By the SEC Office of Investor Education and Advocacy

If you are in the market for an investment, you will likely come across sales and marketing materials that describe an investment’s performance. You should know that performance information can be presented in many different ways. Before making a decision, always make sure you understand how any performance claim is calculated and presented – and whether or not the claim is reliable and applies to your particular circumstances. Here are a few things to consider.

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

While you may be basking in the summer sun, enjoying some much-deserved leave and time away from your usual duty day responsibilities, now is not the time to take a hands-off approach to your money.

By Barbara O’Neill, Ph.D., CFP®, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

July is “hump month” for personal finances. Half of the year is already over but there are still five + months to make positive financial management changes, such as saving money, reducing income taxes, and paying off debt. In an effort to help military families build wealth, the Military Families Learning Network Personal Finance (MFLNPF) team is sponsoring the 30 Days of Saving Challenge during July 2016. Military Saves is encouraging military families to accept the challenge!

Corrinne McKenna, AFC^® Candidate, FINRA Foundation Fellow

Members of the millennial generation tend to place a higher value on travel and experiences than they do on tangible items, such as cars and homes. If you’re a military millennial, there are dozens of resources you can take advantage of to save yourself big bucks on incredible travel adventures. Here are some ideas to get you started!

By The USAA Educational Foundation

Military millennials: Are you ready to start investing for retirement? Don’t overlook one of the easiest ways to get started—the Thrift Savings Plan, or TSP. This tax-advantaged program allows service members to invest money for retirement through payroll deductions. Think of it as the federal government's version of a 401(k).