Category Archives: Sea Stories

40 years of danger: military specialty pay + bonus contracts

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Doug Nordman

While you’re pursuing your path to financial independence: are you ever tempted by the military’s specialty pay or bonus programs? One of our family’s (many) military-retention discussions reminded me of a sea story behind our financial independence. I was certainly … Continue reading →

Posted in Career, Financial Independence, Military and Veterans Benefits, Military Life & Family, Military Retirement, Money Management & Personal Finance, Sea Stories | Leave a comment

Your Millionaire Interview

Posted on March 5, 2026 by Doug Nordman

Since you’re reading this post on a blog about military financial independence, here’s a question for you: have you ever thought about drafting your Millionaire Interview on ESIMoney? Simply thinking through a series of interview questions (while telling your story) … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Independence, Military Life & Family, Money Management & Personal Finance, Sea Stories | 1 Comment

Living your financial independence– by making a better workplace?!?

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Doug Nordman

This seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it?  Why would anyone want to celebrate their financial independence by making work better? Of course you could quit paid employment as soon as you reach FI, but you might also decide to keep working as … Continue reading →

Posted in Career, Financial Independence, Money Management & Personal Finance, Sea Stories | Leave a comment

“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 | 1 Comment

Sea Story: Standing Duty During A Volcanic Eruption With A Typhoon

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Doug Nordman

This post doesn’t have a financial independence theme, but it certainly helped me develop attitudes of gratitude and abundance.  I’m also sharing it to help others. June 15th is the anniversary of the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Military Life & Family, Sea Stories, Travel | 4 Comments