY curb appeal projects more affordable.

Clean and Organize

Good curb appeal can easily be squashed by a cluttered and disorganized interior. Deep clean every nook and cranny. Load extra things into storage totes and neatly stack them out of sight.

The sense of smell is closely linked to memory. Eliminate odors as you deep clean these commonly neglected areas.

Window tracks
Behind the toilets
Ceiling fan blades and light fixtures
High-touch surfaces – light switches, door handles, and outlet covers
Surfaces under and around appliances and large furniture

Consider adding a closet in an office. The difference between an office and a bedroom – a closet. Additional bedrooms lead to higher listing prices.

Costco offers a military discount for a membership card and Sam’s Club has a similar offer.. Find everything you need to clean and organize.

Fresh Paint

Painting seems simple – and it is – but requires patience and preparation. Try these tricks for high quality DIY interior painting.

Test colors – either paint a sample directly on the wall or tape color swatches and study them for a day or two
Protect surfaces you don’t want painted – thick canvas drop cloths are useful investments and can be reused for years
Skip the tape – invest in a quality slant-tip brush and try cutting in instead
Choose high quality supplies – quite simply, poor quality brushes will produce poor quality paint jobs

In addition to military discounts offered at Lowe’s and Home Depot, find paint supplies at Sherwin Williams at a 15% military discount.

How to Avoid Scams Targeting Veterans and Military

Posted 04 Jun 20 by Caroline Sposto

How Military and Veterans Can Protect Themselves From Scams

Scammers are coming out of the woodwork these days, and they’re getting more sophisticated. If you’re in the military, or a veteran, they want to get their hands on your government benefits. According to a recent AARP study, nearly 80% of veterans reported being targeted by scams related to their service. Arm yourself with knowledge. Here’s an alphabetical list of common military-targeted scams:

Advance-Fee scams. Scammers glean factual data from official websites and then pretend to be fellow soldiers who need help moving large sums of money. The scammer will offer to pay you a commission if you’ll temporarily transfer their money into your bank. If you agree to do this, they’ll then convince you to lend them the funds transfer fee up front. Once you send them that fee, they vanish.

Benefits Scams. If you get an unsolicited call, text, or email offering to help you increase your benefits, get your benefit money in a lump sum, or access little-known government programs, beware. It’s probably fake.

COVID-19 Scams. These scammers send out unsolicited emails offering alerts or information related to COVID-19. By clicking on links in these emails, you might download malware or have your identity stolen. There are also scammers who are using COVID-19 to trick service members and their families into revealing sensitive information and/or donating money.

Credit monitoring scams. Beware of companies that offer to monitor your credit while you’re deployed. Scammers sent out official-looking solicitations for these services, sign you up, and then use that credit information to go on a spending spree.

If you’re on active duty, it’s wise to put an “Active Duty Alert” on your credit report. Taking that precaution is free and easy:

1.) Contact one credit bureau. Request an Active Duty Alert. The credit bureau you contact will notify the others.

2.) Mark your calendar. An active duty alert lasts for one year. If your deployment lasts longer, renew the alert.

Debt Collection Scams. These official-sounding scammers contact military personnel and try to pressure them into paying debts they don’t have.

Deployment Deception Scams. Scammers create fake ads pretending to be a service member who is being deployed and therefore needs to quickly sell a car or other expensive item. They’ll set a low price, insist on up-front payment, then take the money and run.

Employment Scams. These are fake ads recruiting veterans for “previously undisclosed” federal government posts, work for unspecified military contractors, or other positions in which prior military service would be a plus. Completing their “application process” sometimes involves downloading malware that can give hackers access to your computer. Other times, they’ll steal your identity outright by asking for personal information for a supposed background check.

Fraudulent Records Offer Scams. These scammers charge a fee to help you access military records and/or government forms that are readily available for free.

“Grandparent” Scams. Scammers study local news articles to learn about the relatives of those deployed. They then reach out to those relatives pretending to be the deployed person, and claiming they’re in an emergency that requires quick cash. Make sure your older relatives are aware of this type of fraud.

Jury Duty Scams. If you get a call from someone claiming they work with the court system back home, and telling you there’s a warrant out for your arrest because you didn’t show up for jury duty, beware. If they ask for your credit card or social security number, tell them you’ll contact the court yourself.

“Keep Your Military File Up-to-Date” Scams. Scammers pretend to be from the Department of Veterans Affairs. They’ll ask questions to “update” your file. What they’re really after is information they can use to steal your credit.

Life Insurance Scams. Dishonest insurance agents are known for targeting military members and pressuring them into buying over-priced and unnecessary life insurance coverage.

Military Loan Scams. Beware of “Military” car and personal loans that require no credit check and have instant approval. They often come with up-front fees and repayment terms that can leave you with staggering debt.

Non-Existent Charity Scams. Some scammers make up fake military-related charities, others steal the identities of reputable ones. Before you give your hard-earned money to any cause, it’s a good idea to look them up here.

“Old Friend” Scams. Be suspicious of calls or emails from anyone claiming to be an “old friend” needing help in an emergency or offering you a surefire investment opportunity.

Rental Property Scams. These scams target military personnel looking for housing near a base. Scammers pretend to be real estate agents and post fake ads for rental properties, often promising military discounts. They ask for money upfront and then disappear, leaving you with no money and nowhere to live.

Sextortion Scams. Service members are often targeted by scammers who seduce them into sexual activities online that are secretly recorded and used to blackmail them later.

“Soulmate” Scams. Every year scammers create thousands of fake profiles either posing as deployed military members, or targeting the hearts and pocketbooks of actual military personnel. Once the long distance romance is underway, they’ll ask for money under the guise of a paycheck snafu, a medical emergency, or plane ticket to come and meet you.

Social Media Scams (Card Popping). Scammers make fake accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They impersonate military personnel, friend troops, draw them into relationships through direct messaging, and eventually start asking for money.

Toll-Free Scams. There’s an impostor toll-free phone number that mimics that of the Veterans Choice Program (VCP), which allows certain vets to use approved health care providers outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Those numbers have identical seven digits (but a different area code) to the toll-free numbers belonging to trusted entities. When you call back, (dialing 800 instead of 866 or 877, for example), you’ll find yourself in a conversation with a scammer.

VA impersonator Scams. Hang up if you get an unsolicited call or text from the VA. Know that the VA will never ask for personal data by phone, text, or email.

Do your homework and follow your hunches. If a deal seems too good—or too urgent—to be legit, it probably is.

IDT Travel Reimbursement For Guard and Reserves

Posted 02 Jun 20 by Diandra Coleman

IDT Travel Reimbursement and Tax Deduction for National Guard and Reserves

For soldiers in the Reserves and National Guard, the cost of traveling to and from Inactive Duty Training (IDT) every month can add up. Many live long distance from where their unit is located, some even traveling by plane for drill. It is not always easy to transfer units, as some military occupational specialties (MOS) have limited available slots. Since Reservists and those in the National Guard often need to work full-time civilian jobs, this may require them to move from where they originally enlisted or from where they had found an available MOS slot.

Who Gets Reimbursed for IDT/Drill Travel Costs?

For those in the Reserves, each branch and unit may have different rules for travel reimbursement. Below are some travel reimbursement resources for each branch, but be sure to check with your individual unit before submitting any requests. For all IDT outside of the normal commuting distance, or 150 miles, the maximum allowed reimbursement authorized by the DOD is $500.00. This was increased in 2018 from $300.00. (See the DOD memo PDF with the updated changes here.)

Air Force Reserves: You can find detailed information on qualifications, as well as submit your travel reimbursement request here. This link also includes voucher processing status updates, travel guides, details on booking flights, and contact information.
Army Reserves: I was unable to find more specific resources for IDT reimbursement. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) provides reimbursements and travel voucher submissions for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and Temporary Duty Travel (TDY), but makes no mention of IDT. I would recommend checking with your unit, as the maximum of $500.00 round trip reimbursement should still apply, if you qualify.
USMC Reserves: Eligibility details, including eligible ranks and MOS, authorized exceptions, detailed reimbursement guidelines, and contact information is available here for the 2020 Fiscal Year.
Navy Reserves: There is no reimbursement for travel from a member’s permanent residence to their permanent IDT location. Reimbursement is available for IDT assigned at alternate locations, and the allowance limitations are detailed in this PDF.
Coast Guard Reserves: Members and officers are not authorized a substance allowance for travel to and from their normal IDT site. The PDF, including contact information and other references, for this information can be found here, updated April 2020.

As stated above, I was not able to find specific resources or information for IDT reimbursement for those in the Army, and this of course applies to those in the National Guard. In contrast to the Reserves, the National Guard is state-run, and therefore may have even more variance between units regarding reimbursement rules and eligibility.

What If I’m Not Eligible or Never Receive a Reimbursement?

Ideally every soldier would be paid within a reasonable time for thier travel costs, but for various reasons this may not be the case. You also may not be eligible, for example if you live outside the 150-mile radius, or you may not want to deal with the potential hassle of sending in reimbursement requests. In any of these situations, you should be deducting travel costs from your taxes.

What National Guard/Reserve Travel Costs Can I Deduct From My Taxes?

According to the IRS, for those in the National Guard and Reserves, in order to deduct travel expenses from your taxes your expenses must not be reimbursed, travel must be overnight, and your destination must be more than 100 miles from your home. Expenses that qualify must be “ordinary and necessary,” and these may include:

Air, car, train, bus, or car travel from your home and your business destination
Taxi fares
Baggage shipping
Driving your car or rental while at your business destination
Lodging
Non-entertainment-related meals
Dry cleaning and laundry
Any tips associated with the above expenses
The IRS also lists “other similar ordinary and necessary expenses related to your business travel”

National Guard and Reservists’ travel tax deductions are limited to the regular federal per diem rate for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses (you can find per diem rates here for each state and city). Deductions are also limited to the standard mileage rate for car expenses (the 2019 standard mileage rate for business use is 0.58 per mile), plus parking fees and tolls.

How Do I Claim These Expenses?

In order to claim these expenses, you will need to fill out the IRS Form 2106, and detailed instructions for this form are located here. You will also need to report these on Form 1040 or 1040-SR as an adjustment to income.

Do I Have to Keep Records of My Expenses?

As with any source of income or deductible expenses, you should keep all receipts of purchase and prepare a written record of all deductions. This PDF published by the IRS gives detailed recordkeeping guidelines in Chapter 5, page 24. It also gives further detailed information on business related travel expenses, non-entertainment-related meals, gifts, and transportation.

List of Resources

DOD memo from 2018 increasing maximum travel reimbursements: Link
Air Force Reserves Travel Resource: Link
USMC Reserves IDT Travel Resource: Link
Navy Reserves Order Processing and Travel Arrangements: Link
Coast Guard Reserves IDT Subsistence Allowance: Link
IRS, Topic No. 511 Business Travel Expenses: Link
IRS, Form 2106 Instructions: Link
IRS, Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses Publication: Link
Federal Per Diem Rates: Link

PCS Pay Entitlements

Posted 02 Jun 20 by Justin Fisher

PCS Pay Entitlements

In the United States Armed Forces, a permanent change of station (PCS) is the assignment, detail, or transfer of a member or unit to a different duty station under competent orders which neither specify the duty as temporary, nor provide for further assignment to a new station, nor direct return to the old station. A PCS move is a stressful time for Service Members and their families as they prepare to relocate to a new duty station. A PCS move effects both Active Duty, Separating or Retiring Military Service Members. There are numerous guides on PCS moves, however, what should be the first step in any PCS move, is understanding what financial entitlements are available to the Service Member, regardless of duty status. Below is a list of pay entitlements available to Service Members and their families.

PCS Entitlements for Active Military Service Members

When completing a PCS move, you will in-process with your local Defense Military Pay Office (DMPO) who will help answer any of your entitlement questions.

Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT). MALT is used as mileage reimbursement for service members and their dependents during a PCS move. When a member and dependents relocate on a service member’s PCS move, MALT reimbursement is authorized for two POCs, if used. MALT is paid on a per mile basis for the official distance of each portion of the travel. The MALT Rate per authorized POC is $.20/mile for PCS travel beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2019 (Applicable to Separating or Retiring Military Service Members).
Plus (Per Diem). There are two types of ‘Plus’ (Per Diems) paid during a PCS move to assist you and your dependent(s) with paying for lodging and meals.

Monetary Allowance in lieu of Transportation (MALT)-Plus is authorized to service members traveling by POV. While MALT is paid on a per mile basis, the ‘Plus’ (per diem) portion is paid on a whole day calendar basis for the allowable travel time. Lodgings-Plus is used to pay for lodging costs associated with a PCS move. This per diem may be paid for any necessary overnight delay or processing time at a transportation terminal or personnel processing center related to a PCS move. Note: Lodgings-Plus and MALT-Plus cannot both be paid on the same day. If there is a day that MALT-Plus and Lodgings-Plus per diem could both be paid to a service member, Lodgings-Plus will be paid. However, Lodgings-Plus and MALT can both be paid to a service member on the same date (Applicable to Separating or Retiring Military Service Members).

Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE). TLE is an allowance intended to partially pay members for lodging/meal expenses incurred by a member/dependent(s) while occupying temporary lodging in the Continental United States (CONUS) in association with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA). The purpose of DLA is to partially reimburse a member, with or without dependents, for expenses incurred in relocating the member’s household during a PCS move.
Personally Procured Moves (PPM). Referred to as Do-it-Yourself moves. For a Service Member (Active, Retiring or Separating) to conduct a PPM, the following requirements must be met:
- DD1351-2- Completed and signed by Reviewing official
- PCS Travel Orders
- DD2278- Calculated by the Transportation Office*
- Copies of Certified Weight tickets including Gross (full) weight and one for Tare (empty) weight
- Operating Expense (OPE) worksheet- if attempting to reduce your taxable income
- Copy of Paid Rental Agreement
- Copy of vehicle registration when utilizing POV and/or boat/trailer move
- *Weight Allowances are based on rank and type of move
Dependent Travel. Dependent Travel is broken down into two primary areas, Accompanied by Service Member and Not Accompanied by Service Member. If a dependent is accompanied by a Service Member, then they are authorized dependent PCS travel and transportation allowances when completing a PCS move including, advance payments, reimbursement for common carrier transportation procured at personal expense plus per diem, and MALT for POC Travel, plus per diem for the required travel days between authorized points. If the dependents moved to the new duty station and were not accompanied by the service member, a separate DD 1351-2 must be submitted for the dependents’ period of travel. When submitting a separate DD 1351-2, be sure to include all lodging receipts (regardless of amount) and receipts for any reimbursable expense exceeding $75(Applicable to Separating or Retiring Military Service Members).
Advance Payments. Advance travel payments may be authorized for the below entitlements if the Member is not a Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) holder or an advance is not specifically prohibited in the orders. If a member is a card holder, the GTCC must be used for PCS travel and advances are not authorized (Applicable to Separating or Retiring Military Service Members).

A useful document that Service members need to be familiar with is the Joint travel Regulations or JTR. The JTR implements policy and laws establishing travel and transportation allowances of Uniformed Service members and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian travelers. It also implements station and certain other allowances. The JTR has the force and effect of law for travelers and implements statutory regulations and law for DoD civilian travelers. This document provides additional guidelines to the entitlements listed above. It is easy to get bogged down with all the details and things to do when you are getting ready for a move. However, understanding the pay you are entitled to during a PCS move, will make the transition to a new location that much easier.

Outdoor Recreation for Veterans: Free and Discounted Options

Posted 02 Jun 20 by Chelsea Bostelman

Photo: Lake Waccamaw State Park in North Carolina (image by Chelsea Bostelman)

Therapeutic Outdoor Recreation for Veterans

There are endless lists of free programs and discounts related to outdoor recreation for veterans and their families. Spending time outdoors and in nature can be of great value for veterans and service members in transition.

Outdoor Recreation is Therapeutic

A 2014 study evaluated the benefits of outdoor recreation experiences – the majority of which did not include formal counseling or therapy. Researchers found that veterans experienced significant improvements including:

Psychological well-being
Social functioning
General outlook on life

A 2015 study reiterated the value of outdoor recreation identifying three themes:

Social reconnection – group outdoor experiences fostered healthy relationships
Life-Improving change – time outdoors can give veterans renewed sense of motivation
Inner peace/Psychological healing – time to contemplate well-being led to self-reflection, acceptance, and discovery
Processing and reflection – spending time outdoors contributes to psychological well-being

In 2019, the Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act was introduced. If enacted, this bill will require the VA to establish a task force on providing mental health treatment to veterans through outdoor recreation.

As this bill makes its journey, there are already therapeutic outdoor recreation programs available to active duty service members, veterans and their families. Participating in such programs can restore a sense of purpose, improve physical and mental aspects of health and provide the opportunity for connecting with others and yourself.

Non-Profit Organizations Offering Therapeutic Outdoor Recreation

Outward Bound

This Colorado based educational organization supports eligible service members and veterans in readjusting to life after deployments and service. Through wilderness courses and expeditions, veterans build resilience, learn teamwork, and practice leadership through outdoor activities like backpacking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and kayaking. These trips are offered at no cost to qualifying service members up to twice per year.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing

In connection with Department of Defense hospitals, Warrior Transition units, and Veterans Affairs medical centers, this nationwide fly-fishing program offers physical and emotional rehabilitation to disabled veterans.

Learn fly fishing, tying, casting, and rod building and then use these skills on a fly fishing outing through the program. To find a program in your area, use the interactive map on their website.

Strongpoint Theinert Ranch

A retreat to this New Mexico ranch involves therapeutic outdoor experiences for active duty, veterans, their families, and Gold Star families. Through hiking and camping in small groups, participants find physical and mental strength as they connect with friends, family, and themselves.

Triple B Adventures

Through “Campfire Therapy,” Triple B Adventures aims to reduce veteran suicides by restoring the bodies, minds, and souls of veterans. They do this through monthly hunting, hiking, camping, and fishing retreats for veterans in Southern California.

Veterans Community Response

This organization of firefighters, veterans, and therapists supports combat veterans as they navigate challenges of returning home after service. Veterans work with clinicians and peer mentors and participate in activities like ropes courses, kayaking, rock climbing, yoga, whitewater rafting, sweat lodges, archery, boating, and shooting.

The services offered through this organization are expanding to disaster response. This expansion provides opportunities for combat veterans in the Inland Northwest to continue their service.

GallantFew

This revolutionary Veteran support network is on a mission to prevent veteran isolation and support successful transitions from military service to civilian life. They accomplish this through programs like:

Through Functional Emotional Fitness Coaching, learn to be intentional in emotional, spiritual, physical, professional, and social well-being
Indoor Rock Climbing in North Carolina and Texas
Every February, teams run 565 miles (run, walk, bike, climb, skate, or lift) in the Patriot Challenge to raise awareness of the challenges of transitioning service members.

Warrior Expeditions

Warrior Hike, Bike, and Paddle programs are long distance expeditions. These experiences help veterans in transition by providing equipment, supplies and training necessary to complete long distance outdoor expeditions at no cost to veterans.

Paddle the Mississippi River, cycle the Great American Rail Trail, or hike the Appalachian Trial to decompress, find camaraderie, and find the tools to successfully reintegrate into your community.

Additional Outdoor Discounts for Veterans

National Parks – Free Annual Pass for U.S. Military

Current U.S. military members and dependents with a CAC or Military ID are eligible for a Free Annual Pass. This pass covers entrance fees at national parks, wildlife refuges, and day use fees at national forests and grasslands. Explore over 2,000 federal recreation sites and enjoy a free visit to these marvels:

Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Everglades National Park
Olympic National Park
Acadia National Park

State Park Perks – Earn Free Outdoor Gear

Every state has state parks or recreational areas. Many offer discounts for entrance fees, permits, rentals, or facility reservations to service members.

Some state parks offer programs that can earn you free outdoor gear. The North Carolina State Parks Passport program is a reward program for visiting state parks. You can earn a free pair of hiking socks and $40 in gift cards – just for visiting the parks. North Carolina is home to the most populous military installation – Fort Bragg. State Parks near Fort Bragg that make great day trips include:

Raven Rock State Park
Jordan Lake Recreation Area
Weymouth Woods State Park
Morrow Mountain State Park
Jones Lake State Park
Lake Waccamaw State Park

National Guard Benefits Access Enabled With Extended Orders

Posted 30 May 20 by Robert Haynes

Oh, What a Difference a Day Makes

You may have noticed that there’s a lot going on these days. Nations across the world are fighting against a pandemic, the likes of which we’ve not seen in a generation. We have doctors and nurses on the front lines, treating those who have contracted COVID-19. We have researchers and scientists working around the clock to find something that can help in this fight. To top it all off, the governors of all 50 states have activated components of their Army and Air National Guard.

By some accounts, over 44,000 Soldiers have been activated and given missions that directly support our nation’s fight against this pandemic. They support community testing sites, provide logistical support, transport supplies, fill empty call center positions, distribute food and other supplies, build field hospitals, all while cleaning and disinfecting everything in sight. These are some of America’s finest, serving at a time when no one else can.

Serving Two Masters

The National Guard falls into a unique position that may be unfamiliar to those of us who served on active duty only. Each state has a Guard that is considered a state organization and is commanded by each state’s governor. Under normal circumstances, a Guard unit’s activation is paid for by that state.

However, Guard units can be federally activated under a Title 10 designation and become “active duty”, meaning they are full-time Soldiers for the duration of their mission. When this happens, the funding for these units falls primarily on the federal government, which makes sense; but they can be utilized outside of their state boundaries.

Under a Title 32 activation, the Guard units are primarily active duty, but within their state boundaries. Under Title 32, the governor has the ability to place a Soldier into full-time duty, with the state maintaining operational control. This status is also funded by federal dollars. Under this designation, a governor may also use the Guard in a law enforcement capacity.

Earned Benefits

Currently, when National Guard Soldiers are activated for more than 30 days, they have access to enhanced benefits, like access to the Tricare medical system while they are on duty. The benefit also extends to their dependents.

If Guard units are sent on overseas assignments, they receive the same medical care for six months following their mission. This ensures that any health issues related to the deployment are taken care of. The guidelines for this are espoused in the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP).

However, the six months of transitional health benefits do not apply if their deployment is domestic. The Guard units that have been activated in response to this pandemic are “deployed” domestically, essentially on the front lines of this crisis.

In addition to medical care, these National Guard soldiers are eligible for a wide range of benefits that affect their retirement and GI Bill benefits. In order to qualify for these awesome benefits, the soldiers need to serve under their Title 32 orders for at least 90 days.

Therein lies the problem. The Guard’s orders were extended from May 31st to June 24th, which gives them only 89 days of active service. That’s one day short of the minimum time needed to receive these enhanced benefits, and it’s hard to see that as coincidental.

A Critical Response

For the past few weeks, legislative officials from most states have contacted congressional leaders to voice their concerns surrounding what seems to be a strategically selected date for deactivation of the National Guard. The White House has drawn criticism from some officials who claim that the early termination date is a means to save money. One of these is Congressman Max Rose, representing New York’s 11th District and a Captain in the National Guard. In mid-April, Rose himself returned from a two week deployment with his National Guard unit supporting the coronavirus response on Staten Island.

On May 22nd, US House Representatives Steven Palazzo (R-MS) and Joe Cunningham (D-SC) introduced the Support Our National Guard Act, which would give transitional health care benefits to service members who were activated in response to COVID-19 under Title 32 Authority. Representative Palazzo is a co-chair of the House National Guard and Reserve Caucus and is a strong supporter of their mission.

Several Senators, including Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), have sent letters to the White House asking for a swift resolution to this problem. They are two among numerous Senate members who are serving or have previously served in the National Guard.

Bada-Bing, Bada-Boom

On May 28th, President Trump announced in a tweet that he was extending the Title 32 orders of the National Guard through “mid-August” so they can continue in their mission of supporting the response of their states to COVID-19:

This is great news for the Soldiers of the National Guard who have been away from their families during these unprecedented times. They deserve every benefit we can give to them, especially medical, retirement, and education benefits.

(Imagery by Diego Gonzalez on Unsplash.com)

Overseas PCS: Things Not to Forget When PCS’ing

Posted 28 May 20 by Kellie Fergusson

Less Obvious But Still Essential Overseas PCS Tips

There is a lot of advice out there on what to pack and how to prepare for your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) overseas. Starting with deciding what to ship across the world and what to keep back, and ending with your final check list the night before, it is easy to forget the things that might come in handy the day of the move.

Moving from place to place and traveling overseas might be common for some military families, but it is not every day that you pick up your whole household and move hundreds to thousands of miles away. It is important to have a small bag that you keep with you at all times to make sure all of the important items and documents get where they need to be in a comfortable manner.

Snacks

More than likely the airline that you will be traveling on, whether that be the Patriot or commercial, will provide you with the options of meals and snacks. It is also more than likely that the kids will not enjoy what the airline has to offer. The hot meals, with limited options, will probably not satisfy the sweet tooth of a 10-year-old after 6 hours in the air. Bringing your own snacks will give you the chance to have those favorite peanut butter filled pretzels or chocolate candies one last time before the foreign flavors if traveling overseas.

Paperwork

Traveling with a PCS Binder should be your first priority. Having a binder with everything all in one place from passports to pet health certificates is crucial. At each step of the process you may be asked to provide your orders and they may not be returned. Even though it may seem redundant, having extra copies of orders and passports tucked away in your carry-on luggage can be a life saver. When your teenager says “don’t worry, I won’t lose it” and then proceeds to leave your official orders in an airport bathroom, it is always a relief to remember that there is a copy at the bottom of their carry on.

Money

When traveling to another country, it is important to exchange foreign currency so in the case of a declined credit or debit card, you have physical currency to get by. Outside the United States, it is common for smaller businesses such as taxis or gas stations to not accept cards, forcing you to pay with cash. Do some research on the type of currency used in the country, in Japan, coins are most common making a coin purse come in handy.

Extra Clothes and Personal Items

With traveling the world you may find yourself sitting in the same clothes you put on 26 hours prior. It is important to keep a simple change of clothes in your carry-on. Whether that be just an extra change of underwear or an entire outfit, anything to keep you feeling comfortable over a long period of time is great! This allows for a quick cleanup for any type of accident that occurs in the air. Additionally, the travel size disinfectants and baby wipes will always come in handy.

Cleaning Supplies

After arriving at your new station, it may be hard to get the proper cleaning supplies needed before you move into your new home. Having things like a small bottle of all purpose cleaner, a duster and a roll of paper towels may seem to take up extra space, but making sure your new home smells and feels clean before unpacking is important. Adding an extra toothbrush and hair brush to this part of your luggage will come in handy in the case that one goes missing during your travels.

Pet Supplies

Even though you think that your pet might be able to make it through that 8 hour flight, accidents do happen. Many people think that since their pet can sleep through the night without fail, or travel without problem they would be fine on the long haul. Water may spill, they might get sick or they end up not being able to hold it, having extra pet wipes or towels will help keep them clean. Regardless of how they react normally, it is always best to prepare for the worst. Loud noises, other unknown pets and separation may cause a heightened anxiety for your pet.

3 Basics of Budgeting for Military Families

Posted 28 May 20 by Lori Waddell

Basics of Budgeting For First-Time Budgeters

Have you ever wondered where all your monthly income went? We work hard every week and can’t seem to save anything or invest in our future. Many of us don’t have a budget nor do we record where our money is going. Simply put, the nexus of our decision to spend or save money depends on the amount of funds available in our bank account or how much credit we have on our favorite points-based credit card.

Budgeting is a day to day transformation of how you value and treat your hard-earned money. It’s not going to fix or solve your financial problems immediately, but it will change the way you view your money and how it works for you. You can get a new budget overview in three easy stages.

Stage 1 – List Income and Expenses

Know what your income is. Net income calculates the amount of income you receive after taxes and deductions. Net income is the baseline you should use to standardize your budget as it simplifies your expected take-home pay.
Determine your monthly fixed expenses. Fixed expenses do not change from month to month. List all fixed expenses you have whether they are essential or discretionary such as; car payment, insurance, phone bill, Netflix, rent, savings, investing, and student loan payments.
Know your variable expenses. Variable expenses can change month to month. List all variable expenses you have whether they are essential or discretionary such as; fuel, food, entertainment, clothing, and home or vehicle maintenance.

Stage 2 – Subtract Expenses From Net Income

Set aside money – if your expenses are less than your net income, this presents a great opportunity for setting aside more money for financial goals you may have.
Adjust as necessary – if your expenses exceed your net income, then you need to make some adjustments to your discretionary spending to see where you can reduce costs.
Identify roadblocks – identifying expenses allows you to get a better picture of where you are spending your money. This will help you identify where your financial roadblocks are.

Stage 3 – Identify Your Goals and Make Adjustments

Have a goal – having a goal behind your budget will help it succeed by increasing motivation. Review the areas where you spend money and see if they align with your new goals. If they don’t, you might need to eliminate or reduce some expenses.

Examples of goals would be paying off debt, saving for retirement, paying off college, building a savings account, saving for a vacation, saving for a down payment.

50/30/20 Rule – if you are just starting with budgeting and not sure of how much money you need to accomplish your goals but want an easy starting point, start with the 50/30/20 rule.

50% of your income should be spent on essentials, 30% should be spent on discretionary spending, and 20% for savings and investing.

Remember variable expenses like food and gas – variable expenses can be tricky to budget for, especially food. When budgeting for food budget between $8 and $10 a day for an adult and half that for a child.

Another variable expense that gets people is fuel. Review your last few months of fuel costs and use the average amount as your monthly budgeted cost.

After completing these three stages you are ready to set up and start your new budget. It is important to review your budget every few months as goals can change.

Setting a monthly budget will allow you to live without constantly worrying about money because you will know what your budget can handle. If you don’t pay yourself first (saving and investing), then all of your money is going to be spent frivolous and you won’t have anything in reserve to show for your years of labor. Being financially independent is freedom.

4 Career Paths For OCONUS Spouse

Posted 01 Jun 20 by Marissa Fuller

Ideas for OCONUS Spouse Career Paths

The appeal of a nursing degree to a military spouse is undeniable. If they are lucky, they will be stationed near a fairly large town with plenty of health care positions to be filled. However, some will be limited to opportunities on the base alone. This is the much more likely scenario for overseas (OCONUS) postings. The medical facility positions are highly sought after, and therefore very difficult to get. Working off base is an entirely different undertaking, with additional visa requirements and host country taxes, and in most cases a likely language barrier. Not to mention that nursing simply isn’t for everyone. Here are four more unique paths with qualifications that can be earned remotely and used for jobs that can be performed online and overseas with ease.

Earn a Medical Coding Certificate

This could be a good alternative for someone who has an interest in the medical field, but cannot get a position on base. Many medical coding jobs can be done remotely, and they pay very well— the average annual salary is around $55k. A medical coder takes in information on patients and their treatments and translates them into billable codes for the use of the hospital and insurance companies. All you need to start in this field is a certification, of which there are several types to choose from. The foremost certification associations are the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Become a Personal Trainer

Physical fitness is hugely important in the military. As a certified personal trainer, you could help active duty members to pass their yearly physical training test, as well as work with spouses and dependents who might feel overwhelmed or uninspired by the gym. You could also offer your services completely online, working with clients on diet and exercise planning. To start a personal training certification program, you need a high school diploma or GED, as well as certifications in CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator). These can be completed with organizations like the American Red Cross. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Ace Fitness are two of many online certification programs for personal training.

Get a Degree in Library and Information Science

A degree in library sciences offers surprisingly broad utility. Not only would it make you eligible for positions in base libraries and schools, but also in off base learning institutions (most people working and studying at European Universities are highly proficient in it). Even places like museums and art galleries require staff with the knowledge base that this degree provides. There are also many opportunities for remote jobs with a degree in this field, such as:

Archivist
Tutor
Researcher
Freelance Writer

Below are some fully online programs in this field of study, of which there are many more to choose from—just be sure the program is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). You can use this school finder app from CollegeRecon to search for this program at military friendly institutions.

MA Library and Information Science, University of Arizona
School Librarianship, University at Buffalo
Master of Management in Library and Information Science, University of Southern California

Be a Virtual Assistant

In the current climate, many large companies are looking to permanently reduce the number of their on-site employees; especially those whose jobs can be done remotely. This makes now the perfect time to become a virtual assistant. Virtual Assistants might focus on blogging, social media interaction, general administration, scheduling, content creation, or likely some combination of these. If you are detail-oriented and able to multi-task —two of the military spouse’s strongest traits—this could be a great career to travel with you. A degree is not required to get started, either. There are several ways you could find work in this field:

Build your business from the ground up, by making a website and networking to find clients
Utilize a job board platform like Flexjobs
Work for a company that hires virtual assistants out to other clients, like Virtual Assistant Talent

Building a career while moving around the world can be so difficult as to feel impossible at times. The key is to utilize your hard-learned resiliency as a military spouse, and not be afraid to think creatively about how you could best use your talents.

Mental Health & Resilience Resources For Veterans

Posted 27 May 20 by Chelsea Bostelman

Veteran Mental Health and Resilience Resources

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an experience of unfamiliar stress for many people. The ever-evolving social distancing, quarantine, and personal protective equipment guidelines have added additional stressors to those we have already been dealing with.

What is Resilience?

Resilience is a tool that helps protect mental health and is extremely important among service members, veterans, and their family members. In uncertain times like these, it is an increasingly important concept to understand.

According to the American Psychological Association, resilience is “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress.” Everyone experiences it – from the mundane everyday stress to traumatic and life-altering events. Resilience is how we “bounce back” from stressors. Important points about stress and resilience:

Everyone experiences stress
The way that stress affects us is related to how we manage it
Some people tend to be more resilient than others
Resilience involves gaining control over aspects of life that can be controlled
Anyone can learn resiliency skills
Resilience has an inverse relationship with stress

How to Build Resilience During a Pandemic

Build Connections

Surround yourself with a supportive network of people. Social distancing and quarantine can feel isolating. Call someone on the phone or take advantage of free videoconferencing apps – like Zoom, MarcoPolo, FaceTime, or Google Hangouts – to connect with others.

Practice Wellness and Self-care Strategies

Focus on managing stress in positive ways. Developing a routine that includes healthy habits like exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet is one positive way to manage stress. Others include journaling or practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

Practice Healthy Thinking

Practice healthy thoughts by practicing positive and realistic thinking patterns, working to accept change, and having an optimistic outlook. Limiting media exposure and choosing reputable sources for information can help improve optimism.

When Stress is Overwhelming

There are times when building resilience requires the support of trained professionals. When you aren’t feeling resilient and stresses in your life are overwhelming it is always appropriate to seek support.

Keep any existing mental health appointments you may currently have scheduled. Contact your healthcare provider to learn about changing to a telemedicine appointment.

In addition to contacting your healthcare provider, you can take the Veterans Self-Check Quiz to learn how stress might be affecting you.

The following is a list of VA and TRICARE benefits and changes related to mental wellness during COVID-19.

TRICARE Mental Health Care Via Telemedicine

Due to the current pandemic, TRICARE has expanded telemedicine for mental health care to include:

Telemental health services
Medication assisted treatment
Opioid treatment programs
Intensive outpatient programs

Resources from the VA

Over 3 billion dollars of emergency funding has been set aside to increase health care access through new telemedicine efforts through the VA. The VA has seen significant increases in the use of mental health services via telemedicine over the past months.

The VA recommends that veterans keep any existing mental health appointments. These appointments may be changed to telehealth appointments through My HealtheVet.

The VA offers several apps that support mental health. Some of the most popular include:

COVID Coach supports self-care and overall mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.
PTSD Coach provides info, support and tools needed to manage PTSD.
Mindfulness Coach teaches mindfulness as a stress-reduction tool.
PTSD Family Coach provides support for those living with someone who has PTSD.

The Circle of Health

The VA describes the big picture concept of health and wellness involving the relationship between aspects of your life and your well-being. It has four components:

You and your unique experiences are at the center
Immediately surrounding you in the center are Self Care actions that you can do to improve your own wellness
Beyond that is the Professional Care received from healthcare providers in the form of prevention and treatment
Surrounding all of these components is your Community – the people and groups that you are connected to

Closely related to the nine aspects of self-care described in the Circle of Health model, the VA offers Live Whole Health videos that align with the self-care strategies described in the Circle of Health model. Among these episodes are:

Breathing practices
Visualization
Mobility exercises
Muscle Relaxation
Tai Chi
Music Therapy

Resilience and mental health important aspects of overall health and wellness – and they are even more important during the coronavirus pandemic. Pay attention to how you react to stressors and take advantage of the resources available to you to improve your mental health and resilience.

VA Aid for Homeless During COVID-19

Posted 27 May 20 by Bianca Medina

Aid for Homeless During COVID-19

The CARES Act allocated $17.2 billion for the Veterans Health Administration during this pandemic. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) will use $300 million to combat the increased risk of veterans experiencing homelessness from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the VA, veterans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of limited access to health care, pre-existing conditions, and lack of access to basic infection prevention and control methods.

This money will go to three VA programs to help support homeless veterans and at-risk veterans from becoming homeless. These programs include:

Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF)

$202 million was provided to SSVF so they could offer access to crucial services to prevent homelessness for veterans and their families. This program helps very low-income veteran families to alleviate the expected wave of evictions that can result from the extensive unemployment.

SSVF can make time-limited temporary payments for veterans to cover rent, utilities, and security deposits. They will also re-house veterans who have become homeless due to this nationwide quarantine shutdown.

Grant and Per Diem Program

$88 million was given to this program which funds community agencies that offer services to homeless veterans and those at-risk. These services include supportive housing, case management, meals, crisis intervention, and counseling. Emergency location will also be provided for veterans who need to be isolated. This program will assist those who are in need of basic monetary assistance as a result of unemployment or under-employment.

Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program

$10 million is being used to provide temporary shelter to veterans and families who are required to quarantine themselves to prevent the spread of the virus. Besides emergency shelter, supportive services, and necessary medical and rehabilitative treatment will be allocated to those in need.

You can find more information in regard to these programs at VA.gov

Additional Links

SSVF Program: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/

Grant and Per Diem Program: https://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp

Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program: https://www.va.gov/homeless/hchv.asp

SBA Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business program

Posted 26 May 20 by Sarah Schlicht

SBA Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program

If you are a service-disabled veteran and small business owner, you may qualify to compete for special government contracts.

There is plenty of annual funding set aside for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. The US Small Business Administration reduces competition for these small businesses under the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 and Title 13 Code of Federal Regulations.

The government spends $500 billion per year on contracts and aims to award at least 3% of all contracting dollars annually to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Each agency is required to have a plan to meet the 3% prime or government contracting and sub-contracting goal.

To qualify for the contracting assistance program, a small business must be at least 51% directly owned and controlled by at least one service-connected disabled veteran. Daily operations and long-term decision making must be managed by at least one service-connected disabled veteran.

The business must be a for-profit business of any legal structure, independently owned and operated, not nationally dominant in its field, and physically located within the US.

The Small Business Administration classifies a small business by industry, affiliations, gross income, and the average number of employees. For instance, manufacturing companies with 500 or fewer employees and non-manufacturing companies earning a maximum gross income of $750,000 are considered small businesses.

What are service-disabled veteran-owned contracts? They are government awards that are set-aside by the Small Business Administration using one of the following procurement methods:

Sole-source noncompetitive selection. The award is directly offered to the small business because there are no contractors in the program offering the product or service or the small business has been a responsible contractor in its performance. The award can be made at a fair and reasonable price.
Set-aside and partial set-aside awards based on competition restricted to SCVO small business concerns (SBCs). Portions of or an entire solicitation are set aside specifically for small businesses when there is an expectation of two or more bids from qualified SDVO small businesses.
Reserved awards based on SDVO SBCs in solicitation for a multiple-award contract. Procurement can be broken up into smaller portions like contract line items or small business concerns.
Orders set-aside for SDVO SBCs against a multiple-award contract that had been awarded in full and open competition. Orders for services or delivery orders of supplies are issued under a delivery contract and set-aside for SBCs.

The program requires no formal certification, but proof of veteran statuses such as DD Form 214 and service-connected disability such as a letter from the VA may be requested. To represent your small business as a service-disabled veteran-owned to the federal government, create your business profile on the System for Award Management website SAM.gov. Your business profile will appear in the Dynamic Small Business Search database where government agencies search for small business contractors for upcoming contracts.

Are You Ready to Get Started But Need Help?

The Small Business Administration offers several avenues of assistance for newbies and experienced small business owners trying to win a government contract.

Procurement Center Representatives

Help business owners win federal contracts by viewing federal procurement and acquisition strategies before they are announced and influencing the government agency for opportunities to set aside for small businesses.

Subcontracting Program Assistance

Helps answer questions once a contract has been awarded, can help with tools to match prime contractors and subcontractors, and help market services to prime contractors.

The SBA Learning Center

Offers online courses to help small businesses understand contracting.

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers

Helps small businesses determine if they are ready for government contracting, assist with registering in the procurement databases find and bid on contracts.

SCORE

SCORE is a nonprofit association of thousands of business volunteer counselors around the country. The counseling services are free and provide online and in-person counseling and educational workshops.

Small Business Development Centers

Offer in-person free counseling and low-cost training to include assistance with procurement and contracting program support and market research.

Some federal agencies have offices in place to identify opportunities to work with small businesses usually called the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization or Office of Small Business Programs. Contact the SBA’s Office of Government Contracting to get started.

Sources: EFCR website and SBA website

May 2020 Veteran Business Highlight

VA Careers For Veterans

Different Careers For Veterans Available at VA

Choosing Dave Ramsey or FIRE – Personal Financial Management in the Military

Dave Ramsey, an Introduction

Possible Negatives of Ramsey’s Methodology

FIRE, an Introduction

Possible Negatives of FIRE method

Comparing Ramsey and FIRE in a Military Lifestyle

Investments

Monthly Investment Costs Ramsey V. FIRE

Yearly Retirement Withdrawal Ramsey V. FIRE

Credit Cards

Debt

Ramsey or FIRE: Final Verdict?

Can You Borrow More Than Your House is Worth With a VA Loan?

Yes or No?

How Much Is the VA Loan Entitlement?

So what about that extra $6,000 and the funding fee?

Military Freebies: Free Stuff for Military, Veterans and Their Families

Entertainment & Travel Freebies for Military and Veterans

Vet Tix

Blue Star Theatres

Waves of Honor

9/11 Memorial Museum

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

America the Beautiful Passes Program

Deployment Services Freebies For Military

Build a Sign

GreenCare for Troops

Love ReUnited

Education & Finance Military Freebies

Tutor.com

SaveAndInvest.org

Lifestyle Freebies for Military

USO and What to Expect Foundation

Brides Across America

Independence Day

Celebrating Independence Day in the Beginning

On This Date: July 4

United States Military Academy at West Point

Louisiana Purchase

Presidential Deaths

Confederate Surrender at Vicksburg

Statue of Liberty Gifted

Adoption of 50 Star American Flag

What Do You Need to Know About VA Loans?

Process Change for Student Survivor Benefit Plan

Military Myths About Joining the Military

MYTH#1: Anyone is Eligible to Serve in the Military

MYTH#2: The ASVAB Doesn’t Matter

MYTH#3: All Branches of the Military are Basically the Same, Simply Different Locations

Army

Marine Corps

Navy

Air Force

Space Force

Coast Guard

PTSD Awareness Day

Who is Affected by PTSD?

Key Statistics of PTSD

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?

Re-experiencing Symptoms

Avoidance & Numbing

Arousal Symptoms

Cognition and Mood Symptoms

PTSD Can Lead to Other Problems

PTSD Treatments

Steps You Can Take

Mentorship Services for Veterans

American Corporate Partners

Who is Eligible?

How to Apply?

Veterati

How to Sign Up?

Heavy Hitting Veteran Support

FourBlock

How to Apply?

Next Steps

Extension of VGLI Application Period

Improve Your Credit Score