Recent Posts
The Net Worth Payment
For personal finance DIY’ers, trusting the long term effects of financial decisions can be difficult. Even when everything makes sense on paper, it isn’t always
One TAP Class Is Not Enough
The Transition Assistance Program covers a tremendous amount of information. Employment. VA benefits. Healthcare. Education. Life insurance. Taxes. Retirement pay. Disability claims. Resumes. Networking. Relocation.
SGLI is Not Enough
Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is the inexpensive term life insurance we can purchase through our pay during active and reserve service. Congress determines how
Military Topics
Tricare for Life – Is It Really Free?
Tricare for Life – Is It Really Free? Military retirees, including reserve retirees over age 60, are familiar with the retiree Tricare drill. And when
State-Level Veterans Benefits
State-Level Veterans Benefits The US Department of Veterans Affairs has many benefits for military veterans. But did you know each state also has their own
Why Should you Care About the Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season in 2023?
Why Should you Care About the Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season in 2023? When a retiree dies, his/her retired pay (and VA disability compensation) also
Is My Military Retired Pay Tax Free if I have a VA Disability Rating? – NO!
Is My Military Retired Pay Tax Free if I have a VA Disability Rating? – NO! Every year I have a handful of clients
10 Financial Opportunities and Challenges Dual Military Couples Experience
When both members of a couple serve in the military, they share a greater understanding of the mission and life demands that come with putting
Should you Buy Back your Military Time?
Should you Buy Back your Military Time? What is military buyback? If you served on active duty in the military and then become a federal
Financial Planning
One TAP Class Is Not Enough
The Transition Assistance Program covers a tremendous amount of information. Employment. VA benefits. Healthcare. Education. Life insurance. Taxes. Retirement pay. Disability claims. Resumes. Networking. Relocation.
When the Clock Strikes 21: Navigating TRICARE Coverage Changes for Military Dependents
For military families, TRICARE is one of the most valued benefits of service. But when a dependent child turns 21, the coverage landscape shifts dramatically,
Serving Out Loud: Why LGBTQ+ Military Financial Planning Looks a Little Different
When Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) was repealed in 2011, and federal marriage benefits were extended to same-sex military couples in 2013 following the Supreme
Paying the “Neglect Tax”
We live in an age that glorifies replacement and undervalues maintenance. If something breaks, we don’t fix it, we replace it. A car starts making
I Have A Military Pension: Do I Still Need An Emergency Fund?
I Have A Military Pension: Do I Still Need An Emergency Fund? For years, the standard financial advice has been simple: Keep three to six
Cost Segregation Studies: A Smart Tax Move… Sometimes
Cost Segregation Studies: A Smart Tax Move… Sometimes If you are a landlord with rental properties, you’ve probably read an article or listened to a
Taxes
529 ABLE Accounts and Veteran Eligibility: Big Changes for 2026
I’ve been asked by disabled veterans many times whether they qualify for an ABLE account, formally known as a 529 ABLE plan. Until now, my
Cost Segregation Studies: A Smart Tax Move… Sometimes
Cost Segregation Studies: A Smart Tax Move… Sometimes If you are a landlord with rental properties, you’ve probably read an article or listened to a
Taxes for Teenagers
I knew I was off track when my 21-year-old daughter asked me, “Dad, how much do I get in taxes?” She was either being cheeky,
The Million Dollar TSP
The Million Dollar TSP Are you approaching or reached a million dollars in your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)? Congratulations! More than likely, your retirement goal
6 Tax Moves To Consider In 2025
Military Veterans often face changing financial situations, from untaxed benefits and combat zone tax exclusions to special bonuses and, finally, the transition to retirement or
Tax Tips and Understanding the New 1099-K Reporting Requirements
Note: This post provides information accurate as of the date of publication and is provided for educational purposes. For personalized advice, consult with your own
College & Education Planning
When the Clock Strikes 21: Navigating TRICARE Coverage Changes for Military Dependents
For military families, TRICARE is one of the most valued benefits of service. But when a dependent child turns 21, the coverage landscape shifts dramatically,
Saving For Your Kids – Do They Need A Trump Account?
Did someone say free money? Yes! And if your child qualifies, opening a Trump account is a no-brainer. What if they don’t qualify for the
Scrubs and Student Loans: Financial Planning for Military Medical Professionals
Scrubs and Student Loans: Financial Planning for Military Medical Professionals You’ve put in the hours, the degrees, the residencies, and the deployments. You’ve juggled patients
GI Bill for Guard and Reserve
Navigating the many GI Bill For Guard and Reserve options I have been a member of the Air National Guard for almost 25 years at
Student Loan Update- Where are we now?
For many student loan borrowers, the CARES Act, which paused student loan repayment and drove interest rates to 0.0%, was an extraordinary gift. Since that
SECURE Act 2.0: Expanded College Savings & Roth IRA Opportunities for Military Families
SECURE Act 2.0: Expanded College Savings & Roth IRA Opportunities for Military Families Leading into the New Year, Congress passed a $1.7 Billion spending package
Investing
Saving For Your Kids – Do They Need A Trump Account?
Did someone say free money? Yes! And if your child qualifies, opening a Trump account is a no-brainer. What if they don’t qualify for the
Cost Segregation Studies: A Smart Tax Move… Sometimes
Cost Segregation Studies: A Smart Tax Move… Sometimes If you are a landlord with rental properties, you’ve probably read an article or listened to a
Rolling out of the military: Do I have to roll out of the TSP?
Rolling out of the military: Do I have to roll out of the TSP? Getting out of the military, whether at the end of your
The Veteran’s Guide to TSP Rollovers
The Veteran’s Guide to TSP Rollovers Separating and retiring military servicemembers (& federal employees) are often faced with a number of financial decisions. One of
Back to Basics: Account Types
Back to Basics: Account Types Some years ago, when some of our fellow steely-eyed killers started swapping paint at 600 knots a bit too frequently,
The Balance Sheet Deception: Understanding the Liabilities of Assets
Veterans aren’t strangers to the concept of assets and liabilities. One of the first things anyone does when thinking about personal finance is to map