Key Takeaways Under the Military Lending Act (MLA), major credit card issuers waive annual fees on premium cards for active duty service members and their covered dependents — including cards with fees of $500 or more per year. This fee waiver is one of the most underutilized financial benefits in the military community. Many service members who qualify never claim it. Premium … [Read more...] about Best Credit Cards for Active Duty Military: How to Use MLA Fee Waivers to Get Premium Rewards for Free
Military Money
Military Deployment Financial Checklist: Everything to Handle Before You Leave
Key Takeaways Deployment is the single best wealth-building window in a military career — low expenses, potential tax-free pay, access to the Savings Deposit Program, and elevated TSP contribution limits all converge at once. The Savings Deposit Program (SDP) guarantees 10% annual interest on deposits up to $10,000 during qualifying deployments — one of the best guaranteed … [Read more...] about Military Deployment Financial Checklist: Everything to Handle Before You Leave
SCRA and MLA: The Military Financial Protections Most Service Members Don’t Know They Have
Key Takeaways Two separate federal laws protect service members from financial harm: the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) covers debt taken out before active duty; the Military Lending Act (MLA) covers debt taken out during active duty. The SCRA caps interest rates at 6% on pre-service mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and student loans — and can save thousands in … [Read more...] about SCRA and MLA: The Military Financial Protections Most Service Members Don’t Know They Have
Military Savings Guide: How Much Should You Be Saving by Rank?
Key Takeaways A simple savings priority order applies at every rank: BRS match first, Roth IRA second, then max TSP — and a taxable brokerage account if you can go further. Junior enlisted service members should focus on getting the full 5% BRS match and building a $1,000–$3,000 emergency fund before worrying about maxing anything out. Combat zone deployments offer a rare … [Read more...] about Military Savings Guide: How Much Should You Be Saving by Rank?
Should You Buy or Rent at Your Next PCS Duty Station?
Key Takeaways The 3-year rule is a reliable benchmark: if you won't be at a duty station for at least three years, renting typically makes more financial sense than buying. VA home loans offer powerful advantages — no down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI) — but those benefits don't eliminate the risks of buying with a short timeline. The Department of Defense … [Read more...] about Should You Buy or Rent at Your Next PCS Duty Station?
Best IRA Accounts for Military Members & Veterans (2026)
Key Takeaways Table of Contents An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to military members and veterans—and it works alongside your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to maximize your retirement savings. For service members deployed to combat zones, IRAs offer an extraordinary tax advantage that can result in money … [Read more...] about Best IRA Accounts for Military Members & Veterans (2026)
Military PCS Guide 2026: Your Complete Guide to Allowances, Entitlements & Moving Tips
Key Takeaways 2026 MALT rate is $0.205 per mile for driving your POV during a PCS move PPM reimbursement increased to 100% of what the government would pay (was temporarily 130% in summer 2025) DLA rates increased 3.8% in 2026, ranging from $1,018.96 (E-1 without dependents) to $6,385.58 (O-7+ with dependents) Per diem for travel covers $110 lodging + $68 M&IE for most … [Read more...] about Military PCS Guide 2026: Your Complete Guide to Allowances, Entitlements & Moving Tips
Investing for Retirement Beyond Your Military Pension
Thinking about life after serving our country? A military pension is great, but what about investing for retirement outside of a military pension? The truth is, even with a guaranteed check coming in every month, you'll want more money working for you. Most people don't realize that pensions alone might not cover all the lifestyle expenses you've dreamed about. Your pension … [Read more...] about Investing for Retirement Beyond Your Military Pension
Best Credit Cards for Military Veterans
When it comes to credit cards, active service members have a few more perks that they can choose from - sometimes those perks include waving annual fees. But what are the best credit cards for military veterans and their families? That's what we're going to explore today. Credit cards can help improve consumer purchasing power when used responsibly. Experts recommend that … [Read more...] about Best Credit Cards for Military Veterans
Top Military Friendly Banks: Benefits for Service Members
Banking can feel overwhelming, with hidden fees and confusing terms. You need a financial institution that understands military life, including deployments and PCS moves. This means finding the best military friendly banks and credit unions offering direct deposit. Finding military friendly banks involves more than slogans. It’s about partners committed to your needs, … [Read more...] about Top Military Friendly Banks: Benefits for Service Members