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 TSP and what happens when contributions freeze, to the basics of 401ks, IRAs, spousal IRAs, diversification, and even 529 plans for kids, this conversation breaks down the principles of investing in plain language.
Sarah shares how military spouses and service members can evaluate risk, make smart choices, and take control of their financial future—whether you’re just starting out or staring down retirement.
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Meet our Guest
Sarah Roder, Director of Partnerships and Member Engagement, Armed Forces Mutual
Sarah Roder is a Certified Financial Educator Instructor and the Director of Partnerships and Member Engagement at AFM. Sarah previously served AFM as the Senior Veterans Affairs Coordinator in Reston, VA., as the SpouseLink ambassador for the Camp Lejeune area, and as a Relationship Manager for AFM Wealth Management and Trust.
Sarah is a military spouse and enjoys spending her time outdoors and helping others.
Graduating from Auburn University with a Health and Hospital Administration degree and minor in business, she loves first and foremost helping others.
The Conversation Topics
- Why investing matters during military transition
- Four principles of investing: growth, time, diversification, behavior/risk
- TSP after leaving service (freeze, rollover, or manage yourself)
- 401(k)s, IRAs, and spousal IRAs (traditional vs Roth)
- Employer matching contributions (“free money”)
- Military spouse unemployment/underemployment and investing for yourself
- Diversification across life stages and risk tolerance
- When and how often to review your investments (life events, annual check-ins)
- 529 plans, UGMA, and UTMA for kids’ education savings
- Getting professional guidance and asking the right questions
Things We Talked About in This Episode
Dive more into the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) in this article written specifically for military spouses to help them understand what options there are after transition. You can also grab this guide and answer these questions with your servicemember to make a decision that’s best for your family’s financial readiness.
Or, head to the official TSP.gov website to learn more.
Connect with our Guests
Here is how to contact our guest:
Website: https://life.aafmaa.com/financial-readiness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-bumgardner-roder/
