Military Deployment Savings Challenge: $54k in 6 Months
After over two years of no deployments, I have a six month deployment to the Middle East coming up in 2017. Note from Spencer on March 14 2021: this deployment was actually cancelled …
Spencer
EZ Rack Builder Review: Easy Military Thin Ribbons
In the summer of 2015, I attended Squadron Officer School (SOS) at Maxwell AFB, AL. SOS is a five week course on leadership, management, team building, and officer development for Air Force …
7 Things You Must Do If You Just Joined the Military
This is written primarily for the young enlisted fresh out of boot camp or the newly minted officer from the Academies, ROTC, or OTS/OCS. However, much of the advice can …
I Hate Budgeting: 2015-2016 Expenses and Investments
Budgeting: why bother? I find budgeting to be a chore and would much rather focus my limited time for my finances on increasing my income and investing. We only have …
How to Build a Home Gym Under $1000
Personal fitness is even more important than financial fitness. What’s the point in being financially independent if you don’t have the stamina, strength, flexibility, endurance, or health to enjoy your …
Should I Rollover my TSP to a “Gold IRA?” No.
If you have a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account and separated or retired from the military or government employment, watch out: the “gold IRA” marketers are coming for you! A …
Financial Independence Calculators – Are We on Track?
In this article I run my personal financial independence plan through several online retirement calculators. Every calculator is only as good as the assumptions that go into it. Some calculators …
My 2016 Asset Allocation
What does the portfolio of a 28 year old military officer investing for financial independence by age 40 look like? Quite boring. My investment philosophy is heavily influenced by Jack …
Leaving the military? Negotiate that salary!
One of the most frustrating parts of military or government service is our pay is literally fixed by an act of Congress. If you are the negotiating type or think …
Rob Aeschbach: Fee Only Military Financial Planner
One of the perks of having a blog is meeting and working with some amazingly talented individuals. Rob Aeschbach is one of those people. Rob (last name is pronounced ASH-back) …