KEY TAKEAWAYS Which system you're under is determined by your DIEMS date — Date of Initial Entry into Military Service. If you joined on or after January 1, 2018, you're in BRS. If you joined before that and didn't opt in during the 2018 window, you're in High-3. This is not a choice you can revisit. The core trade-off: High-3 pays a larger pension (2.5% per year = 50% at 20 … [Read more...] about BRS vs. High-3 Military Retirement 2026: Which System Are You Under and What Does It Pay?
retirement
Military IRA Contribution Guide 2026: Combat Pay, Roth Strategy, and TSP Coordination
Key Takeaways The 2026 IRA contribution limit is $7,500 ($8,600 if age 50+) — up from $7,000 in 2025, the first increase in two years Tax-exempt combat pay counts as earned income for IRA purposes under the HERO Act — deployed service members can fund a Roth IRA with completely tax-free money, creating a triple tax advantage TSP and IRA contribution limits are completely … [Read more...] about Military IRA Contribution Guide 2026: Combat Pay, Roth Strategy, and TSP Coordination
States That Don’t Tax Military Retirement Pay: 2026 Complete Guide
Key Takeaways As of 2026, 37 states do not tax military retirement pay at all — either because they have no state income tax or because they've enacted a full military retirement exemption. Only California and Washington D.C. fully tax military retirement income with no meaningful exemption. Recent additions include South Carolina (full exemption effective 2025) and New … [Read more...] about States That Don’t Tax Military Retirement Pay: 2026 Complete Guide
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
Maximizing Military Benefits to Help Build Wealth
Military life comes with unique financial considerations, but it also presents incredible opportunities to build wealth. Juggling deployments, training, and frequent moves can make this challenging. So, let's explore how military benefits can set you up for a secure financial future. A common misconception is that military benefits to help build wealth are only for … [Read more...] about Maximizing Military Benefits to Help Build Wealth
Secure Your Future: TSP Account Login Guide for Veterans
Accessing your TSP account online is now easier, but if you haven't logged in recently, you might need a refresher. This post clarifies how to log in, manage your Thrift Savings Plan online, and use the TSP mobile app. Table of Contents: Understanding the TSP Account Login Process The Thrift Savings Plan account login process is simple, with enhanced security … [Read more...] about Secure Your Future: TSP Account Login Guide for Veterans
2025 Military Retiree Pay Raise: COLA, Benefits, and Planning
Planning for the future is a big deal for military retirees. A key part of that plan is understanding how military retiree pay raises work. You served your country, and now you need to know how your retirement pay keeps up with the consumer price index. This post breaks down everything you need to know about the military retiree pay raise in 2025. We'll cover the ins and … [Read more...] about 2025 Military Retiree Pay Raise: COLA, Benefits, and Planning
Los Angeles VA Town Center Guide: Amenities & Jobs for Veterans
Imagine a central hub where veterans can connect, access vital services, and find a sense of community. That's the vision behind the VA town center at the West Los Angeles VA campus. It's an ambitious project with passionate voices on all sides, making it critical to understand the plans, challenges, and hopes for this future gathering place. The idea of a VA town center … [Read more...] about Los Angeles VA Town Center Guide: Amenities & Jobs for Veterans
Unlock Your Potential: Practical Military Wealth Building Tips
Military wealth building tips: They’re essential if you’re in the service and looking to build a solid financial future. While military life has its challenges – deployments, frequent moves, and unpredictable schedules – there are amazing opportunities to achieve financial security. You may feel like everyone else is in on a secret that you haven't been let in on yet, but you … [Read more...] about Unlock Your Potential: Practical Military Wealth Building Tips
Achieve Wealth with the Military Millionaire Strategy
Most service members understand that the military isn't exactly a fast track to riches. It’s tough work, demanding sacrifice and dedication. But what if there was a military millionaire strategy that could set you up for financial success, even while serving? You can build wealth during your military career without winning the lottery or inheriting a fortune. The secret is to … [Read more...] about Achieve Wealth with the Military Millionaire Strategy