Budget Bootcamp
Have a Financial Game Plan
Set clear money goals and review your finances each year. A plan keeps you focused, motivated, and on track toward financial freedom. Resource: Financial Health Assessment
Spend Less than You Earn
Plan for each paycheck, track your spending, and stick to a budget that works for you. Small, consistent choices today build long-term stability and reduce stress. Resource: Budget Builder
Emergency Recon
Save for Emergencies
Life throws curveballs, from car repairs to natural disasters. Start with $1,000 in emergency savings, then work toward 3 - 6 months of living expenses. Resource: Build an Emergency Fund
Save and Invest for Your Future
While it’s important to get your finances in order NOW, you should also prepare for your future. Take advantage of retirement matching contributions under the Blended Retirement System. Resource: Saving for Retirement
Debt Destroyer
Use Debt Responsibly
Borrow only what you can repay. Check your credit report each year at annualcreditreport.com, and always have a payoff plan. Resource: Debt Destroyer®
Stand Watch
Protect Your Life, Loved Ones, and Possessions
Safeguard what matters most with adequate insurance – life, health, auto, renters/homeowners – so one setback doesn’t undo your hard work. Resource: Insurance & Protection
Prepare Your Legal Documents
Keep your will, power of attorney, family care plan, and beneficiary designations current. These protect your wishes and guide your loved ones if the unexpected happens. Resource: Estate Planning
Military Benefits and Resources
PCS & Travel
Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) – Covers entitlements for PCS moves, household goods shipment, Government Travel Charge Card use, pet-related travel reimbursements, and overseas health screenings.
Retirement & Continuation Pay
Blended Retirement System (BRS) – Combines a lifetime pension, government Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching contributions (up to 5%), and continuation pay (a mid-career bonus) to give service members both guaranteed retirement income and portable savings.
Taxes
IRS Tax Withholding Estimator – Helps calculate tax withholdings to optimize take-home pay.
Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) – Allows spouses to keep their state of legal residence, potentially reducing state tax burden.
Legal & Protection
Base Legal Office Locator – Free help with wills, POA, guardianship, family care plans, and other legal documents.
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI/FSGLI) – Up to $500,000 for service members, $100,000 for spouses, $10,000 per child.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) – Provides legal and financial protections such as capped interest rates (6%), lease termination rights, and protection from foreclosure.
Military Lending Act (MLA) - Provides certain protections in lending for active duty service members and their dependents.
Education & Career
Tuition Assistance (TA) – Up to $4,500/year for college without using GI Bill.
Post-9/11 GI Bill® – Covers tuition, housing allowance, and book stipends; can be transferred to eligible dependents.
Spouse Education & Career Opportunities (SECO) – Career counseling, resume help, and spouse employment/education support.
MyCAA Scholarship – Up to $4,000 for eligible spouses pursuing licenses, certifications, or associate degrees.
Fleet & Family Support Centers (FFSC)/ Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) – On base support for education, career, and family services.
Military One Source – Support and information services for military benefits and military life choices.
NMCRS Education Assistance Program
Family & Dependents
Family Care Plan – Ensures dependent care coverage during deployments/absences.
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) – Up to $5,000 pre-tax for child/adult dependent care expenses.
DEERS Enrollment / TRICARE Access – Required to access TRICARE and other military benefits.
