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."

Updated VA disability claim and medical tests

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Doug Nordman

In early 2023, as the pandemic restrictions eased (and as healthcare workers tried to recover from burnout), I decided to catch up on three years of deferred maintenance: my medical bodywork. Financial independence is great, and Tricare (plus military veterans’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Military and Veterans Benefits, Money Management & Personal Finance | Leave a comment

The World’s Best Asset Allocation

Posted on September 26, 2024 by Doug Nordman

Military families ask a frequent question about financial independence: “Hey Nords, what stocks should we buy?” It’s a trick question. Before people start picking investments, the first step is deciding on an asset allocation. Yet the responses quickly devolve into … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Independence, Investing & TSP, Military Retirement, Money Management & Personal Finance | Leave a comment

Military families: hearing aids

Posted on September 19, 2024 by Doug Nordman

This is a financial independence Public Service Announcement for: “Abilities you never knew you lost until you regained them.”   If you’re a military veteran, and if people (other than you) think that you’re losing your hearing, the VA could … Continue reading →

Posted in Military and Veterans Benefits, Military Life & Family, Money Management & Personal Finance | Leave a comment

Reasons To Keep Your TSP Account (or NOT)

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Doug Nordman

A long-time reader (and good friend!) writes about their financial independence: “Is there ever an issue to keep money in the federal Thrift Savings Plan instead of moving it to a brokerage firm? I still have my military and civilian … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Independence, Investing & TSP, Military Retirement, Money Management & Personal Finance | Leave a comment

What Happens After Your VA Disability Claim Has Been Approved

Posted on August 8, 2024 by Doug Nordman

The Veterans Administration approved my “fully developed” disability claim– in less than three months of processing. This post stands by itself, but I’m going to skip the beginning of the story. If you want to read the earlier posts in … Continue reading →

Posted in Career, Military and Veterans Benefits, Military Retirement, Money Management & Personal Finance | Leave a comment