By Andia Dinesen, Executive Vice President for Communications & Operations, Association of Military Banks of America

December 31, 2018 will be the last day, for those who are eligible, to opt-in to the Blended Retirement System (BRS).  Knowing your options, understanding implications for your future, effects on your current budget, weighing pros and cons of staying on the Legacy (HIGH-3) or opting into BRS, should play a role in your decision. This is an important personal decision.

Veterans have earned benefits that honor them for their service. Some of these benefits include free tax preparation services and burial services. These benefits are a thank you to retired service members for their years of dedicated service. Here are three benefits every veteran should know about than can help them and their families save on expenses. 

By Alecia D. Blair, AFC®, Military Saves Director 

Cue the first line of lyrics from The Clash’s 1982 hit song, Should I Stay or Should I Go! For eligible service members who haven’t already made their decision regarding whether to stay in the Legacy Retirement System or go into the new Blended Retirement System, that is the question. And the countdown to decide is on. 

By Lauren Minches, Actuary, Blueprint Income

Retirement, from civilian jobs, has become more complicated ever since employers stopped offering traditional pensions. Even worse, there’s an endless barrage of products, advertisements, and commercials trying to “help” you get ready for retirement. There’s enough advice floating around to create thousands of different retirements.

Before deciding which product, investments, or plan is right, you should understand the basic principles and math behind a successful retirement. So here they are…

By Rebecca Wiggins, Executive Director, AFCPE^®

Do you find yourself struggling to pay off debt, or sticking to your spending plan each month? Are you trying to find extra money leftover so you can begin saving for your child’s college education? Or maybe you are just uncertain of where to start or what questions to even ask?