Chase Sapphire Reserve Military Update | $795 Annual Fee Still Waived, New Benefits #183
The Military Money Manual Podcast
Release Date: 07/07/2025
Credit Cards for Military Q&A | Military Credit Card Waivers and Strategies #187
The Military Money Manual Podcast
Wondering how to unlock premium travel perks and avoid annual fees while serving on Active Duty, the Guard, Reserves? Or maybe you’re a military spouse and curious if you qualify for the same protections and waivers? This episode dives deep into the ins and outs of MLA and SCRA protections, credit card strategies, and maximizing those free hotel nights and points. Links & Resources Mentioned: For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Our new TSP course is...
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Gut Check! Remember How You Felt When the Market Dropped? #186
The Military Money Manual Podcast
Remember when you were spooked by April’s market dip? Spencer and Jamie unpack how to discuss your feelings of panic this past April, stay calm, stick to your investing philosophy, and make smart moves post-crisis. Key Takeaways: The S&P 500 dropped 19%, sparking fear, but headlines thrive on panic. Debriefing your emotional response helps clarify your strategy. Automate contributions to reduce emotional decision-making. Now’s the time to create or revise your personal investing philosophy and asset allocation. You don't actually "lose" money unless you sell your shares when they're...
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Why Save for Retirement #185
The Military Money Manual Podcast
If you've ever felt torn between soaking up life now and securing your future, you're not alone. In this episode, we explore what it really means to invest in “future you” and how to do it without sacrificing everything you love today. Whether you’re a beginner or behind on savings, the best time to start is today. Key Points The Saver vs. Spender Dynamic Compound Interest Explained Retirement is More Than Just Money or a Pension Understanding the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Insight from the FIRE Movement Saving Gives You Options Reverse Budgeting Strategy Reducing...
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Dual Military Millionaires: Financial Independence in 4 Years, Navy Lifestyle Tips, and Maintaining Connection as a Couple #184
The Military Money Manual Podcast
Carol and Ken didn’t just imagine a life beyond the military- they designed one. In just four years, they transformed from brand-new ensigns with zero TSP contributions into self-made millionaires. In this episode, we'll unpack the financial strategy, discipline, and teamwork that helped them achieve Lean FIRE (financial independence, retire early) before 30—all while navigating dual military careers and deployments. They get real about: Starting from scratch: Misconceptions about TSP, military pay issues, and their humble financial beginnings Mindset over mechanics: Why a simple...
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Chase Sapphire Reserve Military Update | $795 Annual Fee Still Waived, New Benefits #183
The Military Money Manual Podcast
Spencer and Jamie break down all the major updates to the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card and why military families should still consider it their top travel rewards card despite the annual fee increase to $795. What You'll Learn: Military Benefits That Make This Card a No-Brainer: How the Military Lending Act (MLA) waives the $795 annual fee for active duty, Guard, Reserve (on 30+ day orders), and military spouses Why the $300 flexible travel credit alone makes this card worth it How to potentially get multiple Chase Sapphire Reserve cards with fees waived on all of them Major Card...
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Target Military Discount | 10% off for 4th of July and Veterans Day #182
The Military Money Manual Podcast
Bonus episode! Target is offering 10% off twice for verified military families! Here's a quick episode were Jamie shares everything you need to know to save big during this limited-time promotion. Whether you're prepping for a move or restocking your household essentials, this discount is an easy win. 🗓️ Promo Details: What: 10% discount at Target—available twice When: June 22 through July 4 (verify in your app—some say July 5) Who: Military members, veterans, and eligible family members Where: Online, in-store, or in-app purchases 📱 How to Get Verified: Create a Target...
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$5M by 40: Military Medicine FIRE | Benefits and Pay for Military Doctors with CPT (Dr.) Pritish Sahoo #181
The Military Money Manual Podcast
What do you get when you combine a passion for service, a pivot to medicine, and a mastery of money? In this episode, Army doctor Pritish Sahoo breaks down how he leveraged military programs to fund $700K in education—and built a real estate empire along the way. Topics Covered: Pivot from engineering to medicine Navigating the HPSP (Health Professions Scholarship Program) and USUHS paths Real numbers: military pays, stipends, bonuses, and educational benefits available to military doctors Financial edge of military medicine vs. civilian practice Real estate investing as a service member:...
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Why File for VA Disability | "I'm Good" and Other Lies Veterans Tell Themselves with Doug Nordman #180
The Military Money Manual Podcast
Did you know even a 0% rating can unlock important benefits for you and your family? Why do so many veterans delay or avoid filing for VA disability compensation? It’s not about the money—it’s often about identity, pride, and a labyrinth of red tape. Doug Nordman joins Spencer to break the silence and stigma surrounding VA disability claims, while sharing personal stories, tough truths, and practical advice every veteran—and their family—needs to hear. 🎯 Episode Highlights 1. The Hidden Costs of “I’m Good” How military culture conditions veterans to downplay symptoms The...
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Beyond Money Rich: Five Types of Wealth #179
The Military Money Manual Podcast
Your net worth isn't the full picture of your wealth. Financial independence is great, but if your health, relationships, and purpose suffer, are you really wealthy? In this episode, Jamie and Spencer break down The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom and how to create a life that’s truly rich—beyond just the numbers in your bank account. Overview: Financial wealth is only one piece of the puzzle. Sahil Bloom’s book introduces the concept that true wealth comes in five forms: time, social, mental, physical, and financial wealth. Jamie and Spencer reflect on their own experiences in...
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529 Debate - Are 529s Helpful or Too Restrictive? Spencer & Jamie Have Differing Views on College Savings for Military Families#178
The Military Money Manual Podcast
Too restrictive or a key part of a military families financial planning? Today's episode is a no-holds-barred discussion about the pros, cons, and real-life strategies behind 529 plans. Episode Summary: In this episode, Spencer and Jamie dive deep into the world of 529 college savings plans—a tax-advantaged tool designed to save for qualified education expenses. They explore the basics of how 529 plans work (after-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and penalty-free withdrawals on qualified education expenses) and highlight recent changes that expand their flexibility beyond just college...
info_outlineSpencer and Jamie break down all the major updates to the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card and why military families should still consider it their top travel rewards card despite the annual fee increase to $795.
What You'll Learn:
Military Benefits That Make This Card a No-Brainer:
- How the Military Lending Act (MLA) waives the $795 annual fee for active duty, Guard, Reserve (on 30+ day orders), and military spouses
- Why the $300 flexible travel credit alone makes this card worth it
- How to potentially get multiple Chase Sapphire Reserve cards with fees waived on all of them
Major Card Updates:
- Enhanced earning rates: 4X points on flights and hotels booked directly (up from 3X)
- New $300 dining credit for Chase Sapphire Reserve exclusive tables
- Changes to the Chase Travel Portal: goodbye 1.5¢ per point, hello selective 2¢ "Points Boost"
- New credits: $300 StubHub, $120 DoorDash annual credit, Apple TV+ and Apple Music through 2027
Rule Changes That Open New Opportunities:
- Relaxed 5/24 rule - you might be eligible even if you've opened 5+ cards in 24 months
- Modified lifetime bonus restrictions with new application screening
- Ability to hold both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve simultaneously
Essential Military Travel Benefits:
- Primary rental car insurance (rare among credit cards)
- No foreign transaction fees for overseas assignments
- Priority Pass lounge access plus exclusive Chase Sapphire lounges
- $120 Global Entry credit every 4 years
Resources Mentioned:
- Episode 161: Complete military credit card benefits guide
- MLA Database: Check eligibility at MilitaryMoneyManual.com
- Learn how to Apply for Chase Sapphire Reserve: MilitaryMoneyManual.com
- Credit tracking apps: Max Rewards and Card Pointers
- Multiple CSR guide: multiple Chase Sapphire Reserves military
Whether you're stationed overseas, PCSing frequently, or just want to maximize your travel rewards without paying annual fees, this episode explains why the Chase Sapphire Reserve remains the top recommendation for military families in 2025.