Personal Finance for Military, Veterans, and their Families
If you’re a reservist or guardsman in search of an affordable and comprehensive health care offering, then Tricare Reserve Select may be the best plan for you and your family. Established by the 2005 National Defense Authorization Act, Tricare Reserve Select aims to offer a government-sponsored health insurance option to members of the Selected Reserve […]
Having access to affordable health care is among the top concerns for retirees, and there have been several approaches over the years to ensure coverage for older Americans who “age out” of other Tricare plans. For Medicare-eligible Tricare beneficiaries, retirees, and their family members, Tricare for Life may be the best available option that balances […]
Tricare Select is the military-sponsored health plan that best suits those who prefer to manage their own care and are willing to pay a bit more for added flexibility and freedom of choice. If choosing your own care providers is an important feature, Tricare Select (including Select Overseas, Reserve Select, and Young Adult Select) might […]
When faced with the ever-expanding and often complex menu of military healthcare options, it’s often difficult to determine which plan is best for you and your family. Under the banner of Tricare — which is the health care program for U.S. uniformed servicemembers, retirees, and their families – there are various options to choose from […]
If you feel like you’re unable to keep up with the frequent changes to military benefits – especially the GI Bill – you’re not alone. Modifications to eligibility requirements, military housing allowances, transfer policies, and time-in-service sometimes make education benefits for veterans seem incomprehensible, unattainable, or just plain confusing. However, recently enacted changes to the GI […]
The Medal of Honor (MoH) has a history that stretches back to the Civil War. It’s the oldest continuously issued combat decoration of the military. Since its inception, in 1861, more than three thousand members of all Department of Defense branches have been awarded this prestigious honor. And in addition to being recognized for bravery, […]
Use this VA Loan Calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payments. Simply insert your military status, purchase price, downpayment, and any tax and homeowner’s insurance information, if you have that information handy. VA Loan Calculator VA Loan Type Home PurchaseInterest Rate Reduction RefinanceCash-Out RefinanceManufactured Home LoanLoan Assumption Home Value $ Down Payment (20.0%) $ Set […]
Filing a VA Benefits claim can be a complicated process that can take months, or even years, to resolve. And sometimes, the VA’s decision doesn’t go the way you want it to. Does the following sound familiar? You filed a claim for disability compensation with your Regional Office (RO) of Veterans Affairs. You logged on […]
Earning a military retirement can be complicated, especially when your service status changes throughout your career. Complicating factors can include changing branches of the military, transitioning between active duty and the Guard or Reserves, or earning your commission after starting your career as an enlisted member. Several service members have contacted me regarding the qualifications […]
The Department of Defense (DoD) frequently reassesses and updates the areas that qualify for Imminent Danger Pay (IDP). Imminent Danger Pay is a benefit given to troops serving in locations that are deemed to be hostile or dangerous. The benefit provides troops in imminent danger areas a payment of $7.50 per day, up to the […]