Category Archives: Military Life & Family

How I Cost My Dad Over $2000 in Medicare Benefits

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Doug Nordman

[Update:  my father passed away due to Alzheimer’s in November 2017.] It’s been a few months since I posted about Dad. He’s still happy and healthy in the care facility, and he’s a little deeper into mid-stage Alzheimer’s. (In his … Continue reading →

Posted in Military Life & Family | 4 Comments

Protecting Your Military Benefits In A Divorce

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Doug Nordman

[Note: some of the details have been edited to hide the reader’s identity.] A reader writes: “In my divorce decree I was awarded part of my husband’s Reserve “disposable military retirement pay”. My portion is 50% of the time for … Continue reading →

Posted in Military Life & Family, Money Management & Personal Finance | 16 Comments

Divorce And A Military Reserve Pension

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Doug Nordman

A reader writes: My husband was commissioned after ROTC in August 1966, placed on an educational deferment, and did not start active duty until February 1968. How many retirement points did he earn over that period and where is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Military Life & Family, Military Retirement | 9 Comments

“I’m setting a good example by working at a job”

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Doug Nordman

I read an interesting forum thread about the conflicts between living life on your terms or meeting society’s expectations. When you reach financial independence and can choose whether or not to work for a paycheck, there may still be other … Continue reading →

Posted in Career, Financial Independence, Military Life & Family, What Do You DO All Day?!? | 6 Comments

Military Retirement and Divorce – How Does a Divorce Impact Military Retirement Pay?

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Doug Nordman

A reader writes: “If my ex husband was active duty for 10 years and 20 years Reserve and he has 5300 retirement points at the rank of O-6, how much will he receive? I will receive 50%.” After exchanging more … Continue reading →

Posted in Military Life & Family, Military Retirement, Money Management & Personal Finance | 16 Comments