Intentional Spending for Your Post-Transition Life
If you’ve ever felt like the word budget sounds restrictive or heavy, you’re not alone. As someone who has fallen victim a few times to the scarcity mindset, I decided a few years ago to flip the script and focus on creating what I like to call an Intentional Spending Plan. Let me be clear, […]
SBP: The Decision Military Spouses Can’t Afford to Get Wrong with Andi Wrenn
Let’s be honest for a second…No one hands you a clear, step-by-step guide for this part of transition.Not the emotional weight. Not the financial decisions that keep you up at 2 AM. Not the “what ifs” you don’t even want to say out loud. And the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)? Yeah… that’s one of those […]
Your Emergency Fund: Murphy’s Law Meets Its Match
Today is a great day to consider financial resets, especially as you navigate the twists and turns of military transition. One of the most impactful steps you can take right now—no matter where you are in your transition journey—is to build or grow your emergency fund. Why an Emergency Fund Matters Military life comes with […]
What’s In, What’s Out: Rethinking Your Post-Military Money Map
Did you miss our Transition Finance 101 for Military Families: How to Tackle the Transition to Civilian Life Like A Pro? If you did, the first topic we discussed was “ Take a Fresh Look at Your Income & Expenses”- today we will dive a little deeper into what that looks like. Americans love to […]
Financial Readiness in Transition, Part 3 – Life Insurance and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
Welcome to Part 3 of our Financial Readiness series on MilSpouse Transition Conversations! In this episode, host Anna Larson sits down with Sarah Roder, CFEI®, Director of Partnerships and Member Engagement at Armed Forces Mutual, to tackle two of the most important (and often most confusing) decisions in military transition—life insurance and the Survivor Benefit […]
Financial Readiness in Transition, Part 2 – Investing
Welcome to Part 2 in our Financial Readiness series on MilSpouse Transition Conversations! In this episode, host Anna Larson is joined again by Sarah Roder, CFEI®, Director of Partnerships and Member Engagement at Armed Forces Mutual, to dive into one of the most common (and often most confusing) topics during military transition—investing. From understanding your […]
Financial Readiness in Transition, Part 1 – Budgeting
Welcome to the first episode in our Financial Readiness series on MilSpouse Transition Conversations! In this kickoff conversation, host Anna Larson sits down with Sarah Roder, CFEI®, Director of Partnerships and Member Engagement at Armed Forces Mutual, to dig into the real numbers behind military-to-civilian transition. This episode lays the groundwork for building a strong […]
About that TSP: What Military Spouses Need to Know
Freeze it, roll it, or freak out? Let’s break down what actually happens to your servicemember’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) when you leave active duty military life—and how to play it smart for your future. If your military transition checklist includes a confused stare at your servicemember’s TSP account while muttering “What now?”—you’re not alone. […]
Top 4 Financial Resources to Bookmark for Transition Financial Wellbeing
Transition can turn your finances into a full-blown question mark. Whether you’re staring down a new budget, prepping for civilian pay, or just trying not to panic about health insurance, you don’t have to figure it out alone. These four resources are clutch for military spouses who want clarity, confidence, and support—without sorting through a […]
Transition Finance 101 for Military Families: How to Tackle the Transition to Civilian Life Like A Pro
So, you can see the civilian light at the end of the active-duty tunnel—congrats! It’s a big milestone, and while it can feel exciting, it also comes with a ton of questions (especially about money). Let’s be honest: managing finances during this shift can be confusing, even overwhelming—but don’t worry, you’ve got this. And I’ve […]