MILMO Show
The MILMO® Show is all about military money and entrepreneurship. It's everything you need to know about making, saving, and investing money wisely. Lacey Langford, AFC®, interviews inspiring guests about personal finance, entrepreneurship, investing, life in the military, and more.
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Holiday Spending Tips for Military Families
11/17/2025
Holiday Spending Tips for Military Families
The holidays can be a special time full of connection with coworkers, friends, and family, but they can also be a season when money feels out of control. Between travel, gifts, parties, food, and “just one more present” moments, it’s easy for two months of spending to undo months of progress. For many military families, the pressure hits even harder with long travel distances, family expectations, and the feeling that memories have to come at a price tag. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to prepare for the holiday season in a way that keeps your financial goals front and center, so you can enjoy all the celebrations going into debt or starting the New Year stressed out and behind. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Why Veterans Should Rule the World
11/10/2025
Why Veterans Should Rule the World
Veterans are built different. We’ve learned to push when others quit, to focus on the big picture instead of getting caught up in small stuff, and to adapt when things change. We’ve mastered discipline, resilience, and teamwork —the same qualities that drive financial success. In this episode, I’m breaking down why veterans have what it takes to rule the world—financially speaking. Because when you combine our strengths with the resources and benefits available to us, the path to financial freedom becomes shorter, smarter, and stronger. Veterans already know how to make short-term sacrifices for the greater good, and that gives them a huge advantage in building wealth. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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What Military Families Can Learn from the Millionaire Next Door
11/03/2025
What Military Families Can Learn from the Millionaire Next Door
In this episode, we revisit the timeless lessons from The Millionaire Next Door, how ordinary habits create extraordinary wealth, and explore the difference between managing money day to day and truly planning for the long term. Kirk also shares practical guidance on paying off debt, saving for the future, and building flexibility into your financial life, especially for military families facing uncertainty. Kirk Kinder, Director of Financial Planning at Bastion Fiduciary, a fee-only financial planning firm built on the military ethos. Kirk’s path to finance started in the U.S. Coast Guard, took a detour through The Motley Fool, and eventually led him to help others chart their financial course. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Government Shutdown Impact on Military Pay and Benefits
10/27/2025
Government Shutdown Impact on Military Pay and Benefits
Right now, there’s a lot of anxiety, confusion, and information floating around. The U.S. government has been shut down since October 1st, and we’re now in the last week of the month. It’s one of the longest shutdowns in modern U.S. history. If you’ve been feeling uneasy or just plain tired of the uncertainty, you’re not alone. It’s totally normal to feel that way. But there’s also good news and today, I want to help you focus on that. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really going on with the government shutdown, what it is, why it’s happening, and how it’s impacting military pay and benefits. We’ll talk about what’s open and what’s not, what you can do if pay is delayed on November 1st, and where you can find real help right now. And because this show is all about uplifting others, not panic, I’m also sharing steps you can take to stay on track financially, protect your credit, and support one another.
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Encore: My Grandma's Story
10/20/2025
Encore: My Grandma's Story
Life is so precious, and I’m squeezing my family a lot tighter this week. Last week, I lost my grandmother. I’m recording this on the morning of her funeral, as I get ready to celebrate her life and say goodbye. I feel incredibly blessed that she lived to be over 98 years old and that I was able to spend so much time with her. And even more thankful that I was able to sit down and record this conversation with my Grandmother. Having her voice, her stories, and her laughter captured in this episode is something I’ll cherish. When I meet listeners in person, this episode is something people frequently mention. It’s a special episode for me, and I wanted to share it again, both for those who’ve never heard it and for those who loved it the first time. Here’s the encore airing of My Grandma’s Story, originally released on March 22, 2021.
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Investing With Discipline for Military Families
10/13/2025
Investing With Discipline for Military Families
We’re diving into investing with Cale Smith, founder and CEO of Bastion Fiduciary, a veteran-led fee-only RIA, and portfolio manager for the Bastion Energy Fund, an actively managed ETF. As a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Cale brings a unique perspective shaped by both military service and decades in finance. In this episode, he explains what a portfolio manager really does, the differences between ETFs, mutual funds, and index funds, and why most investors are better off keeping things simple. We also talk about leadership in investing, the biggest mistakes military families make with money, and why having a framework is essential for long-term success in the market. Show notes can be found here: For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Building High-Performing Teams After Military Life
10/06/2025
Building High-Performing Teams After Military Life
Do you know what it takes to lead when the uniform comes off? My guest is Mark Tilsher, a 21-year veteran of the Air Force who has dedicated his career to developing resilient leaders across military, corporate, and community settings. In this episode, Mark shares how veterans can adapt their leadership to the civilian workplace, avoid common pitfalls, and use their skills to thrive in their careers. We also discuss his personal financial journey from $97,000 in debt to debt-free and the lessons he learned along the way about risk, resilience, and family. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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How Flipping Value Can Transform Your Money Mindset
09/29/2025
How Flipping Value Can Transform Your Money Mindset
Have you ever stood in line for something free and realized it actually wasn’t worth it? That moment sparked today’s guest, Army veteran and financial planner Rob Moore, to develop a simple but actionable framework he calls flipping the value. Rob is the founder of Everman Prosperity, where he helps military families and those in transition make confident financial decisions. In our chat, we discuss how flipping the value works in everyday life, from outsourcing chores to buying cars to choosing experiences over stuff, and why this perspective can help you avoid guilt, cut down on regret, and actually enjoy your decisions. We also dig into financial planning challenges unique to the military community, like the TSP, liquid savings, and preparing for retirement with confidence. Don’t miss the end, we wrap things up with some fun trivia in honor of Rob’s career as an Army percussionist. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Side Hustle Bookkeeping That Fits Your PCS Life
09/22/2025
Side Hustle Bookkeeping That Fits Your PCS Life
This episode is for every military spouse and veteran who’s ever wondered how to earn income on your own terms around military life. My guest, Melissa Broughton, is the creator of The 1-Hour Bookkeeper and founder of Busy Bee Advisors. She’s on a mission to help military spouses launch bookkeeping businesses that fit their lives —flexible hours, work from anywhere, and with the potential for a six-figure income. Melissa shares her personal story of walking away from corporate burnout, why bookkeeping is a hidden gem of a business, and how anyone, even with zero experience, can learn the skills in just weeks. We’ll talk about freedom, flexibility, and building a business that works around your life, not the other way around. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Trademarks, Family and It's My Birthday!
09/15/2025
Trademarks, Family and It's My Birthday!
Welcome to this special episode of the MILMO Show! Today’s my birthday, and I’m celebrating by doing something I love—talking business, family, and protecting what you’ve worked hard to build. And I get to do it with my cousin, Mark Flanigan. Mark is an intellectual property lawyer with experience spanning startups to Fortune 500 companies. His work has spanned patents for medical devices, trademarks for global brands, and volunteer advocacy on behalf of veterans. He’s also an Army brat who now calls Switzerland home. In this episode, we dig into the world of trademarks—what they are, why military service members, veterans, and spouses should care, and how to avoid costly mistakes when naming or branding your business. Plus, we swap a few family stories, because it’s my birthday, and you know I’m going to have some fun. So if you’ve ever wondered whether your business name is truly protected, or what you can and can’t use when it comes to military terms and logos, you’re in for both practical wisdom and a good laugh in this episode. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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What To Know About Zero-Based Budgets For Military Families
09/08/2025
What To Know About Zero-Based Budgets For Military Families
Budgeting is one of those words that makes a lot of people squirm but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, I sit down with Zach Whelchel, founder of My Budget Coach, to talk about the method that gave him (and so many others) true financial clarity, which is zero-based budgeting. Zach breaks down what it is, why it works for both steady and variable incomes, and how couples can actually turn it into a shared vision instead of a source of stress. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Geofencing and How to Use It in Your Business
09/01/2025
Geofencing and How to Use It in Your Business
We’re diving into the world of geofencing with Navy veteran and entrepreneur Chris Seminatore. Chris is the founder of Get Geofencing, a company that helps businesses, from car dealerships to government contractors, use location data to put their ads in front of the right people. He shares how geofencing works, what it costs, and why it’s a tool that even small businesses and military spouses can use to grow their brand. We also talk about his own transition from military intelligence to marketing, how discipline helped him face imposter syndrome, and the lessons he’s learned from building multiple startups. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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True Financial Success Beyond Social Media Money Myths
08/25/2025
True Financial Success Beyond Social Media Money Myths
There’s something that's quietly stealing joy from the military community and millions of Americans every single day. It’s something that has completely warped our understanding of what financial success looks like. In this episode, I’m breaking down how social media is impacting people’s financial lives and sharing why getting back to basics isn't just smart, it's essential for our mental health and financial well-being. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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How to Build a Mission-Driven Business
08/18/2025
How to Build a Mission-Driven Business
Starting a business is hard enough, but starting one with a mission bigger than turning a profit can feel like navigating a battlefield. The obstacles are real, like cash flow challenges or forces beyond your control, but so are the rewards when your work changes lives. In this episode, we’re talking about what it takes to build a business that stands for something. Matt “Griff” Griffin, West Point graduate, Army Ranger, and co-founder of Combat Flip Flops, shares how he transformed lessons from special operations into a global brand manufacturing products in conflict and post-conflict zones. You’ll hear the hard truths about bootstrapping, the difference between nonprofit and for-profit mission-driven models, and why “fail cheap, learn fast” might be your best strategy for impact. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Building a Purpose-Filled Life with Values First Financial Planning
08/11/2025
Building a Purpose-Filled Life with Values First Financial Planning
When your military career ends, the mission doesn’t, but figuring out what’s next, or what truly lights you up, can be one of the hardest transitions. It’s not just about finding a new job. It’s about rediscovering what matters most and learning how to fund the life you want, not the one you think you’re supposed to have. In this episode, Omen Quelvog and I discuss values-first financial planning. Omen shares what it is, why it matters, and how it can help you and your family navigate life after service with intention. You’ll hear how to rethink your next chapter, what abundance really means, and why military retirees might be more financially ready than they realize. Omen is the founder of Formynder Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning firm helping military families build purpose-filled lives after service. A retired Marine Corps officer with 25 years of service, he holds the Military Qualified Financial Planner® designation and is a candidate for CFP® certification. 02:15 – Why values first financial planning matters for military families 04:10 – Starting with your “why” before creating a financial plan 06:02 – Common money challenges during the transition to civilian life 08:15 – How defining your “North Star” shapes every financial decision 10:05 – The emotional side of money and why it’s often overlooked 12:20 – Real-life examples of aligning spending with values 14:05 – The role of intentional trade-offs in living your ideal life 16:12 – How to filter out distractions and stay focused on priorities 18:30 – First questions to ask if you’ve never done values-based planning 20:45 – Bridging the gap between short-term needs and long-term goals 23:00 – Why flexibility is key in military-to-civilian transitions 25:12 – Building resilience through purpose-driven financial choices 27:05 – How this approach strengthens family relationships 29:15 – Final advice for living with clarity and intention For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Retirement Mistakes People Wish They Avoided
08/04/2025
Retirement Mistakes People Wish They Avoided
Too many people wait until they’re just a few years from retirement to start asking the big questions, like Can I afford to stop working? And what if my spouse isn’t retiring yet? The truth is, preparing for retirement isn’t just about portfolios and percentages. It’s about aligning your finances with your life. In this episode, Jeff Panik shares the common mistakes people make before retirement and offers advice on how to avoid them. He talks about why inventorying your financial life matters, what conversations couples should be having, and why testing your retirement lifestyle before you actually retire can be a game-changer. Jeff is the Founder of Balance Wealth Partners and a financial advisor with over 25 years of experience. A U.S. Army veteran and first-generation college graduate, Jeff combines disciplined insight with deep empathy to help pre-retirees navigate the complex landscape of Social Security, Medicare, income planning, and succession strategy. His firm was founded on a simple mission: to help people live well today while preparing wisely for tomorrow. Jeff’s approach is rooted in life experience, from paying off student loans through military service to building a career that demystifies money for others. He believes financial advice should be practical, transparent, and deeply human. He is the author of Your Future Is Now, a personal finance guide for young adults, and is set to release his upcoming book for pre-retirees. His work reflects a deep commitment to fostering financial literacy for all generations. When he’s not advising others, Jeff enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, and following sports— especially from his home base in Sandy Springs, Georgia. 06:05 – The #1 mistake people make 5–10 years before retirement 08:30 – Is the “perfect portfolio” really the goal? 10:35 – Why taking a “financial inventory” is a retirement game-changer 12:10 – What to do if you're not naturally organized with money or documents 13:30 – The surprising truth about hobbies and moving in retirement 14:45 – Couples and retirement: how to navigate different timelines 16:25 – Important financial conversations to have before marriage 18:00 – Perception vs. reality: social media and financial stress 19:57 – Why mentorship and storytelling matter in personal finance 23:15 – What retirees often overestimate—and what they underestimate 24:49 – The very first move to make if you haven’t started retirement planning 27:30 – Retirement and health: why you can’t afford to wait 29:22 – Jeff’s favorite tools, including how he uses AI for planning 31:36 – The book that shaped Jeff’s financial philosophy 33:15 – Game Time: “Is It Real?” – Jeff faces off with banana museums and reverse zoos For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Life After Loss and the Money Struggles No One Talks About
07/28/2025
Life After Loss and the Money Struggles No One Talks About
Losing a spouse changes everything, emotionally, mentally, and financially. But while grief is often discussed, the money struggles that come with it are rarely part of the conversation, or just grief in general. From paperwork and decisions to pressure and overwhelm, surviving spouses are often expected to figure it all out. In this episode, Certified Financial Planner and Air Force veteran, Daniel Kopp, talks about the financial side of grief, what widows and widowers really face after loss, the emotional weight behind every decision, and how to find stability when your world feels upside down. He shares both his personal experience and professional insights on navigating life after loss. Daniel Kopp, MA, MS, CFP ®, is a fee-only financial planner, financial therapist, and founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning, where he helps young widows and widowers as well as military members organize their financial lives by aligning money with their deeply-held values. He leverages his experiences as a widower and Air Force veteran to offer a deeper level of engagement and connection with his clients. He is also an XYPN and NAPFA member, as well as being a founding board member of the Military Financial Advisors Association (MFAA). Daniel’s education includes his undergraduate with a BS in Economics from Purdue University with highest distinction, an MA from American Military University, a Graduate Certificate in Financial Therapy and an MS in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University (KSU). He has been published in the Journal of Financial Therapy for his research on working with widows dealing with money avoidance. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Listener Question: Is Switching to 1099 Worth It?
07/21/2025
Listener Question: Is Switching to 1099 Worth It?
Military life comes with lots of transitions and career decisions are a big one, especially for spouses navigating remote work, PCS moves, and family schedules. A big decision many milspouses face is whether to stick with the stability of a W-2 job or switch to the flexibility and income potential of 1099 contract work. In this episode, I’m answering a listener's question from Holly about whether she should leave her W-2 remote job and take on 1099 work instead. I’ll break down the pros and cons of each path, especially for military families, including taxes, benefits, portability, and peace of mind so you can weigh your own decision with more clarity and confidence. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Small Change, Big Impact: Fighting Veteran Homelessness with Everyday Giving
07/14/2025
Small Change, Big Impact: Fighting Veteran Homelessness with Everyday Giving
Veteran homelessness is a heartbreaking reality that still exists in communities across the country. While many of us want to help, it can be hard to know where to start, or feel like what we can give really makes a difference. In this episode, Tom McLean and I are talking about how small, everyday actions can add up to real change for veterans in need. We talk about the current crisis of veteran homelessness, what meaningful support looks like, and how anyone, military or civilian, can take action that matters. Tom serves as Senior Vice President and Military Retail Executive for Armed Forces Bank, having worked for the company for 17 years. He is responsible for sales, business development and financial outreach at military banking locations around the country. He spends time focused on Associate development, coaching, marketing, business development, financial education initiatives, supporting installation activities and community outreach. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Letter to My Younger Enlisted Self
07/07/2025
Letter to My Younger Enlisted Self
Taking the oath and raising your right hand is a big moment. For many of us, it’s one we never forget. But imagine if you could hand your younger enlisted or officer self a letter on that day. A letter full of the wisdom, hard work, and growth that military life and life itself were going to teach you. In this episode, I’m doing just that. This is a letter I would have given to my 19-year-old self on the day I swore into the U.S. Air Force. I hope it resonates with you or someone you love who’s just starting out. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Modern Money Habits That Quietly Lead to Debt
06/30/2025
Modern Money Habits That Quietly Lead to Debt
There’s a quiet shift happening in the way we spend money and it’s costing us more than we realize. Small payments, auto-splits, and “buy now, pay later” options have become the new normal, and while they seem harmless, they’re creating habits that lead to quiet, creeping debt. Especially in the military community, where transitions and tight budgets are already part of the equation, these modern money habits can quickly get out of hand and lead to mounting debt. In this episode, I’m digging into the everyday spending behaviors that seem like smart choices but often backfire. I’ll talk about how things like Pay Later options, subscription overload, and loan stacking are affecting military families and what you can do instead to protect your finances and build real financial stability. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Behavioral Finance for Military Life in Every Situation
06/23/2025
Behavioral Finance for Military Life in Every Situation
When it comes to money, our emotions often drive the decisions we make and that’s especially true in military life, where constant change, separation, and stress can shape how we spend, save, and communicate with those we love. But if we don’t understand our financial behaviors, we can find ourselves repeating the same mistakes over and over, leading us to feel stuck. In this episode, I discuss the world of behavioral finance with Cherie Stueve and how it applies to military households. We talk about why comparison is a financial trap, how our upbringing influences our money habits, and the surprising role of intensity in financial arguments. Cherie offers practical advice and small steps you can take today to make smarter money moves. Cherie Stueve, PhD, CFP®, AFC®, FFC®, FBS®, CAP®, is a lifelong learner and financial educator, counselor, coach, planner, and researcher. During her spouse’s 20-year Coast Guard career, Cherie navigated frequent relocations before portal, virtual career and education options. That experience drives her commitment to helping military spouses build flexible, resilient careers in personal finance. For the past three years, she and her spouse, Tim have supported scholarships for military spouses to attend conferences and pursue professional development, including . For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Why Identity Work Is the Missing Step in Military Transition
06/16/2025
Why Identity Work Is the Missing Step in Military Transition
Transitioning out of the military isn’t just about finding a new job. It’s about redefining who you are. For many service members, especially those in the Special Operations community, leaving the military can feel like losing a piece of your identity, your purpose, and sense of belonging. In this episode, Kelly McGraw shares how to navigate the emotional and mental side of transition with tools that go beyond resumes and LinkedIn profiles. She discusses how the Honor Foundation is assisting service members through both its elite program and the new Vector Accelerator, enabling veterans to reclaim their sense of identity, purpose, and community as they transition into civilian life. Kelly is the Chief Impact Officer at The Honor Foundation (THF), where she joined in 2020 to build a diversified funding stream and sustain the organization’s mission into the future. Prior to THF, she directed the development efforts at other notable nonprofits, including The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Horizons Hampton Roads, and the Navy SEAL Foundation. Kelly also has 9 years of corporate experience in sales, marketing, and consulting. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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College Money Moves for Military Families
06/09/2025
College Money Moves for Military Families
Planning for college is already overwhelming, but for military families, the maze of VA and DoD education benefits adds another layer of complexity. The good news? These resources can be a huge asset—if you know how to use them. In this episode, Kate Horrell shares smart, practical strategies from her new book College Finances for Military Families. You’ll learn how to maximize the GI Bill, avoid common pitfalls, and create a college funding plan that actually works for your family. Whether you’re a service member, spouse, or parent of future college students, this episode will help you turn confusion into confidence—and save real money in the process. Kate is an award-winning personal financial educator who helps the military community make the most of their pay and benefits. With over 10 years working with thousands of clients and readers, she understands the concerns of currently serving, retired, and veteran families. She shares the most up-to-date information in understandable terms, and highlights how rules, programs, and laws will directly impact our personal finances. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Sales and Self Belief Make or Break Your Business
06/02/2025
Sales and Self Belief Make or Break Your Business
Many people say they want to start a business, build wealth, or make an impact, but the truth is, they often stop short when things get tough. Whether it’s fear, self-doubt, or a lack of direction, those roadblocks can keep people stuck. In this episode, T. Shane Johnson shares how he pushed past rock bottom and used his military experience, mental toughness, and belief in sales to build a life on his own terms. You’ll learn how he bounced back from homelessness, what it really takes to succeed in business, and why believing in yourself is the foundation of any good business. T.Shane is a veteran, and with his daughter, they’re building America’s first indoor hydroponic coffee farm. With a patent-pending system and nationwide retail traction, they’re on a mission to grow sustainable, U.S.-made coffee—year-round, farm-to-cup, and family-owned. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Is What You Say and Do in Alignment?
05/26/2025
Is What You Say and Do in Alignment?
Today is Memorial Day, a day of honor, reflection, and gratitude. Our community knows better than anyone that it's not just a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer. It's a time to remember the brave men and women who took an oath and gave everything in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reason we have the freedom to chase our goals and live with purpose. In honor of those who took bold, selfless action for us, I wanted to release this episode. It’s a reminder that the best way to honor their legacy is not just with words, but with our actions. We have the privilege to build, grow, and live freely. Let’s not waste it. In this episode, I’m putting a spotlight on the gap between your intention and your action. If you've been all talk and little follow-through, this is your kick in the pants to step it up. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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How to Make Money Woodworking
05/19/2025
How to Make Money Woodworking
Woodworking can be a deeply fulfilling hobby, a practical skill, or even a powerful form of therapy but turning it into a business? That’s a whole different challenge. Many aspiring makers struggle to bridge the gap between creativity and profitability, especially when faced with the realities of tools, pricing, and risk. In this episode, Stoane Loudenslager shares how to turn woodworking into a profitable venture from pricing and risk to finding your niche and building a business that lasts. Whether you're just getting started or ready to take your skills to the next level, Stoane shares practical ways to make money from woodworking, even when you PCS. Stoane has been around construction all of his life. He has over 20 years of experience as a professional woodworker, mostly in multimillion-dollar shops. After taking those lessons from large shops to a couple of small shops where he was employed, they saw success. He then started his own successful company using the same ideas. Now he’s sharing them in his book, online course and consulting. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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What You Might Be Missing with SGLI and FSGLI
05/12/2025
What You Might Be Missing with SGLI and FSGLI
Life insurance might be uncomfortable to talk about, but avoiding the conversation could leave your loved ones without support when they need it most. Whether you're on active duty or transitioning to civilian life, it's essential to understand the protections you have and the ones you don’t. In this episode, Heather Walrath covers everything from traumatic injury benefits and accelerated death payouts to how to avoid losing life insurance coverage after separation or retirement. You’ll learn what makes SGLI and FSGLI unique, when and how to update your beneficiaries, and why planning ahead is one of the most powerful things you can do for your family. Heather is an accredited financial educator who has enjoyed working with military members and families for the last 14 years while empowering them with financial education. She is a 2009 FINRA Military Spouse Fellow and holds a BA in economics from the University of Georgia and a paralegal certificate from the Denver Paralegal Institute. She is also an accredited Veterans’ Service representative. Heather has worked as a Personal Financial Counselor (PFC) with all branches of the military, including the Guard and Reserve components, as part of both the non-profit education sector and the Department of Defense PFC network. Her passion is providing members with correct, unbiased information about the DoD Survivor Benefit Program and other survivor entitlement programs. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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What Military Families Should Know About HSAs
05/05/2025
What Military Families Should Know About HSAs
Health Savings Accounts, better known as HSAs, can be a powerful tool for saving money and reducing your taxes, but they’re often misunderstood, especially in the military community, where eligibility can get tricky. If you’ve ever been confused about how HSAs work, who qualifies, or how they compare to Flex Spending Accounts and TRICARE, you’re not alone. In this episode, military spouse and financial expert, Desiree Kaul, breaks everything down. You’ll learn what makes HSAs unique, how they can fit into your savings plan, and what military families should know when transitioning out of service or choosing civilian health plans. Desiree is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®), Military Qualified Financial Planner (MQFP®), and an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®). She has experience in financial counseling, planning, and education, including previous work as a Personal Financial Counselor, educating service members on various financial topics. In 2024, Desiree launched her own virtual practice, Kaul Financial Solutions, offering tax preparation, tax planning, and hourly financial advice. In addition, she assisted in the launch of a new mentorship program with The American College of Financial Services to help military, veterans and spouses successfully transition to a career in financial services. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Smarter College and Life Planning for Military Families
04/28/2025
Smarter College and Life Planning for Military Families
Saving for education can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling military life, moves, and everything in between. Whether it’s understanding your military benefits, choosing the right savings plan, or figuring out how to afford college for multiple kids at once, it can get complicated quickly. In this episode, Joe Brown shares strategies to help you plan for education expenses while making the most of your military benefits. We talk about how to use the GI Bill smartly, what to know about Chapter 35, and why scholarships and merit money should be a big part of your family’s game plan. Plus, Joe breaks down 529 plans, education savings accounts, and tips for blending everything together without the stress. Joe is a CFP® Professional, an MQFP®, and a visiting professor of personal finance at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where his work is supported by the USAA Educational Foundation. He’s the founder and lead planner at Always Ready Financial Planning. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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