The Military Wallet

How to Upgrade Your Military Discharge Characterization – Understanding the Discharge Review Board Process

Your military discharge-characterization (or rating) is very important for many reasons. A high rating can open the door to a variety of benefits, including the ability to qualify for government employment, reenlistment eligibility, and certain VA benefits. On the other hand, not having a high enough rating can impact your eligibility for certain … Read the Rest

by Lizann Lightfoot

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Free Classes Offered on Base

Did you know that military bases offer many free classes to service members, dependents, and retirees? These classes are designed to give military families free resources to help with a variety of military life challenges—from PCSing and deployments to new babies or new jobs. If you could use help, or just want to brush up on skills, check out the … Read the Rest

by Ryan Guina

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Military Saves Week 2017 – Creating and Achieving Savings Goals

Many Americans struggle with their finances, and military members are no exception. The difference, however, can be compounded by the military lifestyle. It's not uncommon, for example, for military families to move every few years, or for the servicemember to deploy away from his or her family for months at a time. These conditions can make it … Read the Rest

by Ryan Guina

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How to Automate Your Finances – Get Your Finances on Autopilot Before You PCS, Deploy, or Go TDY

Military members are frequently on the move. That's part of the gig, and part of the fun! But that can lead to problems with your money unless you have a plan to automate finances or otherwise manage your money while you are deployed, or otherwise away from home. I handle most of the finances in my family. But since I'm gearing up for a TDY in … Read the Rest

by Lizann Lightfoot

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All the Ways You Can Save with ITT – Information, Tickets, and Tours

Whenever we move to a new base, I always enjoy our first visit to the Information, Tickets, and Tours (ITT) office. This is where you can get special military discount tickets for a variety of local attractions. There is an ITT office on most military bases. ITT should be your first stop when planning a vacation, day trip, date night, girls’ night, … Read the Rest

by Ryan Guina

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VA Loan Limits – How Much House Can You Buy with a VA Loan?

VA Loan limits increased in 2017, the first increase since 2006. The new maximum loan guarantee is $424,100 in most counties. The loan limit is higher in some high-cost counties. These higher loan limits vary by region and are listed later in this article. The VA Loan limits are the same as the conforming mortgage loan limits determined by … Read the Rest

by Ryan Guina

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Free Tax Filing and Preparation for Military Members

One of the little known benefits of being in the military is access to free tax filing and preparation services. There are several options for military personnel to file their taxes for free, including free tax preparation assistance on base, and free tax prep software you can use to file your taxes online. Some local communities may also offer … Read the Rest

by Lizann Lightfoot

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How WIC Benefits Military Families

For years, the government has been helping our family buy groceries. As a military spouse who has lived at four different bases in the last nine years, I have a difficult time finding full-time employment. Since the birth of our first child, the government has bought most of our milk, bread, eggs, juice, and cereal. Every week, I bring Women, … Read the Rest

by Ryan Guina

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How to Prove Military Service – Official Military Documents, Forms, and Other Ways to Prove You Served

Military benefits are incredibly valuable. They are well deserved and hard earned. But veterans must prove military service before they are eligible for the various benefits programs. These requirements are in place to protect those who have earned these benefits, and prevent others from taking these limited resources from those who have earned … Read the Rest

by Ryan Guina

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Chase Bank Sign Up Bonus – New Customers Can Earn up to $350 When Opening New Accounts

Advertising Disclosure. Serving in the military often means frequently relocating to a new duty station. In my six years on active duty I spent extensive time on 5 bases and traveled to dozens of other bases across the US and throughout the world. This frequent travel makes it important to have excellent banking options. That is why we have a … Read the Rest

Free Tax Filing and Preparation for Military Members

2017 Montgomery GI Bill Rates – How Much is Your MGIB Benefit Worth?

Veterans Benefits Guide – How to Unlock Your Veterans Benefits

How to Get a Military ID Card – Eligibility, ID Card Facility Locator, and More

Unemployment Benefits After Separating from the Military

How to Upgrade Your Military Discharge Characterization – Understanding the Discharge Review Board Process

Free Classes Offered on Base

Military Saves Week 2017 – Creating and Achieving Savings Goals

How to Automate Your Finances – Get Your Finances on Autopilot Before You PCS, Deploy, or Go TDY

All the Ways You Can Save with ITT – Information, Tickets, and Tours

VA Loan Limits – How Much House Can You Buy with a VA Loan?

Free Tax Filing and Preparation for Military Members

How WIC Benefits Military Families

How to Prove Military Service – Official Military Documents, Forms, and Other Ways to Prove You Served

Chase Bank Sign Up Bonus – New Customers Can Earn up to $350 When Opening New Accounts