Category Archives: Money Management & Personal Finance

Did DFAS And The TSP Let You Contribute Too Much?

Posted on July 1, 2021 by Doug Nordman

Check your 2021 TSP contributions now! I’ve heard from three different servicemembers that the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and the Thrift Savings Plan have failed to stop their TSP contributions after reaching the elective deferral limit ($19,500 in 2021). … Continue reading →

Posted in Investing & TSP, Military Retirement | 9 Comments

Financial Caregiving: Are You Ready?

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Doug Nordman

My father passed away three years ago. That realization still sneaks up on me (and maybe smacks me on the back of the head) every time I clean out a file box or organize the family photos. Another way to … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Independence, Money Management & Personal Finance, Reviews | 2 Comments

From The Mail Buoy: “The Truth Behind Budgeting– It’s Not The Budget”

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Doug Nordman

A reader writes: “My spouse and I need a budget. What should we do? What type of budgeting do you recommend? I know it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ world, but how much is too much saving? It feels … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Independence, Military Life & Family, Money Management & Personal Finance | 2 Comments

“I’m 59.5 Years Old And Done Writing About *My* Money”

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Doug Nordman

We’re aging out. As many of you know from your research, 59.5 is the minimum age for starting optional withdrawals from an IRA. Nearly everyone worries about how they’ll tap their IRA for living expenses when they reach financial independence … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Independence, Investing & TSP, Military Retirement | 18 Comments

From The Mail Buoy: Hawaii Investment Rental Properties

Posted on April 30, 2020 by Doug Nordman

  A reader writes: Hello Doug. I really enjoyed your interviews and what you have to say about how you got to where you are now. I am looking into financial independence as well. I had a late start, so … Continue reading →

Posted in Money Management & Personal Finance, Mortgage & Real Estate | 2 Comments