Financial

I've been wanting to write this post for a while now. I've been a member of USAA for over 10 years and I've tried almost every one of their products. I've used their car and home insurance, banking, investment services, loans, and credit cards. They also offer flood insurance, life insurance, and over 40 other products. I have a picture at the bottom of the blog post with all … [Read more...] about USAA Review – Banking, Insurance, Investing: The Good and the Bad

Did you know that you can get out a lease early without having to pay those outrageous early termination fees? It's true!!! I just benefited from it. Your landlord is required to let you out of your lease. You are protected by the Servicemember Civil Relief Act. According to the SCRA (Servicemember Civil Relief Act), its pretty simple. In order to get out of your lease, you … [Read more...] about Get Out of Your Lease Early

Growing up, no one really ever taught me how to handle my money, no one taught me how to start saving for retirement. It is something that most people just learn by themselves. Looking back I would have enjoyed having a finance class in high school. Others must have felt the same way because I've heard they have started teaching finance as early as middle schools now. I've made … [Read more...] about $$ Our Favorite Financial Blogs $$

Common tax forms like W-2's have probably been gathering in your mailbox. Tax forms are due by April 15 and there are many programs that help you file them. Luckily for us, many of these programs are FREE or Discounted to Military personnel. According to the Wall Street Journal, the average cost to have someone prepare your taxes was $246-143 (depending on if you have … [Read more...] about Free Tax-Filling Programs for Military

Navy Federal Credit Union has some great sign-up bonuses this week! They include a $50 sign-up bonus and then up to $200 in investment bonuses. Here are the three bonuses: 1.) New member bonus = $50 (see below for link) I signed up on Monday and the next day I got the bonus. All it requires is setting up a savings account. Here is a pic of the text they sent … [Read more...] about Get $250 FREE from Navy Federal

Many banks offer SCRA (Servicemember Civil Relief Act) benefits for Military personnel. These include lower interest rates 4-6%, waived fee's, and many other benefits. This allows Active Military personnel and those serving oversees to focus on their missions and not have to worry as much about their finances at home. Here is a list of banks that offer SCRA … [Read more...] about SCRA Military Benefits (Lower interest rates to 4%)

Chase is my second favorite bank after USAA. I recently found out that Chase Bank will waive all credit card fees, late fees, and all other fees for Military members on Active Duty. It is very easy to apply and their customer service is excellent from my past experience. Here's what you need to do: Call Chase Military Banking at 1-877-469-0110. This is a Military only … [Read more...] about Chase Bank – Waives all fees for Active Duty Military

Morningstar has been one of my major sources of information when looking into specific stocks or mutual funds that I want to invest in. Last week, I found out that Military members get free access to premium membership status ($195 value). Here is an example of some of the additional features offered to military members: Here is a list of some of the things that Military … [Read more...] about Morningstar Military Discount – Free Morningstar Premium Membership Status ($195 value)

There are several banks that have strong associations with the Military. For example USAA, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, and Navy Federal Credit Union. Let's look at the best benefits of each one. Best Military Banks & Financial Institutions USAA Federal Savings Bank & USAA Insurance USAA has several great benefits. Some of my favorites include some of the … [Read more...] about Best Military Banks & Credit Unions