The Military Money Manual Podcast

Carol and Ken didn’t just imagine a life beyond the military- they designed one. In just four years, they transformed from brand-new ensigns with zero TSP contributions into self-made millionaires.  In this episode, we'll unpack the financial strategy, discipline, and teamwork that helped them achieve Lean FIRE (financial independence, retire early) before 30—all while navigating dual military careers and deployments. They get real about: Starting from scratch: Misconceptions about TSP, military pay issues, and their humble financial beginnings Mindset over mechanics: Why a simple strategy, applied consistently, beats fancy budgeting tools Sacrifice and simplicity: Living close to base, biking to work, and even having a 60% savings rate Lean FIRE: How they hit $800k in just four years and what came next Building a values-based lifestyle: From toddler chaos to travel goals and making intentional choices Tools & tactics: How they used Excel, anti-budgets, and communication to streamline finances Carol's book: Raising Your Money-Savvy Family for Next Generation Financial Independence co-authored with her dad, Doug Nordman 🔗 Links Mentioned Raising Your Money-Savvy Family for Next Generation Financial Independence by Carol Pittner & Doug Nordman (ask for it at your local library) For a limited time, Spencer and Jamie are offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email podcast@militarymoneymanual.com. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

Spencer and Jamie break down all the major updates to the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card and why military families should still consider it their top travel rewards card despite the annual fee increase to $795. What You'll Learn: Military Benefits That Make This Card a No-Brainer: How the Military Lending Act (MLA) waives the $795 annual fee for active duty, Guard, Reserve (on 30+ day orders), and military spouses Why the $300 flexible travel credit alone makes this card worth it How to potentially get multiple Chase Sapphire Reserve cards with fees waived on all of them Major Card Updates: Enhanced earning rates: 4X points on flights and hotels booked directly (up from 3X) New $300 dining credit for Chase Sapphire Reserve exclusive tables Changes to the Chase Travel Portal: goodbye 1.5¢ per point, hello selective 2¢ "Points Boost" New credits: $300 StubHub, $120 DoorDash annual credit, Apple TV+ and Apple Music through 2027 Rule Changes That Open New Opportunities: Relaxed 5/24 rule - you might be eligible even if you've opened 5+ cards in 24 months Modified lifetime bonus restrictions with new application screening Ability to hold both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve simultaneously Essential Military Travel Benefits: Primary rental car insurance (rare among credit cards) No foreign transaction fees for overseas assignments Priority Pass lounge access plus exclusive Chase Sapphire lounges $120 Global Entry credit every 4 years Resources Mentioned: Episode 161: Complete military credit card benefits guide MLA Database: Check eligibility at MilitaryMoneyManual.com Learn how to Apply for Chase Sapphire Reserve: MilitaryMoneyManual.com Credit tracking apps: Max Rewards and Card Pointers Multiple CSR guide: multiple Chase Sapphire Reserves military Whether you're stationed overseas, PCSing frequently, or just want to maximize your travel rewards without paying annual fees, this episode explains why the Chase Sapphire Reserve remains the top recommendation for military families in 2025.

Bonus episode! Target is offering 10% off twice for verified military families! Here's a quick episode were Jamie shares everything you need to know to save big during this limited-time promotion. Whether you're prepping for a move or restocking your household essentials, this discount is an easy win. 🗓️ Promo Details: What: 10% discount at Target—available twice When: June 22 through July 4 (verify in your app—some say July 5) Who: Military members, veterans, and eligible family members Where: Online, in-store, or in-app purchases 📱 How to Get Verified: Create a Target Circle account (free—no credit card required) Go to “My Target” tab → tap settings icon → select Military Verification Upload required documents if needed (e.g., LES, DD-214) Verification may be instant or take up to 24 hours 💡 Tips for Maximizing the Discount: Use it on big-ticket items you need anyway- don't spend extra to save 10% Plan around PCS season and back-to-school shopping Combine with: Target Circle offers Target RedCard (debit card version recommended) 5% discount Price match (except in Alaska & Hawaii) Watch for Veterans Day promos in late October–mid-November 🔗 Mentioned Resources & Links: Target Military Discount Info Target Circle Military Status Verification Portal The Department of Defense or any other DOD Component does not approve, endorse, or authorize this company, its products or services. For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email podcast@militarymoneymanual.com. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

What do you get when you combine a passion for service, a pivot to medicine, and a mastery of money? In this episode, Army doctor Pritish Sahoo breaks down how he leveraged military programs to fund $700K in education—and built a real estate empire along the way. Topics Covered: Pivot from engineering to medicine Navigating the HPSP (Health Professions Scholarship Program) and USUHS paths Real numbers: military pays, stipends, bonuses, and educational benefits available to military doctors Financial edge of military medicine vs. civilian practice Real estate investing as a service member: lessons, wins, and close calls Using the GI Bill and TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) strategically Building a $5M financial independence goal Advice for young officers and enlisted members starting their wealth journey How mentors and books shaped his approach to money and meaning 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned: Uniformed Services University (USUHS) HPSP Overview – Military Medicine Scholarships Pritish’s YouTube Channel: Pritish Sahoo Email Pritish: pritishsahoo50 (at) gmail . com For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email podcast@militarymoneymanual.com. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

Did you know even a 0% rating can unlock important benefits for you and your family? Why do so many veterans delay or avoid filing for VA disability compensation? It’s not about the money—it’s often about identity, pride, and a labyrinth of red tape. Doug Nordman joins Spencer to break the silence and stigma surrounding VA disability claims, while sharing personal stories, tough truths, and practical advice every veteran—and their family—needs to hear. 🎯 Episode Highlights 1. The Hidden Costs of “I’m Good” How military culture conditions veterans to downplay symptoms The long-term impact of this mindset on health and family 2. Navigating the VA Disability Labyrinth What to expect from the C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam Why VSOs (Veteran Service Officers) are your best allies The importance of documenting everything—early and often 3. Doug’s Personal Story Why he waited over a decade after retirement to file Lessons learned from his own claim process and a friend’s 100% disability case 4. Caring for Aging Veterans The power of a DD-214 and why every family should locate it Benefits many don’t know exist until it's too late The “miscellaneous folder” tragedy every child of a veteran should avoid 5. The Financial Independence Veteran’s Dilemma What if you don’t need the money? Why filing still matters VA benefits as a tool for long-term care planning and protecting your family 6. Zero Percent Can Still Mean Everything How even non-compensable ratings unlock valuable benefits Real-life stories of minor conditions leading to major support later Links Mentioned in This Episode Doug blog: Military Financial Independence DD-214 resource: National Archives eVetRecs Request Learn about the PACT Act The Military Guide Page on Facebook Forums & communities: Mr. Money Mustache Bogleheads ESI Money Millionaire Interviews For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email podcast@militarymoneymanual.com. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

Your net worth isn't the full picture of your wealth. Financial independence is great, but if your health, relationships, and purpose suffer, are you really wealthy? In this episode, Jamie and Spencer break down The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom and how to create a life that’s truly rich—beyond just the numbers in your bank account. Overview: Financial wealth is only one piece of the puzzle. Sahil Bloom’s book introduces the concept that true wealth comes in five forms: time, social, mental, physical, and financial wealth. Jamie and Spencer reflect on their own experiences in the military and beyond, exploring how service members often have hidden riches in some areas—like social and mental wealth—but struggle in others, like financial or physical health. Wealth isn’t just about money. The most financially successful people often struggle in health, relationships, and purpose. The goal isn’t to maximize one area but to balance all five types of wealth so you can build a truly rich life—one that’s deeply fulfilling, not just financially secure. Key Points: The Five Types of Wealth Defined: A breakdown of time, social, mental, physical, and financial wealth—why all five matter. Military Service & Wealth: How military members often have strong mental and social wealth but struggle in financial and physical areas. Time Wealth & How to Own Your Schedule: The importance of time freedom—are your days designed to build the life you want? Social Wealth & Deepening Relationships: How to build lasting friendships, especially after leaving the military. Mental Wealth & Purpose: How defining a personal mission statement can shape a more fulfilling life. Physical Wealth & Health: The long-term impact of fitness, nutrition, and recovery on overall life satisfaction. Financial Wealth & The Enough Life: The danger of chasing an ever-moving financial goal and defining your version of financial sufficiency. Mentioned Resources & Links: Sahil Bloom’s book The Five Types of Wealth The quiz on Sahil Bloom’s website (for assessing your wealth across all five categories) The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Episode 46 about Psychology of Money Personal Finance Club – Jeremy Schneider’s simple investing strategies For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email podcast@militarymoneymanual.com. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

Too restrictive or a key part of a military families financial planning? Today's episode is a no-holds-barred discussion about the pros, cons, and real-life strategies behind 529 plans. Episode Summary: In this episode, Spencer and Jamie dive deep into the world of 529 college savings plans—a tax-advantaged tool designed to save for qualified education expenses. They explore the basics of how 529 plans work (after-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and penalty-free withdrawals on qualified education expenses) and highlight recent changes that expand their flexibility beyond just college tuition. The conversation unfolds as Spencer raises his skeptical questions, while Jamie defends the plan’s benefits by sharing personal experiences and strategies. From multi-generational planning to overcoming the challenge of overfunding, the discussion covers everything you need to know to determine if a 529 plan fits into your family’s financial strategy. Key Discussion Points & Takeaways: Understanding 529 Fundamentals: Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but the account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses (college, K–12 tuition, apprenticeship programs, computer equipment, and internet access) remain tax-free. Jamie explains the flexibility and evolving nature of 529 plans, including options to roll over funds to a Roth IRA (subject to annual limits and other restrictions) if the money isn’t immediately needed for education. Flexibility vs. Restriction: Spencer shares his concerns about the plan’s restrictions and whether the benefits favor high-income families more than those who might truly need the tax advantages. Jamie counters by emphasizing that the primary goal is to ensure your child’s educational expenses are covered, while also noting that any “overfunding” isn’t a total loss—it comes with backup options like beneficiary changes and penalty adjustments if funds are withdrawn for non-qualified purposes. Practical Money Management: Real-life insights on how to balance your overall financial strategy: build a solid retirement plan, clear debt, and then contribute to a 529 plan once you’ve established your own financial security. Jamie outlines his personal approach, including how much he’s contributed over the years and his strategy for managing contributions as his children get closer to college age. Discussion of exit strategies: potential rollovers, transferring balances between beneficiaries, and even using scholarship funds to unlock part of the 529 savings without penalties. Generational and Strategic Considerations: Beyond college savings, the episode explores whether 529 plans can serve as a mechanism for a multi-generational legacy—providing educational support for nieces, nephews, or future grandchildren. The balance between maximizing tax-free growth and maintaining account flexibility is a recurring theme, with both hosts stressing the importance of aligning a 529 plan with your broader financial plan. Actionable Insights for Listeners: Evaluate Your Priorities: Before you start pouring funds into a 529 plan, ensure you’ve taken care of high-priority items like debt repayment and retirement savings. Start Early: Open an account when your child is young. Even small, regular contributions can accumulate significantly over time. Customize According to Your Needs: Understand that the “perfect” plan isn’t one-size-fits-all. Consider factors like potential state tax deductions, investment options (like Vanguard 529’s low-cost index fund style), and your own financial situation. Plan for Flexibility: Keep in mind exit strategies (such as rollovers to Roth IRAs and changing beneficiaries) so that if your situation changes, you’re not locked into funds you can’t use as intended. If this episode sparked some thoughts about your child’s educational future or your family’s financial planning, drop us a message on Instagram or visit our website at MilitaryMoneyManual.com.  Links mentioned: Kate Horrell's College Savings resources Episode 124 w/ Kate Horrell Episode 165 w/ Daniel Kopp FINRED flyer on 529s For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email podcast@militarymoneymanual.com. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

Did you know there’s a way to get tax-free income, tax-free growth, AND tax-free withdrawals—all legally? If you’re in the military, you have access to one of the most powerful wealth-building tools that civilians can only dream of. Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE) is the golden ticket, and in this episode, we break down exactly how you can leverage it to maximize your savings and accelerate your journey to financial freedom. Episode Summary: Military members deployed to a Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE) location receive tax-free pay, but did you know this can also supercharge your retirement savings?  No federal income tax on military pay earned in a combat zone. Contributions to Roth IRA or Roth TSP using tax-exempt combat pay grow tax-free. Withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free, giving you a massive financial advantage. We also discuss the Savings Deposit Program (SDP), tips for avoiding common financial mistakes, and strategies to maximize your tax-free earnings while deployed. Key Takeaways: Maximize Your Benefits: Understand the triple tax benefits and how to supercharge your Roth TSP and Roth IRA. Combat Zone Pay Benefits: Know which locations qualify and how even touching a combat zone for one day can get you CZTE benefits. Emergency Fund First: Use the extra tax-free income to build financial security before investing. Savings Deposit Program (SDP): Earn a guaranteed 10% return with this little-known military savings program. Tax Planning Strategies: Advanced moves like Roth conversions, tax-gain harvesting, and earned income tax credit eligibility. Watch Out for Common Mistakes: Avoid lifestyle inflation and missed opportunities to grow tax-free wealth. Links mentioned today: IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces Tax Guide IRS.gov CZTE locations (as of this publishing) DFAS.mil's Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) info Savings Deposit Program (SDP) Article Responding to CP04 IRS Letter Article Military Tax Experts Alliance Episode 167 w/ Ryan Guina, Contributing up to $70,000 to TSP while Deployed! Episode 116 - Roth TSP and Roth IRA are Different!! For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email podcast@militarymoneymanual.com. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

Are you just trying to survive financially? Or are you on your way to building a lasting legacy? Discover the 7 levels of wealth adapted for military life and learn how to move from paycheck-to-paycheck living to financial freedom and abundance! This isn't about rank or time in service – it's about intention and systems. This episode is inspired by Ramit Sethi's video on the seven levels of wealth, viewed through a unique military money lens. The levels aren't tied to rank or experience; a junior service member could be ahead of a senior one. Everyone starts somewhere, and there's no shame if you're not at the final step yet. The Seven Levels of Wealth (with a military twist): Levels 1-2: Beginner's Mindset Level 1: Survival Level 2: Stability Levels 3-4: The Boring Middle Level 3: Security Level 4: Growth Levels 5-7: The Advanced Phase / Financial Freedom Level 5: Freedom Level 6: Abundance Level 7: Legacy Links mentioned today: Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover YNAB app (military discount) For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email podcast@militarymoneymanual.com. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

Navigating PCS Chaos, Saving Money, and Finding Adventure! PCSing is a constant in military life, often bringing stress, extra costs, and confusion. But it doesn't have to be a nightmare! In this episode, we dive deep into practical tips and strategies to help you survive your next Permanent Change of Station (PCS), save money, and maybe even make it an adventure. We cover everything from getting your paperwork in order to leveraging financial benefits and preparing your family for the journey. In this episode, we discuss key strategies for managing your PCS: Getting Organized & Paperwork: The importance of physical binders and electronic backups for documents. Tips for outprocessing checklists and hand-carrying essential items like orders, Power of Attorneys, birth certificates, passports, and social security cards. Keep vital documents separate from movers. Financially Preparing: The crucial need to start saving cash early for unreimbursed expenses. Access to liquid money helps with stress management and avoiding debt. Cutting expenses is the first step to saving. Understanding Financial Benefits: Dislocation Allowance (DLA): An entitlement can be taken as an advance upfront (not a loan). Rates vary by pay grade and dependents (e.g., O-5 w/ dependents $5,339, E-4 w/ dependents $3,400 in 2025).  PCS Pay Advance: Option for up to one month's base pay, interest-free, paid back over 12 months. A tool for necessary situations, better than high-interest loans. Moving Your Stuff (HHG government move vs. PPM): Options include full government shipment (through TMO) or the Personally Procured Move (PPM). A partial PPM is recommended for conus moves to get paid for weight in your car. A full PPM offers significant profit potential by paying you the government's cost (examples mentioned: Jamie's $14,000 profit in 2023, and potential $10,000 profit in 2025). Challenge misinformation about PPM rules by referencing the JTR. Temporary Living Expenses (TLE) & Temporary Living Allowance (TLA): TLE (CONUS to CONUS, CONUS to OCONUS, or OCONUS to CONUS variants): Max $290/day, limited to 21 days, can be split between old and new PDS. Can be used for M&IE even when staying with family/friends. TLA (OCONUS): Up to 60 days upon arrival, 10 days upon departure. Covers lodging plus M&IE. Reference the JTR due to common misinformation. Prioritize minimizing stress over maximizing per diem. Preparing Your Family: Frame the move as an adventure. Acknowledge feelings (sadness, excitement) for everyone. Involve older kids in packing. Remember it's a team effort. Decluttering: Less stuff makes moving easier, especially with PPM. Reduces mental stress. Try methods like the hanger trick, Marie Kondo ("spark joy"), or the "poop test" for toys. Holding a garage sale can generate extra cash. Smart Travel & Leave: Explore circuitous travel or taking leave en route by getting it on your orders. PCS is a prime opportunity to take leave between assignments. Can take leave before departing or upon arrival. Understand BH timing. Inventory & Support: Video and photograph your belongings for inventory in case of loss or damage. You are not alone. Lean on your support network, friends, family, or sponsor for help. Links Mentioned: DFAS website for TLE details  DTMO website for TLA details Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), Your ultimate (source document) guide for entitlements Kate Horrell's PCS checklists Previous Podcast Episode on the $14k PPM Profit Article about Circuitous Travel  Podcast episode about Circuitous Travel Podcast episode about Legacy Planning for Military Families For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email podcast@militarymoneymanual.com. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.