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May is Military Appreciation Month
“… being part of the military tradition and all of the hoopla!” This month is Military Appreciation Month and while it highlights an opportunity for government leaders, civilians, neighbors, extended family and businesses to thank our men and women in uniform, their families and veterans; we should take a moment to appreciate ourselves too! The military lifestyle is tough and we share a unique perspective on world events. Yes, we have/had jobs where our families watched CNN or other news to see where we might be going next. How many prayers have gone up for our safety, protection and success? This month is a great opportunity to reflect on what…
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Preparing for the Tax Season for the Military Family
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2013 – With a month left before the start of tax season, service members should begin gathering documentation to file their 2013 taxes, the director of the Pentagon’s office of family policy and children and youth said. In a recent interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel, Barbara Thompson suggested visiting the Military OneSource website for tax filing resources, and to learn what will be necessary to file, such as W2 forms, Social Security numbers and receipts for deductions such as child care, education, medical expenses and donations, among other write-offs. Continue Reading Head to our MilitaryRewards and find a local Military-Friendly Tax Advisor. …
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A “Soldier of Finance” Review
Soldier of Finance author, Jeff Rose“Why are you struggling with finances?”Looking for a new approach to financial matters? How about reading a book organized for the military community mindset? The first question a military member says in basic training, “Why am I here?” fits right into “Soldier of Finance” as author Jeff Rose, Certified Financial Planner opens the mission with how he got there and why. A member of the Army National Guard, Jeff served a one year combat deployment and explains how the Guard trained, matured, instilled drive and gave him a purpose. His faith leads the way but the soldier comes out as the book guides you through…
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New beginnings! Are you ready?
The new school year, a PCS this summer, a new job/employment, a deployment return or departure, a new or revitalized faith, a new workout routine, a wedding, a birth, a health crisis … all can be new beginnings for the military community. So how do you help yourself during new “stuff”? Remember the Old! It gives us strength to remember what helped us in the past. Looking at old pictures is a great way to enjoy old friends, family times, previous assignments, etc. More important though is the support emotionally and physically we get from the routines that we created to cope with the military lifestyle. The new school…
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Impact of the Sequestration
A Compilation of Articles about the Sequestrationand the impact on Military Families From the Department of Defense & other relevant news sources: Carter Reassures Defense Industry Amid Budget UncertaintyMarch 12, 2013 – Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter pledged today that the Pentagon will not allow a $46 billion cut in spending and uncertainty over future funding to keep it from focusing on challenges facing the nation even though the current fiscal situation will lead to “perverse, unsafe and wasteful consequences.” (continued) Sequestration Pinch Includes Tuition Assistance SuspensionMarch 12, 2013 – Though budget woes led the Army, Marine Corps and Air Force to suspend their tuition assistance programs and the Navy…
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5 Practical Ways to Save Money on Groceries
1. Make a list. I know, time and time again you hear it. “Make a list and stick to it.” But writing a list on scarp paper and then losing that paper isn’t going to help. Instead make the list practical. I like using technology and since my phone is usually in the kitchen on the dock, it is very practical to keep my list there. The free app that I use, is Grocery Pal but there are dozens of list apps out there. I add items when I need them, when I start to run low, when I know it is time to restock. I love that after I buy…
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“Save Automatically” and “Take the Saver Pledge Today”! DoD Blogger Roundtable
It was a crazy busy day for all of us and the DoD Blogger Roundtable with Sgt Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, his wife Lisa Battaglia, and Barbara Thompson, Director of Office of Family Policy/Children & Youth* had a rough and tumble start. It was all about and like military life and what great people the Battaglias are! During the Roundtable this couple did a fantastic job representing our enlisted force and they are on top of the issues. This week’s issue: Military Saves Week. They spoke about “Lifestyle Fitness”, “Financial Fitness” and Tools to reach them before they ran to their…
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Military Saves Week, 2013
It is Military Saves week! Financial Readiness, Financial Fitness, Financial Know-How. All very important to the military family. Important to the service-memeber. Important to me. Source: youtube.com via MilitaryAvenue.com on PinterestChairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey and his senior enlisted advisor Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia encourage service members to plan for the future by saving a little bit today Here are some quick tips and tricks that have helped this military family, I’m sure they can help yours too! The Grocery Bill Source: militaryblog.militaryavenue.com via MilitaryAvenue.com on Pinterest The Stress of Making a Purchase Source: militaryblog.militaryavenue.com via MilitaryAvenue.com on Pinterest Saving Money Around the House Source:…
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Another PCS? Or Your First? Some great Moving Tools to Assist You!
It is PCS Time AgainAre you excited about this next move? Or is it the wrong move, at the wrong time? Ready to jump into research, house hunting, finding the best schools, how to get those utilities hooked up, a new local bank maybe, etc. Or maybe you have put it off and now the time crunch is upon you and you need to get started in a hurry? We faced all of those situations during a career that spanned 18 PCS type moves and some college students being hauled across the continent as well. The internet has opened some great new avenues to help and MilitaryAvenue’s Moving Tools is…
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Money Saving Idea: Getting Comfortable in the Kitchen
Throughout the next month the focus is going to be on saving money. No pressure on my part as that leads to nothing but guilt, and therefore failure. However, when I do find myself doing ‘the right thing’ I want to focus on it and think about how I can make it that much better. (My motto, “Little Drops of Awesome“) There will be a lot of trust. Trust that this focus is important, necessary, part of managing the household. It helps with some of the stress on my marriage. It helps me feel like a better manager of God’s provisions. Money doesn’t bring happiness but I’d sure like to try peace…
