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- VA Disability
CRSC vs. CRDP: Which One Pays a Military Retiree More
How Combat-Related Special Compensation and Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay work, who qualifies for each, why you can't get both, and how the January open season works.
- VA Disability
Separation Pay and VA Disability: How Recoupment Works
If you got involuntary separation pay or disability severance pay, VA may withhold your disability compensation until it's paid back. Here's the rule, the tax detail, and the combat exception.
- VA Disability
100% Disabled Veteran Benefits: What a 100% or P&T Rating Unlocks
What a 100% VA disability rating pays in 2026, the difference between 100% and permanent and total (P&T), and the federal benefits that open up for you and your family: CHAMPVA, DEA, dental, and the VA loan funding fee exemption.
- Transition
SGLI to VGLI: Keeping Your Life Insurance After You Leave the Military
Your SGLI coverage ends after you separate. Here's how VGLI works, the 240-day no-health-questions window, how premiums are priced, and how to compare it with private term coverage.
- TSP & Retirement
TSP After You Leave the Military: Keep It, Roll It, or Withdraw
What happens to your Thrift Savings Plan when you separate or retire: the $200 rule, paying off TSP loans within 90 days, withdrawal options, rollovers, and combining with a civilian TSP account.
- VA Loans
VA IRRRL: How the VA Streamline Refinance Works
Who qualifies for a VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan, why veterans use it, the funding fee and exemption, how to check break-even on closing costs, and how to spot misleading refinance offers.
- VA Loans
Using Your VA Loan Again: Entitlement Restoration Explained
Your VA home loan benefit is reusable. Here's when VA will restore entitlement you've used, the one-time restoration rule, what proof to have ready, and how to request a new COE.
- Best Of
Best Free Tax Filing Options for Military Members: MilTax and VITA
Free ways for service members, spouses, and recent veterans to file taxes: MilTax from Military OneSource, who's eligible, what it covers, and in-person help through VITA.
- Transition
Leaving the Military Financial Checklist: 12-Month Timeline (2026)
A 12-month financial checklist for leaving the military: build a cushion, choose terminal leave or selling back leave, understand separation pay, final pay, SGLI to VGLI, TSP after separation, and VA disability.
- VA Loans
VA Loan Guide 2026: Funding Fee, Exemptions & Entitlement
How the VA home loan works for service members and veterans: who qualifies, how to get your Certificate of Eligibility, current VA funding fee rates and exemptions, and how entitlement works.
- TSP & Retirement
TSP for Military Members: BRS Match, Roth vs Traditional (2026)
TSP basics for military members, including Coast Guard: how the BRS automatic 1% and matching work, vesting, 2026 contribution limits, Roth vs traditional, combat-zone contributions, and a first-30-days checklist.
- Transition
Military to Civilian Salary: What You Need to Replace BAH & Pay
How to figure your military to civilian salary equivalent: what disappears when you get out (BAH, BAS, tax-free allowances, TRICARE), what's new, and how to build a budget after leaving the military.
- Best Of
Best Budgeting Apps for Military Families (Compared, 2026)
Budgeting apps for military families, compared: YNAB, Monarch, EveryDollar, Goodbudget, and Navy Federal and USAA tools. Prices, who each fits, and the honest downside, with a pick for your situation.