Category Archives: Military Retirement

“Why Do I Have To Pay Back VSI or SSB?!?”

Posted on January 25, 2024 by Doug Nordman

Just when you think you’ve written about everything in military personal finance, someone asks a new question about an old topic. If you’re still in uniform, here’s a cautionary tale. If you’re a veteran of a certain age, let’s take … Continue reading →

Posted in Career, Military and Veterans Benefits, Military Retirement, Sea Stories | Leave a comment

21.5 Years Of Financial Independence and Early Retirement

Posted on January 11, 2024 by Doug Nordman

  As we slide into 2024, after more than two decades of financial independence, I feel as if my spouse and I are reaching an inflection point. We’ll highlight the changes. It’s all good.   Slow Travel 2023:  Flying Space … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Independence, Travel, What Do You DO All Day?!? | 4 Comments

20 Years Of Financial Independence & Military Retirement 

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Doug Nordman

After 20 years of military retirement, life is better than ever! We’ve made the shift from accumulating assets (and our former insecure attitude of scarcity) to philanthropy and gifting (from a mindset of abundance). Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Independence, Military Life & Family, Military Retirement, Money Management & Personal Finance, What Do You DO All Day?!? | Leave a comment

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

“I Would Have Started My Reserve Pension By Now!”

Posted on September 24, 2020 by Doug Nordman

I get that pension comment every month from readers who are in their 60s… or even older. Most of them are doing fine, both financially and in life. They usually served some active duty before the Reserves or National Guard, … Continue reading →

Posted in Career, Military Retirement | 19 Comments