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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. 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)...
  3. 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...
  4. 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...
  5. 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...
  6. A Guide to Easy Budgeting for Military Personnel

    Many people are under the misconception that military personnel have it made, financially. However, they live paycheck to paycheck just like everyone else does. They have the same bills and expenses as civilians, plus some. Low ranking military personnel have it the hardest because they aren’t paid as much as...
  7. How to Save at the Commissary

    Many people mistakenly believe that the commissary always has the lowest prices…while this isn’t always true it can offer savings.  Here are some things to know about shopping at the commissary to help you get the best deals: Surcharge While the commissary doesn’t charge tax, there is a surcharge added...
  8. 8 Military Family Benefits You May Not Know About

    When your spouse joins the military, there are all kinds of new things to learn. One of them is what benefits your family and you are entitled to. Here are a few you can expect to hear about and use – whether your spouse has a four year enlistment or...