My grandfather passed away a few months ago, and even though it is a difficult time for our family, one thing made it easier for us. My grandfather served in the US Navy during WWII and as a veteran of the US military, he was eligible for a free burial with full military honors. Funerals [...]
Will My Credit Cards Affect My Ability to Get a Car Loan?
I received a reader question last week about how credit cards and available credit will affect her ability to get a favorable rate on a car loan. Now let’s look at her question: I am writing because I was curious what effect my credit cards will have on getting a car loan with a good [...]
2009 BAS and BAH Rates Announced
There is good news for most military members – 2009 BAS and BAH rates have been announced, and the rates are going up for most people. New BAS Rates: Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) Rates for CY09 were recently announced by the Secretary of Defense and become effective January 1, 2009. Enlisted: $323.87 Officer: $223.04 [...]
USAA Subscriber Savings Account Distribution Announcement
My wife and I received our Subscriber Savings Account letter from USAA yesterday. USAA is a member owned financial institution, so if you are a member of USAA, you actually own a portion of the company. The Subscriber Savings Account is one way in which USAA shares its profits with its members. I think it [...]
5 Ways To Save on Taxes Before Dec. 31
This article is Courtesy of USAA (read my USAA Review). It may seem too early to think about taxes, but you can possibly save hundreds of dollars or more by getting your deductible ducks in a row before the year ends. As with most deductions, income restrictions may apply so check with the Internal Revenue [...]
Texas Veterans Leadership Program
I received a press release from the Texas Workforce Commission earlier this week about a new veteran’s program in the state of Texas. The state of Texas recently introduced a new program for veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). More information about the Texas Veteran’s Leadership Program: The Texas Workforce [...]
DD Form 214 – The Most Important Military Document You Will Ever Receive
Your DD Form 214, Verification of Military Service, is one of the most valuable military service records you will ever hold – it verifies your military service and includes your complete name used while in service, service number or social security number, branch of service, dates of service, and additional information regarding your military service. [...]
Managing Money While Deployed
Jeff Rose is an Illinois area Certified Financial Planner(TM) and co-founder of Alliance Investment Planning Group. He is also the author of Good Financial Cents, a financial planning and investment blog. You can also learn more about Jeff at his website Jeff Rose Financial. In January 2005, I left the comfort of my family and [...]