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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How to Find Military and Veteran Benefits You Qualify For
08/10/2026
How to Find Military and Veteran Benefits You Qualify For
Military and veteran benefits can have a major impact on your finances, but finding them is not always easy. The information is spread across federal agencies, states, counties, and different programs, which means you may qualify for something without ever realizing it exists. In this episode, Jackson Jerdee and I talk about why he created Benefitry, an app designed to help members of the military community identify benefits they may qualify for. We also discuss some of the benefits people commonly overlook, how the app keeps track of changing information, and why even longtime veterans may want to take another look at what is available to them. Jackson is an Air Force veteran who is the founder of Benefitry. He came up with the idea while navigating his own separation. He saw firsthand how many veterans and military families miss out on benefits they earned. His mission is to make sure no one who served leaves behind what they earned. For more information, visit the full show notes at For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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What 400 Episodes Taught Me About Money and Life
08/03/2026
What 400 Episodes Taught Me About Money and Life
Four hundred episodes is hard for me to take in fully. I’m proud of reaching this milestone. I love this show, I love the people I get to talk to, and I love helping the military community. But reaching 400 episodes has also made me realize how much more I want to do. What I have now isn’t something I would have imagined when I began. I have a show I care deeply about, a community I am honored to serve, and the opportunity to talk with people every week who are generous enough to share their knowledge, experiences, and stories. In this episode, I’m sharing some of the biggest lessons the MILMO Show has taught me about money, success, business, military life, and what it means to keep going and growing. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Why Taking Care of Your Stuff Saves You Money
07/27/2026
Why Taking Care of Your Stuff Saves You Money
The things we have cost money. And the care and attention we give them matter to our bottom line more than we realize. Today's episode isn’t exactly about money, but it's also not not about money. It's about door thresholds and more. In this episode, I’m talking about one of the easiest ways to save money that has nothing to do with earning more or spending less. It has everything to do with taking care of the things you already own. For more information, visit the full show notes at For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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The Financial Side of a Family Emergency
07/20/2026
The Financial Side of a Family Emergency
This episode is a little different than what I normally do. I love interviewing guests and sharing their stories and expertise, but sometimes life has a way of changing your plans. Over the last few weeks, I've had one of the hardest experiences I've ever gone through as a parent, and honestly, I haven't felt like talking. I went back and forth on whether I should record this episode at all. But as I started processing everything that had happened, I realized there was a lesson I could share that illustrates why we save for emergencies, why insurance matters, and why financial preparation isn't about expecting the worst. It's about giving yourself the ability to focus on what matters most when life takes an unexpected turn. So today, I want to share a personal story and one financial lesson I hope you'll never have to learn the hard way. For more information, visit the full show notes at You can reach out to me at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Marketing Strategies to Grow Revenue for Military Entrepreneurs
07/13/2026
Marketing Strategies to Grow Revenue for Military Entrepreneurs
A lot of military entrepreneurs know they need to market their business, but it can be hard to know what is actually worth your time and money. In this episode, Aaron Tellier shares how service members, veterans, and military spouses can approach marketing in ways that drive revenue rather than just create more work. We talk about how to stop wasting money on random marketing and start building a revenue-focused strategy. He shares what to fix first, what to track, and when it makes sense to hire help. Aaron is a former Naval Academy graduate, officer, serial entrepreneur, and chief marketing officer with decades of experience helping businesses grow. He currently serves as Managing Partner and Chief Revenue Officer at The Volute Group and is the founder of Ignite Studio. For more information, visit the full show notes at For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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How to Make Money on a Military PPM
07/06/2026
How to Make Money on a Military PPM
A military move comes with orders, packing, paperwork, timelines, and a lot of stress. But for some service members, a Personally Procured Move, also known as a PPM or DITY move, can be a way to take more control and potentially make money. In this episode, Lt Col Jonathan “Peso” Clason shares how he and his family completed two full PPM moves, what he learned, and why planning, paperwork, weight tickets, and teamwork matter so much. Peso is an active-duty Air Force officer, pilot, commander, instructor, husband, dad, and experienced full PPM mover. He shares how far out he starts planning, which costs to watch, which mistakes to avoid, and how to decide whether doing your own move is worth it. For more information, visit the full show notes at
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Building a Fintech Company After Military Service
06/29/2026
Building a Fintech Company After Military Service
Leaving the military does not always come with a perfectly mapped-out plan. Sometimes the next step is a stepping stone. Sometimes it opens doors you didn’t even know existed, and sometimes it leads you to build something completely new. In this episode, I’m talking with Sinon Bennett, a former Navy submarine officer who went on to work in private banking at J.P. Morgan before co-founding Wavvest, a fintech company helping modernize advisor operations and financial planning through AI and technology. Sinon shares what the Navy taught him about problem-solving, how private banking exposed him to a whole new side of money and business, and what it really took to move Wavvest from an idea to a company with paying customers. We also talk about customer discovery, finding the right co-founder, hearing no, knowing when to pivot, and why service members need to think about their financial runway if they want to build something after military service. For more information, visit the full show notes at For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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How to Build Partnerships That Grow Your Career or Business
06/22/2026
How to Build Partnerships That Grow Your Career or Business
We hear the word “networking” all the time, especially around military transition, career growth, and business. But building real partnerships is different. It’s not about collecting contacts, pitching yourself, or asking people for favors. It’s about building trust, adding value, and creating relationships that help people move forward together. In this episode, Katherine Torres-Pummill shares what strong partnerships actually look like and how they can help service members, veterans, and military spouses grow their careers and businesses. We talk about why transition can feel lonely, how to put yourself out there, how to ask for help without feeling awkward, and what to watch for when money, brands, or sponsorships become part of the conversation. Kathy is the General Manager of Recurrent Military and a military spouse. She oversees the execution of Recurrent Military and its brands, including Task & Purpose, We Are The Mighty, Military Influencer Conference, and MilSpouseFest. She brings both executive leadership and lived experience to this conversation about community, connection, and building something that lasts. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Annuities Explained Without the Sales Pitch
06/15/2026
Annuities Explained Without the Sales Pitch
Annuities are among the financial products that can spark a lot of strong opinions. Some people love them, while some people warn everyone to stay far away from them. A lot of people are stuck somewhere in the middle, trying to figure out what an annuity actually is, what it does, and whether it makes sense for their situation. The hard part is that annuities come with a lot of jargon, fees, surrender charges, and sales language that can make them hard to understand. And when you’re making decisions with retirement money, your TSP, a pension, or other savings, confusion can get expensive fast. In this episode, Tracy Lownsberry, founder of Annuity Giants, Army veteran, and annuity expert, breaks down annuities in plain English. We talk about what annuities are, the problems they’re designed to solve, who they may or may not be right for, what military families should consider, and the red flags to watch for before buying one. For more information, visit the full show notes at For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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You’re Not Broke, You Need Financial Discipline
06/08/2026
You’re Not Broke, You Need Financial Discipline
Sometimes, the reason money feels tight is not that you're bad with money. Sometimes your money just needs more structure. In this solo episode, I’m talking about financial discipline and why it is not about shame, perfection, or taking all the joy out of your life. It is about giving your money direction, keeping small promises to your future self, and creating enough structure so your paycheck does not disappear before you know it. I also share simple ways to build more discipline with your money, For more information, visit the full show notes at For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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SBP vs. Term Insurance for Military Retirement
06/01/2026
SBP vs. Term Insurance for Military Retirement
Military retirement comes with some big financial decisions, but few create stronger opinions than the Survivor Benefit Plan. Some people believe SBP is essential protection for military spouses. Others say you’re better off declining it and buying term life insurance instead. In this episode, retired Army officer and Certified Financial Planner™ Kyle Packard breaks down the Survivor Benefit Plan, how it compares to term life insurance, and why this decision is about more than just cost. We’re talking about the true value of a military pension, the protection gaps families often overlook, how military marriage and retirement transitions can impact this decision, and practical ways couples can think through what level of protection is right for their family. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook For more information, visit the full show notes at
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A Day Too Important to Rush Past: A Memorial Day Reflection
05/25/2026
A Day Too Important to Rush Past: A Memorial Day Reflection
Memorial Day is one of those days I never want to rush past, but I also never feel like I have the right words for it. In this special solo episode of the MILMO Show, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day, the men and women who died in service to our country, and the families who carry that loss every day. This isn’t about having a perfect message. It’s about remembering well, honoring the cost of freedom, and carrying the day with gratitude, humility, and respect.
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The Hidden Financial Risks of Guard and Reserve Life
05/18/2026
The Hidden Financial Risks of Guard and Reserve Life
People often assume Guard and Reserve finances work the same way as active duty, but they don’t. The income can be inconsistent, benefits can be confusing, and transitions on and off orders can create financial stress that catches families off guard. In this episode, Accredited Financial Counselor® and military spouse Terri Bailey shares real-world insight into the financial realities Guard and Reserve families face and what service members can do to better prepare for the unexpected. We’re talking about the hidden financial risks of Guard and Reserve life, the most common money mistakes service members and spouses make during transitions, and practical ways to build a stronger financial foundation in the middle of uncertainty. For more information, visit the full show notes at For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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How Life Transitions Quietly Derail Your Finances
05/11/2026
How Life Transitions Quietly Derail Your Finances
Life in the military is full of change. PCS moves, deployments, and leaving the service can all come with a long list of decisions and a lot of pressure to make them quickly. In those moments, even smart, disciplined people can make financial choices that quietly set them back. In this episode, I talk with Stacy Miller about why money mistakes tend to happen during life transitions and how to navigate those moments with more clarity and confidence. We get into what’s really going on behind those decisions, the most common traps to watch for, and simple ways to slow down and make better choices, even when life feels overwhelming. Visit the full show notes at For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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What the Financial Industry Gets Wrong About Serving Veterans
05/04/2026
What the Financial Industry Gets Wrong About Serving Veterans
A lot of financial advice is built for people with steady careers, predictable income, and easy access to financial services. That’s not the reality for many service members and veterans. And it creates gaps that can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities. In this episode, Dr. Chet Bennetts, Department Chair and Associate Provost at The American College of Financial Services and Marine veteran, shares where the system falls short and how it impacts the military community. We get into why access to quality advice is still a challenge, how stress and life transitions shape financial decisions, and what both professionals and service members need to understand to navigate it better. The show notes can be found here: For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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{Encore} Finding Your Financial Yin and Yang
04/27/2026
{Encore} Finding Your Financial Yin and Yang
Money can start to feel like an either-or decision. Either you’re doing the “right” thing and saving, or you’re enjoying your life and spending. And for a lot of people, that tension never really goes away, especially when everything feels more expensive right now. That’s why I wanted to bring this episode back. Here is the encore airing of Finding Your Financial Yin and Yang, a solo episode that’s all about finding balance with your money, without guilt, extremes, and without feeling like you’re always getting it wrong. It’s a basic idea, but one that can completely change how you think about saving, spending, and what “doing well” with money actually looks like.
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Why Money Feels So Emotional in Military Life
04/20/2026
Why Money Feels So Emotional in Military Life
Money decisions can feel a lot heavier in military life. Between deployments, PCS moves, and the uncertainty that often comes with service, it’s easy for stress, fear, and past experiences to shape how you spend, save, or avoid money altogether. In this episode, Tyler West and I discuss why money feels so emotional and how financial therapy can help. We get into how past experiences influence money habits, how stress can show up in financial decisions, and ways military families can start having healthier conversations about money. Tyler is an Army veteran, financial planner, and financial therapist who works with military and veteran families. Tyler brings both professional expertise and lived military experience to this conversation, helping break down the emotional side of money in a practical, relatable way.
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Beneficiary Financial Counseling Service Explained
04/13/2026
Beneficiary Financial Counseling Service Explained
There’s a VA benefit available to eligible SGLI and VGLI survivors that almost no one seems to know about. It’s the Beneficiary Financial Counseling Service. It gives free financial planning during one of the hardest times a military family can face, yet too many people miss it entirely. In this episode, Certified Financial Planner Brian O’Neill and I, are talking about what this benefit is, who it’s for, where the process is breaking down, and why better awareness could help protect survivors from costly mistakes and predatory financial products. Brian is a retired Air Force Colonel, former F-16 and F-35 pilot, and founder of Winged Wealth Management and Financial Planning. He has worked directly with this program for years, helping survivors navigate major financial decisions. Today, he’s sharing what families need to know and how we can help spread the word. For more information, visit the full show notes at For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Why You Know What to Do With Money But Still Don’t Do It
04/06/2026
Why You Know What to Do With Money But Still Don’t Do It
You can know exactly what you should be doing with your money and still not do it. Maybe you know you need to save more, pay down debt, or finally sit down and plan for retirement. But somehow, life, stress, and emotions get in the way. Sometimes the story you’re telling yourself gets in the way. In this episode, military spouse, Ashley Quamme and I discuss the real reason there’s often a gap between knowing and doing when it comes to money. We also talk about the psychology behind financial avoidance, how uncertainty can shape your money behavior, and practical ways to start changing habits that keep you stuck. Ashley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Financial Therapist™, and a Financial Behavior Specialist®. She’s the Chief Behavioral Officer for advisory firms and host of the Planning & Beyond® podcast. She helps bridge the gap between financial knowledge and the human side of behavior change. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook For more information, visit the full show notes at
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Can You Trust AI With Your Money?
03/30/2026
Can You Trust AI With Your Money?
Money decisions are getting harder, not easier. There’s more information, more tools, and now, more artificial intelligence telling you what you should do. It can feel like you finally have answers at your fingertips, but that doesn’t always mean those answers are right. In this episode, I’m talking about AI and your money, where it can actually help, where it can get you into trouble, and how to use it without letting it make decisions for you. For more information, visit the full show notes at For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Nonprofit vs For-Profit What to Know Before You Start
03/23/2026
Nonprofit vs For-Profit What to Know Before You Start
Many in the military community see a problem and feel called to fix it. Maybe it’s childcare, employment, or support services. One of the first questions that comes up is: Should this be a nonprofit or a business? The reality is that the decision isn’t always clear, and choosing the wrong path can cost you time, money, and momentum. In this episode, Kayla Corbitt and I discuss how to decide between a nonprofit and a for-profit business, and what it really takes to run a nonprofit. We also talk about the realities of funding and impact, so you can make the right choice before you get started. Kayla is the Founder and CEO of Operation Child Care Project, a national nonprofit delivering data-informed solutions for military families navigating childcare and support services. She’s also a military spouse who has built both a nonprofit and a business, giving her a unique perspective on what it actually takes to create meaningful change. Through her work, Kayla has helped turn real family challenges into practical, community-based solutions, earning national recognition, including Military Spouse of the Year and a spot on the Mighty 25 list of changemakers. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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How to Build a Business That Doesn’t Depend on You
03/16/2026
How to Build a Business That Doesn’t Depend on You
Starting a business can feel empowering, especially if you’re looking for control over your earning ability. But a lot of entrepreneurs figure out that instead of building a business that gives them freedom, they’ve built an extremely demanding job that depends entirely on them. In this episode, Diana Jaquith shares how entrepreneurs can build a business that has real value beyond the owner. We talk about the financial signals that show whether a business is healthy, and why systems and delegation matter more than most founders realize. We also discuss exit planning and why thinking about the end of your business early can help you build something stronger today. Diana is a CEO, CFO, angel investor, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). She is the CEO of WISE Advise + Assist Team, a virtual growth agency she founded to empower military spouses and veterans, and a managing partner at Cor Leo Advisors, an exit planning firm. Diana has spent more than fifteen years helping entrepreneurs grow, scale, and prepare their businesses for long-term value. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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How to Use Paper Trading to Learn Stock Investing
03/09/2026
How to Use Paper Trading to Learn Stock Investing
A lot of people are curious about investing in individual stocks but were never taught how to do it, and want to learn. But trying to figure out where, how, and when to buy and sell stocks can feel overwhelming. There are charts, numbers, and unfamiliar terms everywhere. Even basic questions like where to open an account, how to fund it, or how to place a trade can feel confusing. In this episode, we are going to talk about what paper trading is, who it is helpful for, how it can build your confidence in the stock market, and how you can use it to explore individual stock investing while keeping the foundation of your retirement plan exactly where it should be. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Stoicism for Military Entrepreneurs
03/02/2026
Stoicism for Military Entrepreneurs
Running a business can feel like emotional whiplash. One minute you’re celebrating a win, and the next you’re questioning everything. Add in a military transition, a new identity, or the pressure to succeed, and it’s easy to tie your worth to outcomes you can’t control. In this episode, I talk with Ken Davenport about how Stoicism gives military entrepreneurs and service members a framework for navigating uncertainty, rejection, and identity shifts. Ken is a San Diego–based entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of Mission Edge, where he supports nonprofits, social entrepreneurs, and underserved founders. Drawing on decades as a CEO and startup founder, he teaches how ancient virtues can help modern leaders manage emotions, handle rejection, and build resilient, mission-driven work. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook For more information, visit the full show notes at
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The Financial Perfect Storm No One Is Talking About
02/23/2026
The Financial Perfect Storm No One Is Talking About
I’ve had a hypothesis sitting in the back of my mind for a while. Buy Now, Pay Later has become normal. Sports betting is legal in more states than ever. OnlyFans subscriptions are private, easy, and a click away. None of these things automatically ruins your finances. But I keep wondering what happens when they start stacking. In this episode, Josh Bannerman, Marine veteran and Certified Financial Planner, and I pressure-test my hypothesis: are Buy Now, Pay Later, gambling, and subscription spending creating a perfect storm for military finances? Josh breaks down the difference between investing and binary bets, how leverage and small payments eat into your paycheck, what “fun money” should really look like, and how to build discipline without losing your ability to enjoy life. Josh is a fee-based financial planner and co-founder of the Stacking Benjamins podcast. With over 25 years of experience in financial planning and entrepreneurship, he helps clients create clear plans that balance long-term wealth with real life. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Why So Many Adults Put Off Estate Planning
02/16/2026
Why So Many Adults Put Off Estate Planning
Estate planning is one of those things most people know they should do, but it often feels overwhelming, expensive, or easy to put off. Between our busy lives and discomfort around death, even responsible adults delay it far longer than they want to admit. In this episode, we break estate planning down into what it really is, a practical way to reduce stress for the people you love and make sure your wishes are clear. We talk about when estate planning actually starts, the small steps that matter most, and how to get started without feeling overwhelmed. My guest is Sasha Grabenstetter, an Accredited Financial Counselor® and financial educator whose work focuses on the intersection of money, behavior, and lived experience. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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The State of Student Loans Right Now
02/09/2026
The State of Student Loans Right Now
Student loans can feel overwhelming. Repayment plans change, headlines create confusion, and it’s hard to know what actually applies to your situation or what to do next. In this episode, student loan expert Robert Farrington breaks down what’s really happening with student loans right now, what borrowers need to pay attention to, and how to take strategic action instead of staying stuck. We also talk about his journey building a successful media business from the ground up, what he’d repeat, what he’d change, and what he believes matters most if you want to build something that lasts. Robert is a student loan expert and the founder of The College Investor, a leading news organization focused on the intersection of personal finance and education. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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Busy Is Not a Revenue Strategy
02/02/2026
Busy Is Not a Revenue Strategy
Being busy can feel responsible and productive, but if you’ve ever found yourself working all the time and still wondering why the money doesn’t reflect the effort you’re putting in, you are in good company. In this episode, I’m talking about why busy is not a revenue strategy, how easy it is to get pulled into work that feels productive but doesn’t actually bring in income, and how to think about the different hats you wear in business, especially when you’re building something new, and nothing feels certain yet. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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{Encore} Transforming Your Knowledge into Profitable Memberships
01/26/2026
{Encore} Transforming Your Knowledge into Profitable Memberships
So many people in the military community carry hard-earned knowledge from their careers, side hustles, and lived experiences, but aren’t always sure how to turn it into consistent income aligned with their lives. Here is the encore airing of Transforming Your Knowledge into Profitable Memberships with Stu McLaren, a standout episode that reminds us your expertise has value, and that building something meaningful doesn’t have to mean burning yourself out. It’s a motivating listen as you reflect on what you know, what you’ve learned, and what might be possible next. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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A Quick Financial Reset When You Feel Behind
01/19/2026
A Quick Financial Reset When You Feel Behind
Feeling behind can sneak up on you. It’s not always about the numbers. It’s that constant sense that you should be further along, more caught up, more on top of things than you are. And for military families, that feeling can hit even harder when life keeps moving, whether you’re ready or not. In this episode, I’m sharing a quick financial reset. Not a full overhaul or a long to-do list. Just a steady way to pause, get your footing, and decide what actually deserves your attention right now. For more MILMO, follow at: on YouTube on X Instagram LinkedIn Facebook
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