The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s time to enjoy vacations, catch up with family and friends, and eat great food. While the holidays are about quality time and making memories, it’s easy to get caught up with spending money. Here are five holiday mistakes to avoid this year so you can enjoy the season with your finances intact:

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…