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Can I Count On A Military Pension?
. A reader asks: “Thank you for your words of wisdom in your blog and being a source of motivation. I have a quick question and I would appreciate your advice. I have 18.5 years towards my military...
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Update on Military Retirement, Commissaries, and Tricare
. I’m getting a lot of questions about the latest changes to military entitlements and benefits, so let’s answer the mail here. Repeal of the military pension COLA cutback First, Congress has...
View ArticleCareer Assistance Program – AAFMAA Offers $4000 Loan
Is the Army Air Force Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA), Career Assistance Program Loan (CAP) worth it? I’m going to have to say YES! Back in the day as a young Staff Sergeant I needed some extra cash...
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Are You A Service Member In Debt With Bad Credit
As a young Staff Sergeant back in 2002, I found myself in an extremely awkward position. It began harmlessly enough. My silly attempt at living above my pay grade, began to bring me a lot of heartache...
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AAFES Offers Printable Coupons – Smooth Move
Typically, service members move about once every three years. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders often require moves across the US or to foreign countries. The Department of Defense (DOD)...
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Early Withdrawals From Your TSP and IRA After The Military
Readers frequently ask how they should handle their cash flow after they reach financial independence. The biggest challenge for military veterans is setting aside enough assets for annual living...
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New AR 670-1: Army Grooming & Appearance Regulation Leaked Online
Information on the US Army’s highly anticipated changes to grooming and uniform regulations leaked earlier today, just days prior to the official release. Army Secretary John McHugh approved the...
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USAREC CG Proposes Radical Changes To Army Recruiting
By Maj. Gen. Allen Batschelet, Rick Ayer and Col. Mike Runey — Reblogged from the Army Magazine As the rift between the Army and American society widens, our recruiters in the field are reporting...
View ArticleALARACT 082/2014 – Effective Dates To Coincide With Release Of Updated AR 670-1
Subject: Effective dates to coincide with release of updated ar 670-1 and new DA Pam 670-1 1. References: a. Ar 670-1, wear and appearance of army uniforms and insignia, dated xx March 2014 b. Ar...
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Military Retirement With Enlisted And Officer Service
Today’s post is an “ask the readers” question about military retirement after service in both enlisted and officer grades. (Nearly 80% of this blog’s readers find a post through a search engine. This...
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It’s Official: The 2014 Version Of AR 670-1 Goes Into Effect
The long-awaited Army Regulation 670-1, with new rules on tattoos, hairstyles, grooming and uniform wear, went into effect Monday, after being unofficially leaked on Facebook. “The Army is a...
View ArticleThe New DA Pam 623-3
Department of the Army Pamphlet 623-3 Evaluation Reporting System Download: DA Pam 623-3 This pamphlet prescribes the policy and tasks for the Army’s Evaluation Reporting System, including officer,...
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The Frugal Effect
. Last month I posted about our evolving attitudes on spending money. My spouse and I have achieved financial independence, yet our spending still apparently needs a purpose. Even after a decade of...
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Tricare or MTF: Will The Army Pay For Tattoo Removal?
Question: I have a total of 5 tattoos that fall below my right elbow. My Commander determined that my tattoos are not in compliance with AR 670-1, 3-3c(2). I’ve been counseled, and I understand that...
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Mixed Plate: Military Sanctuary, Disability, And Civilian Pensions
Eh, you like more? Here’s a post of topics that are too small for individual posts. These leftovers won’t make a financial independence meal on their own, but together they’re a 1400-calorie luau....
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No More Military Retirement or Tricare Prime?!?
. It’s that time of year again: Congress is debating the annual federal budget proposals. My e-mail and social media have exploded with outraged commentary on the proposals to overhaul the military...
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An Alternative Option for Vacationing and Retirement Lifestyle
. [Nords note: Billy and Akaisha Kaderli have been early retirees and perpetual travelers for over two decades. I've known them for nearly 10 years, and they were a huge help when I was writing the...
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Book Review: “When She Makes More”
. I’m financially independent, but I’m blissfully ignorant of popular culture. (Maybe those two facts are related?) I had never heard of Farnoosh Torabi. I first noticed her work a few years ago when...
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Lifestyles in Retirement: Hawaii Vacation
. The Mainland weather is getting warmer and most of you seem to be thawing out. I wouldn’t torture you with this post in January, but now that spring has sprung it seems to be a good time to answer...
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How To Get Kicked Out Of Tricare
. I’ve carried a military ID card since 1978. I’m financially independent. You would expect that I’d understand my benefits by now, but a few months ago I was nearly dis-enrolled from Tricare for not...
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