Achieving financial security might be easier than you think. Military OneSource and the Office of Financial Readiness have teamed up to bring you a wealth of resources and information to assist you with managing your finances. Learn some personal finance basics like how to pay down debt, manage a checking account, choose good investments and create a family budget. Read up on different military pay and compensation benefits, consumer rights and military savings programs. Discover how to create a financial plan for every phase of your life. Find in-depth resources on these topics as well as investing, credit management and much more at the FINRED website. Military OneSource and FINRED offer free services and resources so you can prepare for a secure future.

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How to Create a Financial Plan for Every Phase of Life

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

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Earn, Spend, Protect, Borrow, Save and Invest

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.

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Managing Your Money as a New Service Member

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.

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Budgeting Tips to Successfully Balance Your Budget

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.

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Living on Your Military Paycheck

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.

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The Military’s A+ Financial Benefits to Protect Your Future

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

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Military Pay 101: Basic Pay, Allowances and S&I Pay

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.

Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families

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.

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Benefits for Families with Special Needs

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.

 

 

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Financial Planning and Assistance for Families with Special Needs

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.

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Your Leave and Earnings Statement

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.

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Money Management Strategies for Military Children

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.

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Use These 10 Calculators to Answer Your Biggest Home Financing Questions

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.

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Supplemental Security Income

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

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Preparing for Deployment by Setting Savings Goals

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

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Tips for Buying a Car as a Service Member

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.

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Are You Financially Fit? How to Make Financial Wellness Happen

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Blended Retirement System

Get your questions about the Blended Retirement System answered.

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How Active-Duty Service Members Can Use the High-3 and Final Pay Military Retirement Calculators

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.

BRS calculator
How Active Duty Service Members Can Use the Official BRS Retirement Calculator

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.

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How Members of the National Guard and Reserves Can Use the Official BRS Retirement Calculator

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.

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Free Resources for Service Members to Gain Financial Security

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.

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Military Pay 101: How to Open a Bank Account and an Introduction to TSP

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.

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On Your Side: Military Financial Support

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

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Security Clearances and COVID-19 — Adjustments, Cautions and Advice

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