Military Community

Financial freedom starts here.

For our military community—whether active or civilian—managing day-to-day finances has unique choices and challenges. We're here to help you plan for the strong, secure financial future you deserve.

Start with the financial basics.

It's kind of like basic training, but without the early morning wakeup call.

Guard your credit.

Managing and monitoring your credit is more important than ever, especially for service members.

• Get details on WARNO: New security clearance guidelines.
• Discover five things you can do to improve your credit score.

Take control of expenses.

The key here: Keep a simple budget and know where your money goes.

• Track your weekly spending. Spending Tracker
• Plan a monthly budget. Monthly Budget Planner

Power down debt.

Credit is a powerful tool. It's convenient and helpful in emergencies. But it can all too easily sabotage your goals.

• Get clear on how credit can help—and hurt.
• Calculate how soon you can pay off existing credit card debt. Credit Card Payoff Calculator
• Calculate the total cost of your credit cards and loans over time. Cost-Of-Debt Calculator

Have a plan.

When it comes to achieving life's big financial goals, those who plan most often succeed.

• Follow these simple steps to organize your financial life.
• Set goals and track your progress toward them in two easy steps.

Save and invest.

Save for a secure financial future—and invest to get there sooner.

• Calculate what you need to save to reach a specific goal. Savings Calculator
• Find out what kind of investor you are. Investor Profile Questionnaire
• Learn investing basics and how to get started.

What's going on in your life?

Whether sending your financial goals two steps forward or one step back, life's major milestones can make you rethink and reprioritize. We're here to help.

Deployment.

Being mobilized adds a whole set of unique financial challenges. Here are some important things to know and do—before and after you deploy.

Before deployment.

Get your finances in order before your deployment begins. Pre-Deployment Checklist

After deployment.

Your money needs reintegration too, so take care of these important things. Post-Deployment Checklist

Be mission ready for whatever life brings.

Marriage: Marrying your finances.

Family:

• Budgeting for a child.
• Estate planning basics.

College:

• VA Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility.
• College Savings Calculator.

Divorce:

• Preparing finances for divorce.
• Managing money after divorce.

Loss: Handling finances after loss.

Buying a house or car.

Take advantage of your benefits: VA guaranteed home loans

• Decide if it makes sense to buy your first home while you're in the military: VA Mortgage

Be prepared:

• Thinking about taking the plunge? Tips for a first-time home buyer.
• What to know before buying a car.

Use smart tools:

• Rent vs. Buy Calculator
• Mortgage Affordability Calculator

Retiring from the military.

As you begin your transition back to civilian life, make sure your retirement will be everything you want it to be—and everything you've worked so hard to achieve.

Use our financial checklist to ease your transition. Military Retirement Checklist

Take advantage of your benefits: A Guide to the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System

Be prepared:

• Retirement Calculator
• How much of your income do you need to replace in retirement?

Keep learning

• What do recent changes to FICO scores mean for me?
• Women and money: Why it's important to take control of your finances.
• Who qualifies for Social Security disability benefits?
• Is health insurance worth the cost?
• How much insurance do you need in retirement?
• Money management tips for couples merging households.