Service members and veterans have financial benefits and resources that their civilian friends don’t. Make sure to take advantage of these benefits. These include everything from exclusive life insurance options, to retirement benefits, to VA home loans. You have an amazing opportunity to save money, plan for retirement, and buy a home at competitive rates, typically without a down payment.
Military deployment orders can change pay and entitlements from the day orders take effect. Assignment location may play a big part, since combat and danger determine whether some military pay is tax-free. Combat vs. non-combat pay and incentives depend heavily on how the DoD assigns and designates troops worldwide. One example? The Department of Defense… Read more »
Explore safer alternatives to payday loans for military families during times of financial stress and uncertainty.
Military pay charts for 2026, which include a 3.8% increase from the previous year. Learn more at myMilitaryBenefits.
Life insurance is a tool designed to protect loved ones if the policyholder dies. While the purpose of life insurance remains constant, life choices and changes typically shape your specific insurance policies, coverage amounts, and beneficiary designations. One of the most important areas? Your marital status. How should this affect your military life insurance choices?… Read more »
Founded in 1935 as the War Department Federal Credit Union, PenFed initially served those with a common bond in national defense. It has since acquired several other credit unions, enabling it to expand its services nationwide for non-military members. However, it still maintains a strong focus on serving the military community. That connection shows up… Read more »
There are VA mortgages for a variety of loan purposes. You can buy a condo unit, townhome, duplex, and multi-unit properties with a VA mortgage. You can also use a VA loan to buy a mobile home and even the land that home is to be placed upon. VA loan rules for manufactured home purchases are a bit different than for buying a typical suburban home, but some of those differences have to do with the unique nature of manufactured housing. Learn more.
The VA Certificate of Eligibility (VA COE) is your gateway to the VA home loan program and without it, you can’t officially move forward with a VA mortgage application. Learn more.
A 19.5% pay increase for junior enlisted military members is included in that draft, which now goes under review in the House of Representatives as the next steps in the NDAA approval process begin. Learn more.
The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is closer to becoming law. Included is a proposed 5.2% pay raise for the military. Learn more.
The looming government shutdown crisis has been averted, at least for now. On the last day of September 2023, Congress found a way to sidestep partisan bickering, political posturing, and budget crisis theater long enough to pass a continuing resolution that keeps the federal government fully funded for an additional 45 days into the new… Read more »