Category Archives: Military Retirement

20 Years Of Financial Independence & Military Retirement 


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?


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!”


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

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


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: Staying For 20 And Hacking The High Cost Of Living in Hawaii


A reader writes: “Nords, I’m an avid reader of your website and love your Reddit replies. I’m active duty with 14 years of service.  I’m saving a considerable amount of my paycheck and investing in dividend growth stocks with a … Continue reading

Posted in Financial Independence, Military Retirement, Money Management & Personal Finance, Travel | 4 Comments