Financial Tips for Military Families
We host a #CreditChat on Twitter and YouTube every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.
This week, we had an opportunity to tweet with MilitaryMoney, Better Business Bureau, Military Line, Military Saves, Veterans United, Jeff Rose – Soldier of Finance, and Joseph Montanaro – USAA
During this tweetchat, we also had a Google+ hangout to discuss this topic and highlight favorite tweets. The video panel included: Karen Carlson, Director of Education and Creative Programs – Military Money, InCharge, Joseph Montanaro (USAA), Carla Blair, Director of Credit Education – Veterans United, Maxine Sweet, Vice President of Public Education, Rod Griffin, Experian’s Director of Public Education, Shannon McNay (ReadyForZero), and Mike Delgado (Experian).
Questions we discussed:
Q1: What financial challenges do military families struggle with?
Q2: Some military families relocate regularly. Any tips to save on moving?
Q3: What are ways to track money and pay bills when deployed overseas?
Q4: What sorts of discounts and financial benefits can military families get?
Q5: What should military families know about VA loans?
Q6: What educational benefits are available to vets and those in military?
Q7: Where can military families go to get financial help?
Q8: What are ways for civilians to help support military families and vets in need?
Q9: Any final financial tips you have for military families?
Highlights:
Resources Shared:
- Soldier of Finance – Jeff Rose
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
- Air Force Aid Society
- DOD Savings Deposit Program
- Veterans Benefits Administration
- Thrift Savings Plan
- USAA Educational Foundation
- Veterans United Home Loans
- Hiring Our Heroes
- National Military Family Association
Tweetable Tips:
Find a battle buddy that you trust that can monitor bills and your credit while deployed. [Retweet]
Before leaving for deployment, attempt to eliminate as much expenses as possible. [Retweet]
Military Financial Challenge: Staying on top of day to day finances while on mission. [Retweet]
For married couples, make sure both spouses have access and knowledge of accounts and bills. [Retweet]
Stress inhibits planning and stimulates emotional spending, which can be dangerous. [Retweet]
If debt is your issue, call a non-profit credit counseling agency. Credit counseling and budgeting is free. [Retweet]
The sky is the limit when it comes to military discounts. Always, always ask before you buy. [Retweet].
