Category Archives: Career

40 years of danger: military specialty pay + bonus contracts

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Doug Nordman

While you’re pursuing your path to financial independence: are you ever tempted by the military’s specialty pay or bonus programs? One of our family’s (many) military-retention discussions reminded me of a sea story behind our financial independence. I was certainly … Continue reading →

Posted in Career, Financial Independence, Military and Veterans Benefits, Military Life & Family, Military Retirement, Money Management & Personal Finance, Sea Stories | Leave a comment

The Lump-Sum Pension of the Blended Retirement System Is A Payday Loan.

Posted on May 28, 2026 by Doug Nordman

  When you’re saving and investing aggressively for financial independence, it’s possible to reach FI in less than 20 years— even when you don’t earn any sort of military pension or VA disability compensation. However life comes at us fast, … Continue reading →

Posted in Career, Entrepreneurship, Financial Independence, Investing & TSP, Military and Veterans Benefits, Military Life & Family, Military Retirement, Money Management & Personal Finance, Mortgage & Real Estate | Leave a comment

“But Nords, You Have A Pension!”

Posted on January 1, 2026 by Doug Nordman

  I’ve been a member of the Millionaire Money Mentors forum since late 2020. It’s tremendously accelerated the financial independence of its members, including a number of military veterans (and a few servicemembers). I’ve learned a lot from the other … Continue reading →

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

In-service Roth Thrift Savings Plan Conversions

Posted on December 4, 2025 by Doug Nordman

A reader asks: When you’re in the Blended Retirement System, does it make sense to convert the traditional TSP’s agency & matching contributions to the Roth TSP? It looks like an interesting new feature with the 2026 changes to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Career, Financial Independence, Investing & TSP, Military and Veterans Benefits, Military Life & Family, Military Retirement, Money Management & Personal Finance | Leave a comment

Living your financial independence– by making a better workplace?!?

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Doug Nordman

This seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it?  Why would anyone want to celebrate their financial independence by making work better? Of course you could quit paid employment as soon as you reach FI, but you might also decide to keep working as … Continue reading →

Posted in Career, Financial Independence, Money Management & Personal Finance, Sea Stories | Leave a comment