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  1. Veteran’s Guide to Final Arrangements, Part 4: Cemetery Options

    You can read Part 1 of the Veterans Guide to Final Arrangements here, Part 2 here, and Part 3 here. National Cemeteries Any veteran who meets the eligibility criteria may be buried in a National Cemetery.  The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains 131 National Cemeteries in thirty-nine states (and Puerto...
  2. Blocking and Tackling: The Key to Your Financial Future

    If you’ve spent much time watching football at some point you’ve heard the following from a football coach…”We need to concentrate on Blocking and Tackling and then the wins will come.” What does the coach mean by that? Well, I’m not an expert on football but I’m pretty sure the...
  3. Veteran’s Guide to Final Arrangements, Part 2: Memorial Items

    In addition to burial allowances, grave markers, and veterans’ cemetery interments, the families of deceased veterans are also eligible for a couple of memorial keepsake items: a burial flag and a memorial certificate signed by the President of the United States. (Read part 1 of the Final Arrangements series here)...
  4. Benefits to Military Families for International Adoption

    My husband and I are in the middle of our home study for an international adoption. It’s something we’ve always wanted to do, and yet weren’t sure we could in the military. We had so many questions: Would the moving and deployments hinder the process? Would we even qualify as...
  5. There Are Really Only Four Ways to Cut Your Taxes

    That is right. I said it. There are really only four ways to cut your taxes. When you look at all the things out there, they break down into four different areas. So, let’s take a look at each area and the pluses and minuses. Spend a Dollar to Cut...
  6. Military Retirement: A Blessing and a Curse

    I lost you, didn’t I? You said “this guy is completely insane! Half my pay for the rest of my life is a curse?” While I am prepared to concede your first point, gentle reader, allow me but a few paragraphs to elaborate on the second. Retirement from the military...
  7. You Might Need an Umbrella Even if it Isn’t Raining

    In my dealings with military members, I’ve found that most of them do a pretty good job protecting against the big risks in life. They usually have adequate life insurance (when combined with SGLI and SBP), health insurance through TRICARE and protection for their personal belongings (auto, home or renters...
  8. GI Bill and Taxes….Not Exactly a Match Made in Heaven

    The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the best benefits out there today. The opportunity for a nearly “free” education is something you should take advantage of. But, like with many things the Post-9/11 GI Bill is not simple when it comes to taxes. Let me explain… GI Bill Alone First...
  9. What You Need To Know About The VA “Home Loan”

    One of the most substantial benefits offered to veterans upon completing their service to their country is the VA Loan Guaranty Home Loan.  It’s a program where the federal government “guarantees” your loan with a bank, lowering your interest payment, saving you a lot of money and making you eligible...