Knowledge Hub
Budget Boost or Budget Squeeze? 2026 Military Pay, Allowances, and Financial Reality
A notable pay raise, higher housing allowances, and new IRS limits offer opportunities, but lingering effects from the 2025 shutdown require careful planning.
August 2024 Edition, Newsletter Week: August 2024
A review of the AI Sidebar, a spotlight on Tuition Assistance, and quick wins for the month.
The Definitive Guide to U.S. Military Benefits
A practical, plain-English playbook for servicemembers, officers, and families covering pay, housing, healthcare, retirement, education, and more.
New Officer's Personal Finance Guide
The essential step-by-step playbook for new officers to build a strong financial foundation from day one, covering everything from reading your LES to your first investments.
All-In Pay Deep Dive
A comprehensive, plain-English guide to understanding every part of your military paycheck, from base pay to allowances and special pays.
TSP & Retirement Deep Dive
Your complete guide to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and the Blended (BRS) vs. Legacy 'High-3' military retirement systems.
Housing & VA Loan Deep Dive
The ultimate guide to your military housing benefits and the powerful VA Home Loan program, your path to homeownership.
Education Funding Deep Dive
Your guide to paying for college, certifications, and licenses with powerful military education benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance.
Credit & Banking Deep Dive
Understand the powerful financial protections afforded to you under federal laws like the SCRA and MLA, and learn about military-friendly banking options.
Insurance & Medical Deep Dive
A plain-English guide to TRICARE, SGLI, and your other key military insurance benefits to ensure your health and family are protected.
Taxes & Family Benefits Deep Dive
Leverage military-specific tax advantages and understand key family support programs like childcare and spouse education benefits.
Guard & Reserve Benefits Deep Dive
Your guide to the unique pay, healthcare, and retirement benefits of part-time service, including drill pay, TRICARE Reserve Select, and the points-based pension.
New Leaders Deep Dive
Your financial guide from cadet and candidate to commissioning, covering ROTC scholarships, OCS/OTS pay, and critical first steps as a new officer.