A new report shows financial worries around health care, education, child care and frequent moves are a major source of stress for military and veteran families. “Finances showed up everywhere in big and small ways,” said Shelley Kimball, who directs research for the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN), which conducted the survey. “Our families are […]
Money
TRICARE for Life users surprised by drug cost increase
Over the last few weeks, I have heard from many Tricare for Lifebeneficiaries caught off guard by the recent increase to pharmacy costs, including a change that moved drugs that had been completely free to a charge of $7 for a 90-day supply. Drug prices increased Feb. 1 for all Tricare users, including retirees over 65 […]
Here are 4 easy ways to participate in Military Saves Week
This week is Military Saves Week, a campaign the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America. From financial institutions like USAA to bases to bloggers, you may have noticed the green logos cropping up everywhere and an increased focus on financial planning and literacy. It’s no surprise to anyone within the military community that finances are often times difficult […]
New System May Not Show Your SGLI Recipient, But You’ve Still Got One
If you’ve logged into the new online Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) portal, you may have noticed an alarming omission: The section identifying your beneficiary might be blank. That discovery has left many active-duty troops in the Army, Air Force and Navy — the services that have started using the system — worried that, should they die, no one is selected […]
Why do military members qualify for food stamps?
Thanks to a proposed budget cut to what’s officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), food stamps and military members have recently been a hot topic. Yes, you heard me correctly: food stamps and military members. While the fact that about 13 percent of all Americans used SNAP for food aid in 2016 and more than 80 […]
How to Use Military Discounts While Traveling
If military families are experts on anything it’s traveling. Whether we’re PCS’ing cross-country, taking a road trip to visit family, or sneaking away for a post-deployment vacation, we’re always on the go. Traveling is even more fun when you find great discounts to help you out along the way. Military families also have access to […]
Over 133,000 veterans who got military disability are due tax refunds
This month the DOD will begin sending notifications to more than 133,000 veterans who may qualify for a refund of federal taxes paid on disability severance pay dating back to January 17, 1991. Under federal law, veterans who suffer combat-related injuries and who are separated from the military are not supposed to be taxed on the […]
Can a clothing subscription service cure my unhealthy online shopping habit?
Once upon a time, I was an underpaid magazine journalist with expensive taste. Saturdays were spent scouring Twin Cities thrift stores and upscale consignment shops for deals on designer wear. Proudest discoveries include a gauzy Oscar de la Renta dress ($70), a painted Pauline Trigère frock ($60) and an asymmetrical Yohji Yamamoto jacket plucked from […]