COLA to Increase 5.9% for Retirees, Disabled Veterans in 2022
October 1, 2021 could see a huge 6% increase in Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for military retirees and disabled veterans. Learn more.
Finance
Service members and veterans have financial benefits and resources that their civilian friends don’t. Make sure to take advantage of these benefits. These include everything from exclusive life insurance options, to retirement benefits, to VA home loans. You have an amazing opportunity to save money, plan for retirement, and buy a home at good rates without a down payment.
Amazon Accepts SNAP EBT as Payment Method
InciSNAP EBT Now Accepted By Amazon Since mid-2020, Amazon has accepted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments. This pilot program aims to make food more accessible and more affordable for those most in need. What is SNAP EBT? Uniquely, SNAP EBT is a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that… Read more »
Spring Cleaning and PCS Prep: Companies That Can Help
PCSing anytime soon? These Companies Can Help PCS season is here and with it, military families from around the US and the world are getting ready for their next move. There can be so much to do and a lot to think about when preparing for a PCS. Here is a list of companies that… Read more »
Washington, DC Real Estate Options for Veterans
The housing market in Washington DC is typically a seller’s market. Here we look into the housing markets just outside of DC. Read more.
Military Pay Charts 2022 [proposed]
The estimated Military Pay Charts for 2022. According to federal law, military pay increases are to mirror private-sector wage growth as stated by the Employment Cost Index (ECI). According to the military pay raise formula, the military pay raise for 2022 will be 2.7%. Find out your estimated military pay for 2022 in our handy military pay charts.
Self Employment Taxes: An Overview
Those who run their own small businesses or operate as independent contractors and gig workers, which includes Uber and Lyft drivers, personal shoppers who deliver groceries, military spouses who find traditional employment challenging, and freelance writers like me, must be aware that there are tax issues and deadlines that are different from regular, W-2 positions.
New Tenant Rights for Some Military Families in On-Base Housing
This new Tenant Rights bill commits the DoD to ensuring military families receive quality housing and fair treatment from private companies.
Military Families: Should We Buy a Home?
Buying a home can be more complicated for military families. This list will introduce key factors for military families to consider.
What is VA Streamline Refinancing and How Can It Benefit You?
VA Streamline Refinancing is a different way of referring to the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan, or VA IRRRL (pronounced “Earl”) and is an option for some homeowners who utilized a VA Loan to purchase their house.
Military Pay Raises Likely to Be Smaller for 2022
For the last 2 years, service members have enjoyed pay raises of at least 3%. However, it is becoming apparent that troops should not count on a similar military pay raise in 2022.
VA Loan Eligibility Expanded for National Guard
The National Guard’s COVID-19 response has created some additional benefits, in the form of veteran home loans, or VA Loans. The latter was activated during the pandemic, thanks to a provision in the Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act.
Where Should Veterans Choose to Live After the Military
Deciding where to live and work after transitioning out of the military can be an overwhelming process especially if you haven’t decided which state to live in. We have put together some factors for you to consider. Setting yourself up to make sure your money goes further and living in a state that has veteran employment programs as well as companies willing to hire veterans will help the transition from military life to civilian life.
Troops to Receive Stimulus Checks and More Payback Time for Deferred Taxes
This past holiday season, a vast number of Service Members, Veterans, and their families received (or will soon receive) one-time stimulus checks of $600 under the trillion-dollar federal funding package and COVID-19 relief bill President Trump signed into law.
Payback Deadline for Deferred Social Security Tax Extended
Payback Deadline for Deferred Social Security Tax Extended With the passing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 just last week, the major change affecting service members, federal employees, and their families is the extension for repayment of deferred payroll taxes. Effective September 1, 2020, through a presidential order, military and federal employees’ paychecks presented… Read more »
Military Financial Preparation: An Introduction
When first joining the military understanding your military pay factors, military benefits that can save you money, and tricks to reduce spending is crucial for financial planning. Understanding your finances from the start and developing a healthy cost-saving mindset can help you throughout your military career. Here’s a quick intro to financial preparation for the military.
Military Impact of Payroll Tax Deferral
President Trump signed a memo last month to allow employers to defer payment of employee-side social security payroll taxes, to provide relief to workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
VGLI: Veterans’ Group Life Insurance Overview
VGLI Veterans’ Group Life Insurance What Is VGLI Coverage? VGLI is short for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance. It’s a renewable term life insurance policy the VA offers recently separated Servicemembers and Veterans. It allows you to continue the life insurance coverage you had in uniform under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program. Unlike most… Read more »
Blended Retirement: BRS Round 2
Blended Retirement: Round 2 On June 23rd, 2020, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced the Re-Open Enrollment for Servicemembers to Opt-In to Updated Retirement Choice for Enduring Security (RESOURCES) Act of 2020, which “would promote financial security for military families by improving financial training,” according to a… Read more »
Does Your Life Insurance Match Your Life?
Make Sure Your Life Insurance Matches You and Your Family’s Needs? Though money can’t begin to fill the void caused by a death in a family, making sure the financial needs of your loved ones will be met, even in the worst case scenario, will give you peace of mind. When you join the military,… Read more »
Buying a Home Remotely for Military and Veterans
A military family may want to capitalize on low mortgage rates & “put down roots.” Here’s what you need to know about buying a home remotely.
Staying Organized During a PCS
Staying Organized During a PCS Moving can be an exciting and stressful time for military families, that is why it is important to stay organized during your PCS. Each PCS is different, and a little planning can go a long way in making your transition to a new home easier. Research Research while you wait… Read more »
Preparing to Purchase a Home as a Military Family
Buying a home may be the biggest money-decision you make. Here’s a list to can do the prepare you for a home purchase as a military family.
Personal Finance Face-Off: Dave Ramsey v. FIRE
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… Read more »
VA Loan: Can You Borrow More Than Your House is Worth?
Can You Borrow More Than Your House is Worth With a VA Loan? Here’s a scenario. 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… Read more »
What Do You Need to Know About VA Loans?
What Do You Need to Know About VA Loans? 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… Read more »
Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
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,… Read more »
Veterans Economic Recovery Act Bill Introduced
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,… Read more »
Take Ownership of Deployments
Deployments are a fact of life for military families. 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. A deployment might just be the perfect time to accomplish them.
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) Overview
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:… Read more »
Veterans’ Mortgage Life (VMLI) Overview
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… Read more »
Blended Retirement System (BRS): An Overview
The Blended Retirement System (BRS) is the new military retirement system. It went in to effect in 2018. The new system blends the traditional legacy retirement pension with a defined contribution benefit that is applied to the service member’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account. It is one of the most significant changes to the compensation system since World War Two.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Everything You Need to Know
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… Read more »
Maximize Your TSP Retirement Fund
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… Read more »
Service Members Now Have More Options to Invest in TSP
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 1st. 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…. Read more »
Basic Training for Taxes for Military
Taxes are due on April 15, 2021, 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.
PCS Checklist
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… Read more »
Top Personal Budget Plans
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… Read more »
VA Adapted Housing Grants: An Overview
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… Read more »
CARES Act and What It Means For Your VA Loan
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law 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, this included stimulus checks, additional unemployment payments, tax-filing extensions and insurance coverage of virus-related treatments. But for service members and veterans with a VA home loan, there are some additional benefits the CARES Act provides.
All-Too-Common Money Mistakes of the Military Family
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… Read more »
DIY Home Improvements to Increase Home Value
Three DIY Home Improvements for Home Resale PCS season is just around the corner. 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 since we are all staying… Read more »
Common Military Scams and How to Protect Yourself
There are many scams focused on the military and veterans. Here are the military scams to be aware of and how to protect yourself.
IDT Travel Reimbursement For Guard and Reserves
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… Read more »
PCS Pay Entitlements
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… Read more »
Overseas PCS: Things Not to Forget When PCS’ing
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… Read more »
3 Basics of Budgeting for Military Families
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… Read more »
Is a VA Loan Right for You?
The VA Loan may include no down payment, no PMI, and relaxed standards for credit scores. Find out if a VA loan is right for you.
DFAS myPay: Help Getting Started
DFAS myPay The United States Military works hard to ensure that the individuals that make up its branches are provided for in all areas of life such as housing, healthcare, and finances. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is an agency of the United States Department of Defense (DOD), headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. DFAS… Read more »
Best Practices For the VA Loan Process
As a member of the military community, you may be eligible for the VA Loan. Here are the VA Loan best practices according to one veteran.
Preparation for an OCONUS Move
OCONUS Move: Some Helpful Tips 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… Read more »