By The USAA Educational Foundation

Having debt has become a way of life in America.

According to the Federal Reserve System report on Consumer Credit, total outstanding consumer debt in the U.S. reached a total of $3.64 trillion in July 2016.

By Maddie Daniels, Digital Communications Manager, America Saves

Having a low credit score (a score below the mid-600s) can cost you big time. Unfortunately, many underestimate the true cost of a low credit score, according to a new survey by Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and VantageScore.

By Alecia D. Blair, Military Saves Communications Project Manager, AFC^® Candidate, FINRA Foundation Fellow

Whether you have spent four or 24 years following your servicemember around the country and world, don’t forget that your spouse’s separation or retirement from the military is your military transition, too!

By FINRA Investor Education Foundation Staff

Today, 81 percent of members leave military service with no retirement benefits. None. But the military retirement system is changing. The Department of Defense (DoD) projects that under the new Blended Retirement System (BRS), which goes into effect in January 2018, 85 percent of service members will separate with portable retirement savings—partly because the BRS will automatically enroll into the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) all new service members.

By Brian Posten, Business Development Officer at Air Force FCU, USAF Senior Master Sergeant (retired)

At age eighteen, I realized I needed a major life change, and I knew hanging around where I grew up wasn’t the answer. So, in 1988, I joined the Air Force. My intention was to do four years and get out.  When my four years were coming to a close, I realized military life was perfect for me.  Adventure, discipline, education, and travel—not to mention, I also received a paycheck!