Should you join the military to pay for college? Many are tempted, especially in the wake of the passage of the Forever GI Bill. At the time of this writing, that modification to the military’s education benefits means more education options for the service member. They include the ability to transfer GI Bill benefits to a qualifying spouse or child, and the housing allowance paid to those who attend in-person classes (or a reduced stipend for … [Read more...]
Changing TSP Contributions
TSP, the Thrift Savings Plan, is a retirement investment program offered to federal employees and members of the United States military including members of the Ready Reserve. TSP is what financial planners describe as a defined-contribution plan. Some feel the features of TSP resemble a private-sector 401(k) retirement plan. Employees may be eligible for employer contributions, and many of the plan's investment options allow you to diversify … [Read more...]
Military Benefits: not Just for Those in Uniform
Military benefits are not just for those in uniform; military spouses and what the military calls “dependents children” are also eligible for money-saving benefits that may apply to both officer and enlisted members as well as their immediate family. Pay And Benefits For Families At the most basic level, those who enter the military with a family or start one after joining the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard get benefits … [Read more...]
Impacted by the Government Shutdown? Try These Tips.
As of this writing, the United States Government is currently in a partial shutdown. A number of agencies are unfunded and therefore, employees have been furloughed or are working unpaid. Additionally, many government contractors are also in a non-work status because of the shutdown. (Personally, I am a federal employee at an agency with funding, so I'm still working and getting paid, though I've been told my paycheck may be delayed.) Now, … [Read more...]
Keep Your Cash Safe And Protect Your Financial Stability
Good money management is a skill that anybody can learn. There are two types of people in this world: Spenders and Savers. People who spend money are impulse driven individuals with an emphasis on instant gratification. Savers tend to be future oriented and willing to sacrifice instant gratification for long-term security. Unfortunately, neither of these two opposing paradigms are the ideal financial model. A spender runs the risk of financial … [Read more...]