A financial plan evaluates your current financial state, sets goals for your future and makes a concrete plan for financial freedom.

During Military Consumer Month, and whenever you sit down to work on your financial goals, think through how you can maximize what you earn, spend wisely, protect your assets and be a savvy borrower, saver and investor.

You’re learning a lot of new skills in the military, and money management is an important one. As a service member, you may earn more, get special duty pay or have new expenses. Remember: It’s your money, so make the most of it by creating a spending plan. Staying on top of your finances is important for your security clearance, your career and your future.

Learning to balance your budget is a necessary life skill. While it sounds like a chore, once you develop some sound budgeting strategies, you can enjoy the security it provides and build wealth. Plus, keeping sound finances is important for your security clearance.

You can take control of your financial future today. Start small with a few simple changes to save more, spend less, and better manage your day-to-day finances.

As a service member, you’ve earned financial benefits to help protect your future.

As an active-duty service member, you receive many benefits and entitlements like free access to Military OneSource services and support. One of the primary benefits to working in the military is a steady paycheck and tax-free allowances.

The well-being and readiness of our service members is a top priority for the Defense Department. In September 2022, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced an action plan for additional support.

Learn about federal and state programs that help families with special needs.  Military families can also count on the support of the Exceptional Family Member Program and Military OneSource.

When you have a family member with special needs, financial planning is vital. Be prepared to take good care of your family member by tackling the money issues today.

Your monthly Leave and Earnings Statement, or LES, is one of the most important financial documents you have for mastering your money and achieving your financial goals. Here’s how to decipher the code.

It’s never too early to start teaching your kids about money. Encourage them to collect their allowance in a piggy bank whenever they start earning one.

Whether you are house hunting, paying off debt or looking to buy car, financial calculators can help you explore financial decisions…before you spend any money.

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a federal income supplement program designed to help the aged, blind and people with disabilities who have limited income. It provides them with cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter

When you and your family are preparing for a deployment, set savings goals that will make the most of your special payments.

Buying a car is a major purchase. There’s a lot to know – from sticker prices to auto loans to warranties. Avoid getting ripped off or buying more car than you need.

They say money can’t buy happiness, but a financially-healthy future can buy peace of mind. Plus, financial security at home allows service members to be more focused and mission-ready.

Get your questions about the Blended Retirement System answered.

You can get a solid estimate in less than five minutes using free retirement pension calculators for both the High-36 and Final Pay legacy retirement systems offered by the Department of Defense. Here’s how to use them – and what you can do to adjust the outcomes to fund your future retirement lifestyle.

Retirement can feel like a long way away, especially if you’ve only just started your military career. Still, what you save today will grow significantly by the time you’re ready to retire —even if it’s only a little bit each month.

Military members who serve their country as part of the National Guard or a branch’s reserve component may qualify for retirement benefits — including a Blended Retirement System pension and Thrift Savings Plan retirement payments. You can estimate what your potential retirement payments may be with the official BRS military pay calculator.

From budgeting and car buying to building a good credit score or getting a handle on student loans, your service member has access to several free benefits and protections to help them gain firm financial footing.

We’ve got some tips on how you can make the most of your basic pay — from the most important parts of your actual pay stub to picking the right bank account, to even getting a “raise” by increasing your Thrift Savings Plan contributions.

Service members and families have access to resources to save money, manage expenses and protect your finances. Learn about military pay, benefits and more.

Learn whether financial difficulties due to COVID-19 might affect your security status and how to address them.