There are a variety of veteran burial benefits provided by VA and non-VA sources. Claiming VA death benefits (including burial benefits) is never an easy thing to do, but early planning is the key to making sure a loved one’s final wishes are honored just as much as military service. Many veterans want to be…
The VA home loan benefit is one that most consumers would be thrilled to have; a mortgage loan with no down payment, no VA-required mortgage insurance, and the lower interest rates commonly associated with government-backed home loan programs. The VA loan program has weathered many difficult times including the housing crisis of 2008, for much of the…
Military pay can be hard to understand-at first. There are several types of compensation that may affect a military member’s total pay; some of them are considered “special pay” for duty or qualifications that warrant additional pay in the eyes of the Department of Defense, while other pay may be added for all servicemembers on…
2020 veterans and military discount list of hundreds of companies that offer military discounts to service members, retired military, veterans, spouses and their families. Advance Auto Parts 10% off regularly priced items for in-store purchases to customers who serve or have served our country’s Armed Services with ID. Anthem Wheels 15% discount on any set…
Veterans returning to the workforce after military service face a variety of challenges. Translating military experience to a civilian resume is one of the most obvious of these, but even this is too easily taken for granted in terms of how easy it may or may not be to do so and what current trends…
Military spouses determining their military benefits after divorce face a complex process of understanding both civil code and military regulations. It is best for spouses to familiarize themselves with these matters before getting divorced, if possible, and to seek legal counsel for assistance. Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) A former spouse can be designated as a…
What are the best military benefits? The answer to that question likely depends on your focus. Those who are interested in education will have a higher priority in that area, but those who are more interested travel, living overseas, or buying a new home have different needs. In general, there are benefits that can help…
In case you haven’t heard, the Department of Veterans Affairs is offering veterans a free ID card which can be used to prove your veteran status when needed at businesses and other locations. The free ID card, which originally rolled-out in late November, was ordered by Congress in 2015 as a way to give veterans proof of service…
When one military member marries another, the couple becomes a “dual military” couple, also known as mil-to-mil marriages. Different branches of service may use other terms. Dual military couples are common, and the number of same-service couples may be larger than those who marry someone from a different branch of service. Army spouses, Air Force…
Preparing for military family deployment can seem like an uphill battle. For one, your Family Readiness team (be it an officer, group or other) has probably handed you a to-do list that is several pages long. Add in the fact that there’s the inevitable family you’re going to have to find time to see , preparations made…
