The Military Money Manual Podcast Guard & Reserve: Financial Flexibility and Career Stability with Sam Lewis #191
Think your military career ends with active duty? Think again. Sam Lewis reveals how Guard and Reserve service can unlock financial freedom, career flexibility, and long-term stability...without sacrificing family life or future goals
Guest: Sam Lewis, CFP®, ChFC®, MQFP Founder of SJL Financial | Delaware Air National Guard | Member of Military Financial Advisors Association
Key Topics Covered:
- Transitioning from active duty to Guard/Reserve service
- Flexibility in career paths, retraining, and deployment options
- AGR (Active Guard Reserve) positions and lifestyle benefits
- Retirement points system and pension planning
- VA disability eligibility and pay coordination
- Healthcare options: TRICARE Reserve Select vs. civilian plans
- GI Bill usage, transfer strategies, and state-level tuition assistance
- Dual-income household stability and homeownership advantages
- Civilian employer benefits during military service (e.g., double-dipping, 401k match)
- State-level Guard benefits: education, emergency relief, childcare subsidies
- Managing TSP and 401k contributions across military and civilian careers
- Importance of understanding retention vs. accession standards for reentry
- Strategic use of military leave and maximizing compensation
Resources Mentioned:
- Sam Lewis’s website: https://wecanplanforthat.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samlewisfinancial
- Military Financial Advisors Association (MFAA): https://militaryfinancialadvisors.org
- Friendly Forces employer benefits directory: https://friendlyforces.org
- Childcare Aware through NACRA: https://www.childcareaware.org
Remember: Your military career doesn’t have to end (or begin) with active duty. Guard and Reserve service offers flexibility, financial stability, and continued access to valuable benefits, often with fewer disruptions to family life and career goals.
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