Category Archives: Money Management & Personal Finance

The World’s Best Asset Allocation


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


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)


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


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

What The VA Really Does With Your Disability Claim


This is the final part of a three-post series on why you want to file a VA disability claim (even if you think you’re not disabled) and what goes on behind the scenes. The first post explained why you want to … Continue reading

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