The Military Money Manual Podcast

Military Money: Investing, spending, saving, financial freedom, and getting out of debt. Real world tactics and strategies for active duty, Guard and Reserve, military spouses, veterans, enlisted, and officers. The Military Money Manual Podcast is all about achieving financial independence while you serve in the US military. Spencer and Jamie, 2 Air Force officers, share everything you need to know to achieve your financial goals while you serve in our Armed Forces. Learn about Military Credit Card annual fee waivers exclusively for active duty, Guard, Reserve, and military spouses in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at https://militarymoneymanual.com/umc3 Find Spencer's book, The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or shop.militarymoneymanual.com Credit cards, travel hacking, investing in the TSP, financial independence, retiring early, military FIRE, maximizing military pay: Jamie and Spencer cover it all. Your hosts are Spencer Reese and Jamie. Spencer served for 12 years in the US Air Force flying C-17 aircraft around the globe. Jamie is currently an active duty Air Force officer.

Credit Cards for Military Q&A | Military Credit Card Waivers and Strategies #187 08/04/2025

Gut Check! Remember How You Felt When the Market Dropped? #186 07/28/2025

Gut Check! Remember How You Felt When the Market Dropped? #186 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 down. Long-term success comes from consistency, not reaction. Action Steps: Reflect: How did you feel during the downturn? Write down your investing philosophy. Automate TSP/Roth IRA contributions and delete trading apps. 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/37348575

Why Save for Retirement #185 07/21/2025

Why Save for Retirement #185 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 Financial Stress Communication 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/37348555

Dual Military Millionaires: Financial Independence in 4 Years, Navy Lifestyle Tips, and Maintaining Connection as a Couple #184 07/14/2025

Dual Military Millionaires: Financial Independence in 4 Years, Navy Lifestyle Tips, and Maintaining Connection as a Couple #184 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 strategy, applied consistently, beats fancy budgeting tools Sacrifice and simplicity: Living close to base, biking to work, and even having a 60% savings rate Lean FIRE: How they hit $800k in just four years and what came next Building a values-based lifestyle: From toddler chaos to travel goals and making intentional choices Tools & tactics: How they used Excel, anti-budgets, and communication to streamline finances Carol's book: Raising Your Money-Savvy Family for Next Generation Financial Independence co-authored with her dad, Doug Nordman 🔗 Links Mentioned (ask for it at your local library) For a limited time, Spencer and Jamie are offering one-on-one sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/37231460

Chase Sapphire Reserve Military Update | $795 Annual Fee Still Waived, New Benefits #183 07/07/2025

Chase Sapphire Reserve Military Update | $795 Annual Fee Still Waived, New Benefits #183 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 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 Learn how to Apply for Chase Sapphire Reserve: Credit tracking apps: Max Rewards and Card Pointers Multiple CSR guide: 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. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/37295595

Target Military Discount | 10% off for 4th of July and Veterans Day #182 07/01/2025

Target Military Discount | 10% off for 4th of July and Veterans Day #182 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 Circle account (free—no credit card required) Go to “My Target” tab → tap settings icon → select Military Verification Upload required documents if needed (e.g., LES, DD-214) Verification may be instant or take up to 24 hours 💡 Tips for Maximizing the Discount: Use it on big-ticket items you need anyway- don't spend extra to save 10% Plan around PCS season and back-to-school shopping Combine with: Target Circle offers Target RedCard (debit card version recommended) 5% discount Price match (except in Alaska & Hawaii) Watch for Veterans Day promos in late October–mid-November 🔗 Mentioned Resources & Links: The Department of Defense or any other DOD Component does not approve, endorse, or authorize this company, its products or services. 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/37232440

$5M by 40: Military Medicine FIRE | Benefits and Pay for Military Doctors with CPT (Dr.) Pritish Sahoo #181 06/30/2025

$5M by 40: Military Medicine FIRE | Benefits and Pay for Military Doctors with CPT (Dr.) Pritish Sahoo #181 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: lessons, wins, and close calls Using the GI Bill and TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) strategically Building a $5M financial independence goal Advice for young officers and enlisted members starting their wealth journey How mentors and books shaped his approach to money and meaning 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned: Pritish’s YouTube Channel: Email Pritish: pritishsahoo50 (at) gmail . com 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/36966545

Why File for VA Disability | "I'm Good" and Other Lies Veterans Tell Themselves with Doug Nordman #180 06/23/2025

Why File for VA Disability | "I'm Good" and Other Lies Veterans Tell Themselves with Doug Nordman #180 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 long-term impact of this mindset on health and family 2. Navigating the VA Disability Labyrinth What to expect from the C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam Why VSOs (Veteran Service Officers) are your best allies The importance of documenting everything—early and often 3. Doug’s Personal Story Why he waited over a decade after retirement to file Lessons learned from his own claim process and a friend’s 100% disability case 4. Caring for Aging Veterans The power of a DD-214 and why every family should locate it Benefits many don’t know exist until it's too late The “miscellaneous folder” tragedy every child of a veteran should avoid 5. The Financial Independence Veteran’s Dilemma What if you don’t need the money? Why filing still matters VA benefits as a tool for long-term care planning and protecting your family 6. Zero Percent Can Still Mean Everything How even non-compensable ratings unlock valuable benefits Real-life stories of minor conditions leading to major support later Links Mentioned in This Episode Doug blog: DD-214 resource: Learn about the on Facebook Forums & communities: 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/37079910

Beyond Money Rich: Five Types of Wealth #179 06/16/2025

Beyond Money Rich: Five Types of Wealth #179 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 the military and beyond, exploring how service members often have hidden riches in some areas—like social and mental wealth—but struggle in others, like financial or physical health. Wealth isn’t just about money. The most financially successful people often struggle in health, relationships, and purpose. The goal isn’t to maximize one area but to balance all five types of wealth so you can build a truly rich life—one that’s deeply fulfilling, not just financially secure. Key Points: The Five Types of Wealth Defined: A breakdown of time, social, mental, physical, and financial wealth—why all five matter. Military Service & Wealth: How military members often have strong mental and social wealth but struggle in financial and physical areas. Time Wealth & How to Own Your Schedule: The importance of time freedom—are your days designed to build the life you want? Social Wealth & Deepening Relationships: How to build lasting friendships, especially after leaving the military. Mental Wealth & Purpose: How defining a personal mission statement can shape a more fulfilling life. Physical Wealth & Health: The long-term impact of fitness, nutrition, and recovery on overall life satisfaction. Financial Wealth & The Enough Life: The danger of chasing an ever-moving financial goal and defining your version of financial sufficiency. Mentioned Resources & Links: Sahil Bloom’s book The on Sahil Bloom’s website (for assessing your wealth across all five categories) – Jeremy Schneider’s simple investing strategies 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/37029670

529 Debate - Are 529s Helpful or Too Restrictive? Spencer & Jamie Have Differing Views on College Savings for Military Families#178 06/09/2025

529 Debate - Are 529s Helpful or Too Restrictive? Spencer & Jamie Have Differing Views on College Savings for Military Families#178 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 tuition. The conversation unfolds as Spencer raises his skeptical questions, while Jamie defends the plan’s benefits by sharing personal experiences and strategies. From multi-generational planning to overcoming the challenge of overfunding, the discussion covers everything you need to know to determine if a 529 plan fits into your family’s financial strategy. Key Discussion Points & Takeaways: Understanding 529 Fundamentals: Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but the account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses (college, K–12 tuition, apprenticeship programs, computer equipment, and internet access) remain tax-free. Jamie explains the flexibility and evolving nature of 529 plans, including options to roll over funds to a Roth IRA (subject to annual limits and other restrictions) if the money isn’t immediately needed for education. Flexibility vs. Restriction: Spencer shares his concerns about the plan’s restrictions and whether the benefits favor high-income families more than those who might truly need the tax advantages. Jamie counters by emphasizing that the primary goal is to ensure your child’s educational expenses are covered, while also noting that any “overfunding” isn’t a total loss—it comes with backup options like beneficiary changes and penalty adjustments if funds are withdrawn for non-qualified purposes. Practical Money Management: Real-life insights on how to balance your overall financial strategy: build a solid retirement plan, clear debt, and then contribute to a 529 plan once you’ve established your own financial security. Jamie outlines his personal approach, including how much he’s contributed over the years and his strategy for managing contributions as his children get closer to college age. Discussion of exit strategies: potential rollovers, transferring balances between beneficiaries, and even using scholarship funds to unlock part of the 529 savings without penalties. Generational and Strategic Considerations: Beyond college savings, the episode explores whether 529 plans can serve as a mechanism for a multi-generational legacy—providing educational support for nieces, nephews, or future grandchildren. The balance between maximizing tax-free growth and maintaining account flexibility is a recurring theme, with both hosts stressing the importance of aligning a 529 plan with your broader financial plan. Actionable Insights for Listeners: Evaluate Your Priorities: Before you start pouring funds into a 529 plan, ensure you’ve taken care of high-priority items like debt repayment and retirement savings. Start Early: Open an account when your child is young. Even small, regular contributions can accumulate significantly over time. Customize According to Your Needs: Understand that the “perfect” plan isn’t one-size-fits-all. Consider factors like potential state tax deductions, investment options (like Vanguard 529’s low-cost index fund style), and your own financial situation. Plan for Flexibility: Keep in mind exit strategies (such as rollovers to Roth IRAs and changing beneficiaries) so that if your situation changes, you’re not locked into funds you can’t use as intended. If this episode sparked some thoughts about your child’s educational future or your family’s financial planning, drop us a message on Instagram or visit our website at MilitaryMoneyManual.com. Links 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/36808855

CZTE The Triple Tax Benefits of Combat Zone Tax Exclusion | Tax Free Pay for Military #177 06/02/2025

CZTE The Triple Tax Benefits of Combat Zone Tax Exclusion | Tax Free Pay for Military #177 Did you know there’s a way to get tax-free income, tax-free growth, AND tax-free withdrawals—all legally? If you’re in the military, you have access to one of the most powerful wealth-building tools that civilians can only dream of. Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE) is the golden ticket, and in this episode, we break down exactly how you can leverage it to maximize your savings and accelerate your journey to financial freedom. Episode Summary: Military members deployed to a Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE) location receive tax-free pay, but did you know this can also supercharge your retirement savings? No federal income tax on military pay earned in a combat zone. Contributions to Roth IRA or Roth TSP using tax-exempt combat pay grow tax-free. Withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free, giving you a massive financial advantage. We also discuss the Savings Deposit Program (SDP), tips for avoiding common financial mistakes, and strategies to maximize your tax-free earnings while deployed. Key Takeaways: Maximize Your Benefits: Understand the triple tax benefits and how to supercharge your Roth TSP and Roth IRA. Combat Zone Pay Benefits: Know which locations qualify and how even touching a combat zone for one day can get you CZTE benefits. Emergency Fund First: Use the extra tax-free income to build financial security before investing. Savings Deposit Program (SDP): Earn a guaranteed 10% return with this little-known military savings program. Tax Planning Strategies: Advanced moves like Roth conversions, tax-gain harvesting, and earned income tax credit eligibility. Watch Out for Common Mistakes: Avoid lifestyle inflation and missed opportunities to grow tax-free wealth. Links mentioned today: 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/36804115

7 Levels of Wealth for Military Families | Everyone Starts Somewhere #176 05/26/2025

7 Levels of Wealth for Military Families | Everyone Starts Somewhere #176 Are you just trying to survive financially? Or are you on your way to building a lasting legacy? Discover the 7 levels of wealth adapted for military life and learn how to move from paycheck-to-paycheck living to financial freedom and abundance! This isn't about rank or time in service – it's about intention and systems. This episode is inspired by , viewed through a unique military money lens. The levels aren't tied to rank or experience; a junior service member could be ahead of a senior one. Everyone starts somewhere, and there's no shame if you're not at the final step yet. The Seven Levels of Wealth (with a military twist): Levels 1-2: Beginner's Mindset Level 1: Survival Level 2: Stability Levels 3-4: The Boring Middle Level 3: Security Level 4: Growth Levels 5-7: The Advanced Phase / Financial Freedom Level 5: Freedom Level 6: Abundance Level 7: Legacy Links mentioned today: 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/36700945

PCS like a Pro! Our Top Tips for Military PCS, PPM, and Being Financially Ready #175 05/19/2025

PCS like a Pro! Our Top Tips for Military PCS, PPM, and Being Financially Ready #175 Navigating PCS Chaos, Saving Money, and Finding Adventure! PCSing is a constant in military life, often bringing stress, extra costs, and confusion. But it doesn't have to be a nightmare! In this episode, we dive deep into practical tips and strategies to help you survive your next Permanent Change of Station (PCS), save money, and maybe even make it an adventure. We cover everything from getting your paperwork in order to leveraging financial benefits and preparing your family for the journey. In this episode, we discuss key strategies for managing your PCS: Getting Organized & Paperwork: The importance of physical binders and electronic backups for documents. Tips for outprocessing checklists and hand-carrying essential items like orders, Power of Attorneys, birth certificates, passports, and social security cards. Keep vital documents separate from movers. Financially Preparing: The crucial need to start saving cash early for unreimbursed expenses. Access to liquid money helps with stress management and avoiding debt. Cutting expenses is the first step to saving. Understanding Financial Benefits: Dislocation Allowance (DLA): An entitlement can be taken as an advance upfront (not a loan). Rates vary by pay grade and dependents (e.g., O-5 w/ dependents $5,339, E-4 w/ dependents $3,400 in 2025). PCS Pay Advance: Option for up to one month's base pay, interest-free, paid back over 12 months. A tool for necessary situations, better than high-interest loans. Moving Your Stuff (HHG government move vs. PPM): Options include full government shipment (through TMO) or the Personally Procured Move (PPM). A partial PPM is recommended for conus moves to get paid for weight in your car. A full PPM offers significant profit potential by paying you the government's cost (examples mentioned: Jamie's $14,000 profit in 2023, and potential $10,000 profit in 2025). Challenge misinformation about PPM rules by referencing the JTR. Temporary Living Expenses (TLE) & Temporary Living Allowance (TLA): TLE (CONUS to CONUS, CONUS to OCONUS, or OCONUS to CONUS variants): Max $290/day, limited to 21 days, can be split between old and new PDS. Can be used for M&IE even when staying with family/friends. TLA (OCONUS): Up to 60 days upon arrival, 10 days upon departure. Covers lodging plus M&IE. Reference the JTR due to common misinformation. Prioritize minimizing stress over maximizing per diem. Preparing Your Family: Frame the move as an adventure. Acknowledge feelings (sadness, excitement) for everyone. Involve older kids in packing. Remember it's a team effort. Decluttering: Less stuff makes moving easier, especially with PPM. Reduces mental stress. Try methods like the hanger trick, Marie Kondo ("spark joy"), or the "poop test" for toys. Holding a garage sale can generate extra cash. Smart Travel & Leave: Explore circuitous travel or taking leave en route by getting it on your orders. PCS is a prime opportunity to take leave between assignments. Can take leave before departing or upon arrival. Understand BH timing. Inventory & Support: Video and photograph your belongings for inventory in case of loss or damage. You are not alone. Lean on your support network, friends, family, or sponsor for help. Links 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/36525090

Is Military Retirement Worth It? | Valuing Military Retirement w/ The Enlisted Money Guy, Brandon Lovingier #174 05/12/2025

Is Military Retirement Worth It? | Valuing Military Retirement w/ The Enlisted Money Guy, Brandon Lovingier #174 The military retirement is one of the best benefits in the world... but is it worth the cost in years of your life? Summary: How is military retirement pay calculated Military retirement can be worth at least $1,500,000! Benefits for military retirees Intangible benefits of military service What veterans miss about the military after retirement Links: on Instagram past episodes w/ Brandon include: Brandon Lovingier, ChFC®, MQFP®, joined the Army right out of high school and has served over 19 years. He wasn’t always good with money, but now his family is debt-free and building wealth. He established to help enlisted service members avoid his mistakes. He earned his Chartered Financial Consultant – ChFC® designation in 2022 and Military Qualified Financial Planner – MQFP® in 2023. He received The American College of Financial Services NextGen Financial Professional Award for 2024. He’s spoken at and loves mentoring other service members on their own financial freedom journey. 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/36397355

Money for Military Couples | Money for Couples, Military Edition #173 05/05/2025

Money for Military Couples | Money for Couples, Military Edition #173 Most couples would rather talk about their sex life with a friend than money! What would it look like if we both felt good about money? Today we talk about how to get started with dreaming together and how to discover how to create a shared vision and discussing what kind of money stories do you want to write together as a couple Jamie's 3 main take-aways: You and your spouse have to talk about money, understand where they're coming from, and their money scripts Your priorities will be different; find a way to get to a shared vision Whatever system you choose, shared goals and a shared vision are MOST important Spencer's main lessons: Discover how money can be a source of collaboration between you and your partner Connect with your partner and use the medium of money to do that Money doesn't have to be a source of stress or strain Other topics we discussed: Communication Dreaming conversations (visionary dreams, not costs at first) Be curious about why your spouse may have negative mindsets about money "I wonder what it would look like if we had a talk about money this week" Working each person's priorities into your budget with whatever system you choose Starting the meeting with appreciation for each other "A budget is a tactical solution to a psychological problem" - Ramit Sethi "A budget's not going to save you, but learning how to connect over money just might!" - Ramit Sethi Housing, transportation, and food are often the 3 biggest areas military couples often overspend in Links: by Ramit Sethi of our podcast (military discount) with Daniel Kopp 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/36123295

Too Much Cash? How Much Cash a Military Family Must Have with Erik Baskin #172 04/28/2025

Lump Sum Vs Dollar Cost Averaging #171 04/21/2025

Practice over Perfection - Shifting Your Money Mindset to Reduce Frustration & Improve Communication #170 04/14/2025

Practice over Perfection - Shifting Your Money Mindset to Reduce Frustration & Improve Communication #170 Better every day. That's the goal. Not perfection. What skill have you ever learned that you were perfect at right from the start? Then why are you so hard on yourself when your financial journey isn't perfectly smooth and easy? Each positive decision you make, each money conversation you have with your spouse is like a good set at the gym. Not every rep is perfect, so you keep working on it. This week, we're talking mindset shifts to help you think of one way you can PRACTICE this week with: Spending intentionally Communication Overcoming exessive frugality & moving on from seasons of aggressive saving Money management is a skill that improves with practice. You'll get better with each rep. Don't expect perfect from you every day (or from your spouse!). What decision today could be one rep? 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/36111855

Money for Military Women, How Gender Roles Affect Your Finances, VA Loan House Hacking, & Off-Duty Employment with Lanae Lang of @Lanaeslife1 #169 04/07/2025

Money for Military Women, How Gender Roles Affect Your Finances, VA Loan House Hacking, & Off-Duty Employment with Lanae Lang of @Lanaeslife1 #169 "Reading changed my life!" Today's key topics include: VA House Hacking as a young officer, military influencer and off duty employment in the Air Force, personal finance for military women, and self improvement for new officers and cadets. As a young officer, Lanae is debt free except her mortgage, owns a home using her VA loan, has a very high savings rate, and helps spread awareness about how women can improve their knowledge and personal finance situation. Links: Lanae is a Force Support Officer stationed in Colorado. She earned her commission through the ROTC program at Ohio University and received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communication Studies 2022. She became a home owner and debt free at 23 years old and loves to read, travel, be outdoors, and is passionate about personal finance education for women. 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/36013090

International Stock Investment for Military Families with Erik Baskin, CFP #168 03/31/2025

Military Entrepreneurship, Guard Benefits, Contributing $70k into TSP while Deployed with Ryan Guina from The Military Wallet #167 03/24/2025

Military Entrepreneurship, Guard Benefits, Contributing $70k into TSP while Deployed with Ryan Guina from The Military Wallet #167 Entreprenuership, Guard benefits, TSP while deployed, and more! Topics from today: Starting Joining the Guard after 8 years Why he joined the Guard VA disability Guard pay, healthcare, and retirement differences Transition Assistance Medical Program (TAMP) TSP contributions in a combat zone Annual additons limit Ryan's personal considerations for whether to continue serving past 20 years Ryan Guina is The Military Wallet's founder. He is a writer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. He served over six years on active duty in the USAF and is a current member of the Tennessee Air National Guard. Ryan started The Military Wallet in 2007 after separating from active duty military service and has been writing about financial, small business, and military benefits topics since then. 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/35742410

Don't Buy a House When Leaving the Military with Kate Horrell #166 03/17/2025

Don't Buy a House When Leaving the Military with Kate Horrell #166 64% of veterans will leave initial first post-military job in the first two years! Repeat guest joins us again to discuss her . Of course there are always outliers and unique circumstances, but in genral we hope this conversation helps you slow down and question the pressure to "stabilize" and find your "perfect, dream home" immediatley after you leave active duty. Main reasons to consider renting for 1 or 2 more years include: Employment instability Effect of stress on decision-making Financial upheaval and the unknowns Links we mentioned: Kate's Kate's for your family (coming ~4/15/25) Kate Horrell is an Accredited Financial Counselor®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and Military Qualified Financial Planner®. She's also the spouse of a retired sailor and mom of four young adults. She writes about the financial issues that affect military families - pay, allowances, and benefits. Plus college stuff, landlording, moving, taxes. We cover a little bit of everything. Her goal is to give you the tools to make the best decisions right now, so you'll be confidently prepared for whatever comes next - whether that's a PCS move, transition to civilian life, or retirement. 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/35497550

"It Feels Like I'd Be Stealing From My Kids" | Jamie's GI Bill Discussion & Financial Therapy with Daniel Kopp #165 03/10/2025

"It Feels Like I'd Be Stealing From My Kids" | Jamie's GI Bill Discussion & Financial Therapy with Daniel Kopp #165 As an optimzer, Jamie was concerned about how to perfect his family's GI Bill strategy. In the middle of a discussion (after we wrapped up last week's podcast recording with Daniel), we hit record for this non-standard format. As Jamie allows himself to be vulnerable and curious about the words he used, Daniel is able to help him work through some anxiety and negative feelings. You'll also hear some tactical advice for using and sharing the GI Bill. Links we mentioned: Daniel Kopp is a and founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning where he helps young widows and widowers as well as servicemembers get their financial lives in order by aligning their money with their values. He is also an Air Force veteran after almost 9 years as an officer on active duty during which he served as an Air Battle Manager participating in combat deployments and training opportunities all across the world. Outside of his official military commitments, Daniel has always had a passion to help servicemembers and their families master their finances where he served as a volunteer financial counselor during most of his time on active duty. 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/35497480

Raising Money Smart Kids in Military Families with Daniel Kopp #164 03/03/2025

Raising Money Smart Kids in Military Families with Daniel Kopp #164 How to teach your military kids about healthy and positive money habits, set expectations for college, use the GI Bill, and leverage 529s and other investment accounts for your military family. With today's guest, Daniel Kopp, we discussed: Teaching kids spending, saving, and giving buckets Teach, demo, supervise with your kids Give them chances to fail Wants vs. needs & delayed gratification Don't make money a big secret- talk about it Evolving the lessons you teach your kids as they age 529s, UTMAs, taxable brokerage accounts, and life insurance Tax efficient gifting strategies FAFSA for military families Prepaid college The "College Pre-Approval Process" How to avoid overpaying for college Links we mentioned: w/ Daniel Kopp (episode # 82) (#157) FDIC's CFPB’s program free games and activities for children Daniel Kopp is a and founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning where he helps young widows and widowers as well as servicemembers get their financial lives in order by aligning their money with their values. He is also an Air Force veteran after almost 9 years as an officer on active duty during which he served as an Air Battle Manager participating in combat deployments and training opportunities all across the world. Outside of his official military commitments, Daniel has always had a passion to help servicemembers and their families master their finances where he served as a volunteer financial counselor during most of his time on active duty. Books mentioned in this episode: by Carol Pittner and Doug Nordman How to Pay for College by Ann Garcia The Missing Billionaires by Victor Haghani & James White The Price You Pay for College by Ron Lieber The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber Smart Money Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze Four Money Bears by Mac Gardner 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/35491355

5 Money Questions to Future Focus Your Spending #163 02/24/2025

5 Money Questions to Future Focus Your Spending #163 Making your money more focused on your future expenses, goals, and desires. We were inspired by the updates to the YNAB method to share these powerful questions and help your family become more intentional and proactive. Main themes from today's episode: Use these 5 questions to give every dollar a job for what matters to you What to do when you feel like everyone is coming for your hard-earned dollars Building a system so you can thrive Choosing whether to spend a hard-earned dollar now or put it to work with a productive asset 5 questions to ask: What does this money need to do before I'm paid again? What larger, less frequent spending do I need to prepare for? What can I set aside for next month's spending? What goals, large or small, do I want to prioritize? What changes do I need to make, if any? Links we mentioned today: (military discount) The (no more 4 rules) , founder of YNAB - income and expenses (military discount) 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/35386550

"Will the Stock Market Crash in 2025?" Plus Military Transition, Backdoor Roth IRAs with Brian "ALF" O'Neill, Winged Wealth #162 02/17/2025

"Will the Stock Market Crash in 2025?" Plus Military Transition, Backdoor Roth IRAs with Brian "ALF" O'Neill, Winged Wealth #162 "What's the mission for this money?" "Wealth is what you DON'T see." "Go find something you're really excited about." "Contributions, Conversion, Characterization." "It's OK to follow your curiosity!" This episode is full of gems of wisdom from ALF. Some major questions include: Do political changes adjust my investing strategy? How do I fight against the pull to get a car that's more expensive? What's a backdoor Roth IRA? Who needs to do it? Is there an income limit for Roth TSP contributions? Do I need to make quarterly estimated tax payments? Any advice for career changes after the military? How do I find a fulfilling career after the military? Links we mentioned today: (next event is May 15-17, 2025 in San Antonio) Our (#89) Personal Finance Club 's Brian O'Neill on LinkedIn 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/35285030

Military Credit Card Update 2025 | Military Annual-fee Waived Credit Cards Explained #161 02/10/2025

Military Credit Card Update 2025 | Military Annual-fee Waived Credit Cards Explained #161 Military servicemembers and their spouse can get annual fees waived on personal cards from top banks such as American Express and Chase! Today's episode covers: What's the big deal about these cards? Why are they good? How does this waiver thing work? What order should I open my cards in? How far can I take this? Is it going to be complicated? How can I learn more about credit card strategies? Remember, NO credit cards if you're already in credit card debt, living paycheck-to-paycheck, or struggling to make ends meet. This is a more advanced personal finance benefit. Links: Free Past epsiodes on: and benefits posts 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/35199325

Air Force Pilot Bonus 2025 Update | Up to $600,000 Bonus #160 02/03/2025

Air Force Pilot Bonus 2025 Update | Up to $600,000 Bonus #160 The 2025 Air Force pilot bonus is out! This episode is specifically for USAF pilots (or anyone else oddly interested in the numbers). There are also bonuses for CSOs/Navs, RPA pilots, and ABMs, although we focus specifically on the pilot bonus. There are a few types of bonus money available this year for those who UPT ADSC expires in FY25, FY26, or FY27. You can get a preferential assignment, a financial bonus, or both! We'll discuss the legacy bonus (ADSC expiringing in FY25), the demo program bonus (ADSC expiring in FY26 or FY27), and the contract expired bonus (ADSC expired before FY25, never took a bonus, or ADSC from taking a bonus earlier is done.) Refer the official PSDM on MyVector (CAC required) for full details and source document guidance. Links: (#32) 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/34967050

Money Can be Simple | How to Reduce Stress with your Finances #159 01/27/2025

LADS Principle: Low-Cost, Automatic, Diversified, and Simple #158 01/20/2025

LADS Principle: Low-Cost, Automatic, Diversified, and Simple #158 Low-cost, Automatic, Diversified, Simple (LADS). Consistent, automatic savings poured into my simple and diversified index funds at low costs have been the cornerstone of my successful investment portfolio. Low-cost: Select low-cost index funds with low-cost expense ratios. All of the funds in the TSP meet these criteria and many Vanguard funds do as well. Automatic: Set up automatic contributions from your military paycheck to your TSP. Then, set up automatic withdrawals from your checking account to your IRA. Invest monthly or after every paycheck. If you receive a lump sum payment, like a bonus, invest it as soon as possible. Diversified: Don’t buy one company’s stock. Buy stocks from many companies through index funds. Simple: Never invest in anything you don’t understand. If you can’t explain it to a five-year-old, it’s too complicated. Buy income-producing assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate. Links: book (promo code "podcast" for discount) (military discount) (military discount) 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 live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on or email [email protected]. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on or at . I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like , the , and the in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at . and the waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops. /episode/index/show/militarymoneymanual/id/34290365

The Military Money Manual Podcast

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