Author Archives: Doug Nordman

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About Doug Nordman

Author of "The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Retirement" and co-author of "Raising Your Money-Savvy Family For Next Generation Financial Independence."

Military Retirement Lessons Learned


A friend’s spouse retired from the military a little over a year ago, and I asked them to review “The Military Guide”. This relatively new retiree has a shadowbox full of awards and medals. They didn’t make E-9 (or O-9) … Continue reading

Posted in Military Retirement | 21 Comments

Joining the Military During a Drawdown


A reader writes: Nords, can you talk to me about my son joining the military? Here are some things we are wondering about. Times are changing and the way it’s run doesn’t give the kids the options like they used … Continue reading

Posted in Career | 22 Comments

I Tried 23andMe Genetic Testing & Here’s My Review


Very long post today (3000 words) but you have the time to read it– and it’s worth reading. Especially if you’re interested in genetic testing. Here’s my 23andMe Genetic Testing Reviews. A genetics researcher and director of the National Institutes … Continue reading

Posted in Military Life & Family, Reviews | 17 Comments

Should You Start A Civil Service Bridge Career After The Military?


A reader writes: I’ve left active duty, but I feel compelled to get a federal civil service job so that I can apply my active duty time toward a federal pension. Would it be a wiser financial move to get … Continue reading

Posted in Career | 4 Comments

When do you stop contributing to tax-deferred accounts?


A reader writes: How do you know when you have enough assets in retirement accounts so that you can stop contributing and put your money in taxable accounts? We could probably stop now but it’s a hard habit to break. … Continue reading

Posted in Investing & TSP | Leave a comment