photo provided by Joint Base Ft Lewis-McChord

Everyone loves a bargain. Anything from groceries to a home loan can help alleviate the financial binds that most of us have felt on our wallets. With so many people searching for good deals, catching them before it’s too late can be a challenge. However, there are a handful of fantastic military perks that are exclusive to you and your family – and they have no expiration date! Even better, you don’t have to scour through newspaper ads or wait in long lines to find them.

As a leading provider for loans for military members, we know the value of each dollar saved.  So we did the hard work for you by researching some of the best perks available for those who serve. Here are some amazing ways to get more bang for your buck:

• Take advantage of low rates on home loans. Many lenders offer lower interest mortgages for those on active duty and their spouses. If you are a veteran, you may also be eligible for a guaranteed home loan through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA home loan program allows qualified vets to apply for a loan with any participating mortgage lender.
• Get a discount on higher education. Perhaps one of the biggest money-saving perks of being in the military is the GI Bill, which provides educational funding to military members that can be used for higher learning. There are various GI Bills available for different types of education programs, including college degrees, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, non-degree programs, and more.
• Find cheaper childcare. The military offers discounted, full-time childcare to military members and their families at a variety of child development centers nationwide. These centers offer care at a substantially lower rate than other centers, and usually have extended and flexible hours to accommodate military members’ busy schedules.
• Shop at the commissary. If you don’t have time or dislike clipping coupons for groceries, then the commissary is the place to shop. Buying your groceries at a commissary, instead of regular grocery store, can save you up to 30% on your bill, according to the Defense Commissary Agency. There is also no sales tax charged on purchases made at a commissary.

Being a member of the armed forces has a lot of valuable perks – especially if you’re looking to save some cash. Remember to take advantage of these money-saving deals and you’re guaranteed to have more money in your wallet.

Do you know of another money-saving military benefit? Is there an important perk that we missed? Please share your ideas with us!

photo provided by Joint Base Lewis McChord

In this tough job market, it’s easy to get discouraged or frustrated when searching for work.  But things could be looking a bit brighter now that the unemployment rate has been trending downward.

But what does this mean for those in the military?  Even though well paying jobs for veterans are available, they may be difficult to find.  We know how important it is to have job stability in order to get approved for military loans, that’s why we rounded up the top 5 resources that have served a number of veterans in finding sustainable work.

• Vettransfer.org

Chris Rhodes is the founder of Right Angle Home Inspectors, located in Wisconsin. She is a former Marine Corps Sergeant why received assistance from Vettransfer.org to transition from her military career to a thriving civilian enterprise. She learned to hone her skills in specialized mechanics from her military experience into a strong asset. The result is a successful business centered on discipline, honesty and integrity.

• Vetjobs.com

Established in 1999, Vetjobs.com was founded by a veteran. Ted Daywalt, who runs VetJobs.com in Georgia, states that around 180,000 people a month visit his site to post their jobs on one of the largest online job boards for veterans or to hire these same veterans. Vetjobs.com, under Ted’s guidance, offer more job postings than any other job board catering to the military market. This site provides much hope to our Veterans by fostering an environment of understanding to the veteran community.

• SOF Solutions

With employment being such a difficult thing for U.S. Military Veterans, SOF Solutions offers a ray of hope. They uphold their mission to bring veterans seeking gainful employment with the corporate world. This organization serves as an exclusive resume depository. SOF Solutions introduces Corporate America, Small Business and Government Agencies to our Veterans.

• Feds Hire Vets

Feds Hire Vets has a mission to support the development of our countries student veterans, preparing them for a successful career with the Federal Government. They ease the transition from active duty to Federal Contract Specialist positions. Liz Ladow, who served with our U.S. Navy, had this reaction to her experience with Feds Hire Vets: “I LOVE MY JOB!!! My position with the federal government affords me the opportunity to help other veterans just as a veteran helped me.”

• United States Department of Veterans Affairs

The VA is committed to honoring the service of our U.S. Military Veterans. They have designed a career support program just for Vets named: VA for Vets. They offer everything Veterans need to transition from their active duty to their civilian careers. One only as to look at the smiling faces of a small percentage of the 100,000 Veterans the VA employs to be reminded that a successful job is possible after active duty. Here are photos of 1500 proud veterans can be seen here. 

All these organizations are built around honoring those who served in the military, and they do it to give back.  Each organization has amazing stories of those who have left active duty and soared with a newfound career.  Make sure to check them out to find out more about skills training,  various job boards, and job fairs.

Do you have a success story that you would like to share? What services have you found helpful while you transition into a civilian career?

photo provided by 401k

If you haven’t heard yet, the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate went up recently. Even though there are a lot of factors that tie in to the BAH rate (pay grade, geographic duty location, and dependency status), the average increase is $35/month.

Money has been tight for everyone in this recovering economy, but that hasn’t stopped anyone from learning to watch where each penny goes. People spend money everyday because they run households and lead extremely busy lives. But it’s easy for dollars to soon add up if you’re not paying attention. By being more conscious about your spending habits, you can gain control of your financial lives.

As one of the nation’s leading military lenders, we know how important it is to choose where money goes.  So we put together a quick and easy guide of 10 small ways that you can save $35 to make up for that BAH increase.

• Do you buy your lunch every day? Try packing a brown bag to save yourself some money, plus it could be healthier for you.
• Do you go to the vending machine often for snacks? Buy a larger bag of your favorite snack from the store and pack yourself a small portion every day.
• Do you go to a local coffee shop daily? It can be delicious but it sure adds up over time. Try brewing coffee at home. It will surprise you how much money you will save by buying coffee and cream for home.
• Do you look at your monthly bills before you pay them? Whenever you get your bills try reading them through for any mistakes, fees, or items that you weren’t aware you were paying for. By taking a look at what you’re spending you can make conscious choices to decrease that spending.
• Do you turn things off when you’re done? By shutting off lights, using a blanket, turning off your computer, or using natural light you save both money and the environment. Take the time to flip a switch and also increase your carbon footprint. Before you know it, you’ll be saving tons of money too.
• Do you like buying name brand products? You can try the generic, store brand item to see if there really is a difference in taste or quality. This is a great way to shave off a few dollars off your grocery bill.
• Do you cut your own lawn or shovel the snow off your drive way? Rather than paying for it to be done, try doing it yourself. You’ll get a workout and feel like you’ve accomplished something at the same time.
• Do you drive to work everyday? Try carpooling, biking, or public transportation. With gas prices the way they are, switching up transportation has become an easy choice for many.
• Do you buy a lot of books? Before buying a new title see if they have it at the library or at a second hand book store for cheaper.
• Do you cook dinner at home? Preparing your meals at home is one of the easiest, healthiest, and most cost effective way to save money. Eating out too much adds up, but cooking at home saves you money and provides an environment for quality time with people you love.

Each suggestion is small, but after time those savings add up. Soon enough that $35 increase won’t be that daunting. If you keep at it, you can even save up for some bigger ticket items and like a home or dream vacation. It all starts with making a decision and following through, but baby steps sure do help!

Do you have some habits that you could reexamine and save yourself some money by changing that habit?

photo provided by www.the-classy-couponer.com

Clipping coupons is trendy again.  In today’s recovering economy, everyone has learned to pinch pennies and be resourceful with everything they have. And coupons have seemed to be the answer.

An explosion of coupon websites, blogs, and the TLC show, “Extreme Couponing” is fueling this money-saving craze. The show, along with many other extremists tout the ability to use coupons to get cartloads of groceries for pennies on the dollar.  But does all the fuss really boil down to significant savings?

Just Military Loans knows that saving money is important for everyone – especially if you’re balancing between regular daily expenses, paying down military loans, or saving up for something special. That’s why we’ve dug deep into the world of coupons to find out if all that clipping really translates into more money in your wallet. Here are some of the pros and cons of putting your scissors to paper in the name of value.

PROS OF COUPONING

• Coupon savings adds up. If you take the time to clip coupons and research sales to find the best value, then the savings can be substantial. The average per-coupon savings is $1.57, and most people who regularly clip the coupons can save up to 50% on their shopping bills.
• Coupons + buying in bulk = savings! When you combined coupons with warehouse store discounts, you can double your savings. Most warehouse stores charge a membership fee, so take that into account before you join. If you live alone, have a small family, or you’re looking for a way to off set the price of a membership, consider sharing it with a friend or other family.
• Commissary shoppers save more. Commissary prices are already lower than most grocery stores, and you can add to your savings by using coupons. Military commissaries overseas also accept some manufacturers’ coupons for up to six months after their expiration date.

CONS OF COUPONING

• Couponing is a time investment. Using coupons can save you money, but it takes time and planning. You’ll need to search for available coupons online, and in the newspapers, mail, and grocery store fliers to make it worthwhile. On average, it takes three months of stockpiling coupons before the average person sees significant savings on his/her bill.
• Coupons can make you spend more than you intended. A lot of coupons require you to buy two or three of an item to get the discount. This can be dangerous since you might only need one carton of milk, but grab two or three in order to use the coupon. If you’re buying things you don’t need, then you’re wasting money instead of saving it.
• Extreme couponing is unrealistic. A lot of the extreme couponing you see on TV is the exception to the rule. If you’re like most people in the military, you don’t have the time to find hundreds of coupons, organize them, and then venture to the store for a marathon shopping session. You also probably don’t need 18 boxes of cereal.

Coupons can save you some much needed cash, but only if the pros outnumber the cons. If you don’t have the time to search for the savings, then skip the coupons, but if you’re all for the coupon craze then happy clipping…and saving!

Are you a coupon-clipper? Do you have another benefit or disadvantage to couponing?

photo provided by Chad Northrup

Think back to that first Valentine’s Day with your spouse.

Did he impress you with his romantic charm? Was she dressed to the nines and attentive to your conversation?

Now, between the kids and deployments, that big date seems like a lifetime ago.  Your lives are busy and full – family, military career, volunteering, making ends meet. It’s OK – this happens to even the best of marriages.

Whether you’re juggling between schedules and responsibilities, grocery bills and military loans, or just trying to get a head start on Valentine’s Day here are 10 ways to add that spark back into your marriage.

1. Small surprises – A great surprise doesn’t have to be a big deal. Buy your spouse his or her favorite coffee drink. Take a gourmet lunch to your husband’s work.

2. Big surprises – Want to “go big” with a surprise? Plan a weekend getaway to a favorite spot. Maybe your spouse is missing a friend who lives in another state. Arrange for a visit! One friend surprised her husband by renting him his favorite sports car for a weekend.

3. Simple gestures – Touch is a powerful way to communicate love. A gentle hand on your wife’s back as you open the door. Offering your husband a back massage after work.

4. Watch your words – If touch is powerful, words can make or break a marriage. If you want to surprise your spouse, give them a daily compliment. Also, saying phrases like, “I’m glad you are home,” or “So happy to see you!” will help.

5. Time for intimacy – Sometimes intimate moments can be hard to come by. Have someone you trust take your kids for the night. Be careful not to spur the advances of your spouse, even if you are tired. (But don’t wait until your spouse is too tired to make a move.)

6. Deployment creativity – When your military spouse is deployed, you can show love in imaginative ways. Tuck a photo from your favorite places to hangout together into your care packages each month. For one couple that is close to their three dogs, the wife sent her deployed husband “art projects” from doggy daycare.

7. The big welcome home – If your hubby if coming home from a military deployment, be flexible and patient. Accept that there will be differences. Have quiet dinners together. Create moments for open conversation.

8. Brilliant resources – Sometimes you just need a fun idea to add spark back into the marriage. Books like The Love Dare walk you through steps to show your spouse true love. Talk with older couples to discover their secrets.

9. Know your spouse’s interests – You and your spouse may have different hobbies. Learn what makes them tick and play along. Hang out with your hubby while he fixes cars. Take your wife on a shopping trip.

10. Follow your dreams – When you are happy and most fulfilled, your spouse will be, too. Spend time on the things that make you excited without sacrificing time with each other. Pursue a big goal (Consider a military loan if you need financial help with your next big adventure!).

You already know a good marriage takes work. Hopefully these steps will make the effort thoroughly enjoyable!

What ways have you surprised your husband? Have you participated in your wife’s favorite hobby? How have those actions improved your marriage?

photo provided by NorthwestMilitary.com

As a member of the military, you have a lot to juggle between your professional and personal life, so taxes are probably not high on your list of priorities. However, Tax Day will be here before you know it. Don’t let the tax deadline sneak up on you this year!

Just Military Loans has a great tax prep guide to help you get organized, choose a tax prep option, and understand the potential credits and deductions available to military members. Save yourself time, stress, and possibly money by getting a head start on your 2011 filing with these tips.

1.  GET ORGANIZED. One of the first things you need to do to prepare your taxes is gather all the necessary information to file your return, such as W2s, receipts, and documentation of any for charitable donations. You should also include any information you have on supplemental income earned in 2011, such as earnings from investments, gifts, or other non-taxed monies.

2.  FILE ON TIME. The deadline to file your 2011 Federal Income Tax Return is April 17, not April 15. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is giving taxpayers a two-day extension this year because April 15 falls on a Sunday, and April 16 is Emancipation Day, a holiday celebrated in the District of Columbia. While you have two extra days to get your return in, you shouldn’t procrastinate in filing your return if you have the necessary paperwork ready. Delaying to file could cause your taxes to be late, and the IRS charges delinquent filers a fine. One exception to the filing rule is if you are serving in a combat zone. If this is the case, you (and your civilian spouse) are eligible for a tax extension for the duration of your time in combat, plus up to 180 days.

3.  CHOOSE A FILING METHOD. There are a variety of filing options available to suit your individual tax needs. Here are a few possible options to consider:

• If you’re single or your salary from serving in the military is your only source of income, your taxes are probably relatively simple and you may want do them yourself using the IRS’s online or paper options, tax software, or a third-party website, such as Turbo Tax.
• If you and your spouse file a joint return, you have a family, or multiple sources of income, then you may want to consider allowing a professional to file for you. The IRS and U.S. Armed Forces offer the Volunteer Income Assistance Program, which provides free tax advice, preparation, return filing, and other tax assistance to military members and their families. So, if your taxes are too complicated, don’t hesitate to ask for help – after all, it’s free!

4.  UNDERSTAND YOUR DEDUCTIONS. Serving our country provides you with certain tax benefits that may not be available to civilian taxpayers. Some of these perks include an extension on collecting a first-time homebuyer credit, a tax break on combat pay, and penalty-free retirement withdrawals. Click here for more information on tax credits for service members and how serving impacts your tax filing.

Nobody really enjoys filing their taxes (except for maybe tax accountants) but if you plan ahead and file early, you won’t be scrambling to figure out your taxes at the last minute, and you will hopefully avoid major tax season stress.

Is there a tax benefit for military members that we missed? Do you have another valuable tax prep tips to share with our readers? We’re all ears!

photo provided by DVIDS

So, you just joined the military or you’ve reenlisted for another tour of duty and now your reenlistment bonus is burning a hole in your pocket. Before you go and spend your cash on a new TV or stereo system, why not consider using the money to invest in your future? Sure, a new gadget or toy may be nice for awhile, but there are uses for your bonus that have much more long-lasting benefits! As one of the nation’s top military lenders, Just Military Loans knows that you want to get the most out of your reenlistment bonus, so here are some ways to get the most out of your extra cash.

1. Pay off debt. One of the best and smartest ways to use your bonus is to pay down (or off!) any high-interest debt, such as a mortgage, car payment, loan, or credit card bill. Paying down or off your debt can save you thousands of dollars in the long run since you don’t have to pay as much in interest or other charges. Paying off a debt also frees up cash flow since you no longer have to make payments on it. If that’s not enough of an incentive, decreasing your debts also improves your credit history and score, which makes you a more attractive borrower and improves your chances of getting loan approval for a future major purchases, such as a house or car.

2. Start an emergency fund. Cars breakdown, people get sick, and accidents happen – that’s why it’s important to have enough money in the bank to cover at least two months of your living expenses, including mortgage/rent payments, utility bills, gas, insurance, groceries, etc. If you don’t already have an emergency fund set up, consider using your reenlistment bonus to start one. Putting the money in the bank will give you piece of mind, and you will never regret having a safety net when something unexpected happens.

3. Invest. If you’re debt-free and you’re  looking for another long-lasting use for your reenlistment bonus, then consider investing the money in stocks, bonds, retirement account, high-yield bond, or CD. By investing your money, you’re giving it a chance to grow, which could mean substantial returns over the long term. Some investments, such as a CD or bond are safer, but have a lower rate of return. Others, such as stocks, are a more volatile, but have a higher return. If you’re interested in investing, consider consulting a financial advisor who can help you choose the right investments based on your individual needs and goals.

4. Save for a new car, house, or vacation. If you’ve always dreamed of owning your own home or traveling to Tahiti, then a reenlistment bonus is a great way to start saving for your long-term dream. And, by putting the money into a high-yield savings account or CD, you can also earn interest on your bonus that you can put towards that new Corvette or house on the lake.

5. Spend the money on your home. Have you been putting off replacing the roof on your house, buying a new hot water heater, or installing better insulation in your attic? Big ticket repairs and replacements often get pushed aside for more pressing financial obligations, so when you receive major influx of cash – such as a reenlistment bonus – it’s a great time to make home improvement. Plus, using your reenlistment bonus to improve your residence will not only makes your home a more inviting and comfortable place, it will also likely increase the value. And, depending on the repair or improvement, it could also save you money on monthly utilities.

You only get one chance to use you reenlistment bonus (unless, of course, you reenlist again!), so make sure you spend it wisely. Don’t let the excess cash in your bank account lure you into an impulse buy — choose an option with long-lasting benefits, and you’ll be reaping the rewards for years!

Did we forget an important way to use the money from a reenlistment bonus? Do you have another great idea? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

People wonder if the sacrifices and struggles of our hometown heroes are portrayed correctly.  And they shudder at the thought of any overly dramatic, stereotyped characters.  Whether they shoot about young brides adjusting to the military lifestyle, family stresses with deployment, or having to deal with debt and not knowing where to go for a military loan (and having to secretly become a surrogate mother to get out of debt – this is an actual story line), we just hope that the programming does justice to those actually in the military.

SCRIPTED DRAMA

photo provided by Official Army Wives

Lifetime’s Army Wives is the first successful series to focus on the military community during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  Many real Army wives love the show because it touches on familiar aspects of their lives. And because of that they can forgive a few incorrect uniform details and misplaced salutes.

Some people love the drama.  They relish on the different lives of these ladies and the way the military life is romanticized.  It shows viewers, both military and civilians, what it’s like to be married to a brave soldier, how real fear and stress is during deployment, and how strong the bonds are those between those waiting at the home front.

But every drama has it’s down pull.  Some stereotypes can be looked as over the top.  These women seem to gossip too much or are lazy since they don’t work.  Of course, it’s just television but we wonder how this influences real life.

Whatever the response is, the show hasn’t failed to bring in a huge audience each week.  And other media companies have noticed.

REALITY TV

photo source: http://www.militarywivescasting.com/

Just as the famed show Desperate Housewives spurred on the likes of “The Real Housewives of …” reality TV is following suit.

Military Wives of San Diego is being produced by the same team that brought us Jersey Shore, and many fear that the same low-brow drama will be featured on this new reality show.  It’s safe to say that the show may lean on the demeaning and trashy, but no one will know for sure until it airs.  Even the U.S. Navy disapproves of the series and discourages Navy wives from participating.

The Army, on the other hand, endorsed an Oprah Winfrey Network show called Army Wives of Alaska.  Its casting call is more dignified than its counterpart, calling for spouses of soldiers of all ranks, emphasizing “strength and community”.  Under OWN, Army Wives of Alaska is likely to be a kinder, more positive portrayal of military life.

REAL LIVES

People may wonder what the military life is really like.  Living on base, dealing with deployment, being flexible with being stationed in different places.  Not to mention the hard transitions or the cases of PTSD.  It’s different than what anyone can expect.  It can be worrisome that this is the view that the world has of the military, but that can be changed.

Are you a fan of Army Wives?  What do you think of these new reality shows? 

photo provided by United States Marines Corps

It’s a new year, which means it’s an opportunity to make a fresh start when it comes to managing your finances. As one of the nation’s top military lenders, we know that saving money is always important to those in the military, but those who are deployed have an even greater need and ability to stash some cash. If you have a family, a deployment is a chance to reevaluate and come up with places to save. If you’re single, you’ve already made the commitment to serve your country, why not make a financial commitment to yourself and start saving for your future? Just Military Loans greatly appreciates those who serve our country, and wants to help put you on the road to financial success.  Here are some tips on saving during your deployment.

1.  GET TO KNOW YOUR FINANCES.  Whether you’re single or married, make sure you understand your monthly budget (bills, mortgage/rent payments, and other expenses) before leaving for duty. Once you understand your finances, you’ll have a better idea on how you can save money. If you’re married, you should also make sure your spouse is authorized as a joint account holder on all your accounts so that they can act on your behalf while you’re away.

2.  THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE. If you have a family member who is deployed, it’s easy to start dining out or shopping more. However, they can add up quickly and put strain on your wallet. Instead, set up a weekly dinner or game night with a friend or family member. You’ll find that quality time spent in good company is priceless.  And it will save you money and give you a chance to catch up.

3.  PUT YOUR BELONGINGS IN STORAGE. If you’re single, paying rent on an empty place when you’re deployed doesn’t make a lot of sense. To save money, put your things in storage. You can either terminate your lease or rent out your space.  Both options will put extra money in your pocket.

4.  TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SERVICE MEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT. The SCRA provides a variety of benefits including deferment on credit card debt or mortgage payments, lower credit card and home interest rates, and increased life insurance protection. The SCRA also protects military families from eviction due to non-payments of rent and allows them to terminate a housing lease if deployed for 90 days or more.

5.  GOT A FAMILY? GET A BUDGET. If your spouse is deployed, you need to spend every penny wisely — whether that means clipping coupons to save on the grocery bill, refinancing your house to get a lower interest rate, or calling your insurance company to see if you can get a lower rate. All of these are excellent ways to cut costs and can become great long-term money-saving habits

6.  TAKE OUT A LOAN.  You can build your credit by taking out a loan from a military lending company.  Many financial institutions offer low or interest-free loans to deployed service members and their families who might need some extra cash during the deployment.

7.  CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY. Many insurance companies give discounted rates to the military and their families. If you’re single and deployed, you can save on your premiums if you place your car on a “vacation insurance policy.”  You may also be able to get a discount on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

Don’t let a deployment prevent you from saving for your future. Put these tips in action now and you’ll not only bank some extra cash while you’re gone, you’ll develop better money-management habits over the long term.

Did we miss an important method for saving money? Or do you have another idea for pinching pennies during deployment? 

photo provided by Mighty Might BicMac

Being a parent is a wondrous thing – until you have a teenager.

Everything is pretty manageable until your children get hormones.  Raising a teen is hard enough, but when you factor in military-specific issues, the results can be extreme.  Dealing with deployment, changing schools, limited family “reunions” can really distort the way a teen sees and reacts to the world.  Teens of military families often experience loneliness, academic struggles, increased stress, and friend issues.

We wanted to put together a few tips to help parents reach out to their teens because although we are military lenders, we are parents too!

The result:  The Ultimate Parent’s Guide for Military Teens.

• TIP 1:  Keep your finger on the pulse of your teen’s experience.  Monitor your teen’s stress level.  This will let you know when to get involved and treat their health, behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Red flags may include: acting out, alcohol or drug use, grades are slipping, nightmares, anger or anxiety.
• TIP 2:  Listen.  Listen to what your teen is actually communicating behind the eye-rolling and moodiness. Writing in and passing a journal between you and your teen gives them a way to safely communicate in their time.
• TIP 3:  Coordinate efforts.  Check out if your local base has resources for teens. If not, connect with school staff to communicate any concerns and family experiences that will help them with your teen.
• TIP 4:  Get moving!  Exercise and fresh air are great tools for stress management for any age group. Encourage your teen to get active either with their friends or with you.  This can go a long way to preserving the sanity of both you and your teen!
• TIP 5:  Peer support.  Look for a support group for teens of military families in the area or try online. If there aren’t any, consider starting one.  Feeling connected in experience with other military teens can diminish feelings of isolation and of being “different” from peers.

There are many issues that can come up in raising military teens.  However, it doesn’t have to be disastrous. Try following these simple tips to a much healthier and happier teen and give you a more peaceful home.

What are some of the difficulties you are seeing in military teens?  What have you found to be helpful in supporting military teens in your family or school?