Fiscal Foxhole

Rob Moore and Omen Quelvog
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Investing

Hosted by Army Veteran Rob Moore MQFP®, and Marine Veteran Omen Quelvog CFP® MQFP®, The Fiscal Foxhole is where military grit meets financial smarts. Whether you're active duty, a veteran, or retired, we dive deep into the money matters that matter most—from budgeting and investing to benefits and retirement planning. But don’t expect a dry lecture—we mix in humor, banter, and the occasional war story to keep things light while tackling serious financial topics. It’s finance with a foxhole twist: practical, patriotic, and just a little bit rowdy.

  1. AMERICA 250! - Best States to Retire in (for Veterans)

    6h ago

    AMERICA 250! - Best States to Retire in (for Veterans)

    Military Retirement States, Annuities, and Financial Lessons from History Happy 250th Birthday, America! In this special Independence Day episode, Rob Moore and Omen Quelvog celebrate America's founding while tackling two topics every military family should think about: whether annuities deserve a second look in today's interest rate environment and which states are truly the best places for military retirees to call home. Along the way, they mix in fascinating stories from American financial history, a little friendly debate, and plenty of patriotic fun. 🔗 Connect with us! Book a meeting with OmenBook a meeting with RobCheck out our sponsors - MFAA🎙️ In This Episode: US Independence Day & America's 250th A look back at the events leading to July 4, 1776💰 Annuities: Better Than They Used to Be? Why rising interest rates have increased annuity payoutsThe difference between an investment and an insurance product🏅 Best States for Military Retirees Rob and Omen review WalletHub's 2026 rankings and share their own opinions. 🎯 Key Takeaways Higher interest rates have improved annuity payouts, but that doesn't mean annuities are right for everyone.The best retirement state is the one that fits your goals, finances, family, and lifestyle—not just a ranking.Where you retire may be one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make after military service. 🧠 Trivia Question John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the same day— Can you name the date before hearing the answer? 🔗 Resources Mentioned The Military Money Show Episode 393: "Annuities Explained Without the Sales Pitch"📬 Connect With Us Have a question you'd like answered on a future episode? 📧 fiscalfoxhole@gmail.com

    1h 13m
  2. Living Overseas after the Military w/ Spencer Reese

    Jun 24

    Living Overseas after the Military w/ Spencer Reese

    This week in the Foxhole, Omen Quelvog and Rob Moore break down a high-profile IPO, honor a fallen hero, and welcome Spencer Reese from Military Money Manual for a powerful conversation on living—and thriving—overseas. 🔗 Connect with us! Book a meeting with OmenBook a meeting with RobCheck out our sponsors - MFAA🇺🇸 This Week in Military History In June 2005, Lt. Michael Murphy led a Navy SEAL team during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan. Facing overwhelming enemy fire, he exposed himself to call for help—ultimately sacrificing his life. His legacy lives on through the Murph Challenge: 1 mile run100 pull-ups200 push-ups300 squats1 mile runA humbling reminder of service and sacrifice. 📰 Headline: SpaceX IPO Deep Dive Read it here: SpaceX IPO Deep Dive: The Hype, the Price, and the Opportunity - SpaceX enters the public market amid massive hype—and big questions. Key takeaways: Valuation disconnect: ~$1.5T vs. ~$780B estimateDemand + hype are driving price (not just fundamentals)IPOs often spike early… then settle over time💡 Investor insight: If you own broad index funds, you’ll likely own SpaceX eventually—without chasing it. 🌍 Guest Interview: Spencer Reese (Military Money Manual) Spencer brings a global perspective on military finances, sharing lessons from life overseas. 🌎 Living Abroad as a Veteran VA disability payments follow you anywhereGI Bill can be used overseas (plus possible housing + local stipends)🏥 Healthcare Abroad Many countries offer low-cost or free public carePrivate insurance can be shockingly affordable✈️ Before You Move Overseas Test it first: live there for 1–2 monthsUnderstand visa/residency requirements💬 Quality of Life Lower cost of living (in many countries)Less “hustle culture” and day-to-day stress💳 Trivia Time Which statement best determines if a premium travel card is worth it? ⚠️ Real Talk: Retirement Pay Delays Rob shares a candid look at post-military transition challenges: Incorrect DFAS retirement payVA disability missing dependentsLocal tax benefits delayed💡 Lesson: Even when you do everything right, delays happen. ➡️ Build a larger emergency fund (6+ months) before retiring. 🎯 Key Takeaways FOMO is dangerous—stick to your strategy, especially with IPOsLiving overseas can be a strategy, not just a dreamTest before committing—experience a country firsthand before moving📩 Questions or topic ideas? Email: fiscalfoxhole@gmail.com 📅 Interested in working with Rob or Omen? Links are in the show notes

    1h 20m
  3. Discipline in Investing: The Real Edge You Can Control

    Jun 17

    Discipline in Investing: The Real Edge You Can Control

    This week in the Foxhole, Rob Moore and Omen Quelvog tackle one of the most overlooked—and most powerful—drivers of long-term success: discipline in investing. From S&P 500 concentration risk to behavioral traps that sabotage portfolios, this episode breaks down why success isn’t about predicting the market—it’s about controlling yourself. 🔗 Connect with us! Book a meeting with OmenBook a meeting with RobCheck out our sponsors - MFAA💡 Episode Summary Is “VOO and chill” really diversification? 🤔 We kick things off by unpacking a headline on the rising tech concentration inside the S&P 500—and what that means for investors who think they’re broadly diversified. From there, we dive into the core topic: what disciplined investing actually looks like in practice. It’s not flashy. It’s not exciting. And that’s exactly why it works. We cover the behavioral side of investing (panic selling, chasing returns), the power of dollar cost averaging, and how to stay the course when markets feel like a combat zone. If you’ve ever second-guessed your strategy—or felt tempted to “do something” when markets move—this one’s for you. 🎯 Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Diversification ≠ number of funds It’s about what’s actually driving your returns. Know your exposures before adding complexity. 2️⃣ Discipline beats prediction You don’t need to guess the market—you need a plan you can stick with when it surprises you. 3️⃣ Systems win over time Automate your investing, define your goals, and stay out of your own way. 🧠 Topics Covered The hidden risk of S&P 500 tech concentration“VOO and chill” vs true diversificationBehavioral biases:Loss aversionRecency biasHerd mentality (FOMO)Dollar cost averaging as a “boring superpower”Why staying invested matters more than timing the marketBuilding your own investment discipline system:AutomationGoal alignmentInvestment Policy Statements (IPS)The “sleep test”⚔️ Today in Military History June 17, 1775 – Battle of Bunker Hill “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” A pivotal moment proving colonial forces could stand against a professional army. 🧩 Trivia Which early Adam Smith work introduced ideas about disciplined capital accumulation before The Wealth of Nations? 😂 Off-Duty Segment Highlight Omen officiates a wedding… and realizes mid-ceremony he doesn’t have the rings 😳 A four-minute song, a sprinting best man, and perfect timing later—the show goes on. ⚠️ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered investment, legal, or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

    1h 23m
  4. Roth Rules! Important Details About the Swiss Army Investment Tool

    Jun 10

    Roth Rules! Important Details About the Swiss Army Investment Tool

    🎯 Episode Summary Roth accounts get all the hype—and for good reason. Tax-free growth, flexible withdrawals, and powerful planning tools. But here’s the reality: that flexibility only works if you do the behind-the-scenes admin correctly. In this episode, Rob Moore and Omen Quelvog break down the often-missed rules that make Roth IRAs work the way they’re advertised. From tracking contributions to avoiding costly tax mistakes, this is your practical guide to staying in control—and staying out of trouble. 📬 Connect With Us Have a question or topic idea? Email us at fiscalfoxhole@gmail.com Book a meeting with OmenBook a meeting with Rob🪖 This Week in Military History On June 8, 1944—just two days after D-Day—Allied forces pushed inland into the challenging hedgerow terrain of Normandy. What looked straightforward on maps quickly became brutal, close-quarters fighting. A reminder that even the best plans face reality—and adaptability wins. 📰 Headline of the Week - Link to the article A new USAA Educational Foundation study highlights ongoing financial pressure on military families due to inflation, PCS moves, and high spouse unemployment. While challenges persist, there are also structural advantages—like income stability and military-specific hiring preferences—that can help offset them. 💡 Main Topic: Roth IRAs — Flexibility Requires Responsibility The biggest myth about Roth accounts? That someone else is tracking everything for you. They’re not. If you want the full benefits, here’s what you must stay on top of: ✅ Contributions Contributions can be withdrawn anytime, tax- and penalty-freeCustodians and the IRS are not keeping a running total for youUse Form 5498 as a reference—but maintain your own records🔄 Conversions Conversions are taxable in the year they occurEach conversion creates its own 5-year clockRequires filing Form 8606 to avoid double taxation🚪 Backdoor Roth Strategy Used when income is too high for direct Roth contributionsInvolves after-tax contributions → immediate conversionSimple in practice, but reporting must be precise🧠 Pro Tip No one is keeping score for you—not your custodian, not the IRS. If you don’t track it, you can’t prove it. 🎯 Key Takeaways Military families face unique financial pressures—but also unique advantagesRoth accounts are powerful tools—but require active recordkeepingTax mistakes are avoidable if you stay organized and intentional🎲 Trivia How many people signed the Declaration of Independence?

    1h 3m
  5. The Money and Marriage Episode w/ Megan Quelvog

    Jun 3

    The Money and Marriage Episode w/ Megan Quelvog

    🎙️ Episode Summary Recorded on location at MilMoneyCon in Savannah, Rob and Omen welcome a special guest into the Foxhole—Omen’s wife, Megan. This episode dives deep into the real-life money journey behind a nearly 27-year marriage. From getting married at 18 with no plan, no proposal, and very little money… to building a strong, values-aligned partnership, this conversation is packed with honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. 🔗 Connect with Us! Email fiscalfoxhole@gmail.com Book a meeting with OmenBook a meeting with Rob💡 What We Cover 💍 Getting married at 18 and figuring it out from scratch💳 Different money mindsets: spender vs. saver⚖️ How financial tension shows up in relationships🪖 Military life challenges: deployments, PCS, and single income🗣️ Why “communication is kind” (even when it’s hard)🧩 Using tools like personality frameworks (Enneagram) to improve communication🎯 Prioritizing what actually matters in each season of life🔑 Key Takeaways Communication is the foundation. Avoiding hard conversations only delays growth—talking it out is an act of care.Opposites can work—if you learn to respect differences. Different financial lenses can strengthen a marriage when aligned around shared goals. Budgeting creates freedom, not restriction. It’s a tool to intentionally direct your money toward what matters most. 🛠️ Practical Applications Have regular, honest conversations about money—even when it’s uncomfortableClearly define your shared priorities (and revisit them often)Use tools like personality assessments to better understand your spouse🎉 Fun Segment Megan and Omen go head-to-head in a “Know Your Spouse” game—confirming what we all suspected: Omen is the saver, Megan is the spender… but together, they make it work. 📣 Spotlight Check out Megan’s business: Scooter & The Bear Co. – custom apparel, gifts, and creative designs inspired by family and generosity.

    1h 21m
  6. Rolling Out of the Military and TSP; What's the Right Call?

    May 27

    Rolling Out of the Military and TSP; What's the Right Call?

    What Should You Do With Your TSP After Leaving the Military? In this episode, Rob and Omen tackle one of the most common questions service members ask: “What do I do with my TSP when I leave the military?” Before diving in, they recap Rob’s appearance on the Military Money Manual podcast discussing Roth conversion ladders—and why they’re powerful but often misunderstood. 🔗 Connect with us Book a meeting with OmenBook a meeting with RobOmen’s article - rolling out of the TSPEmail us! fiscalfoxhole@gmail.com 🪖 This Week in Military History Battle of Midway (June 4, 1942) U.S. codebreakers intercepted Japanese communications📰 Headline: 401(k) Matches Are Getting Cut Some companies are pausing or reducing employer matches in 2026. Key implications: The match is still “free money”—get it if availableWithout a match, IRAs may become more attractiveTraditional 401(k) contributions still reduce taxable incomeFollow the Savings Cascade:Get the matchMax IRAReturn to employer plan🎯 Main Topic: What To Do With Your TSP ✅ Reasons to KEEP your TSP Easy button: No action needed during a busy transitionLow cost: Among the cheapest plans availableCreditor protection: Strong legal safeguardsBackdoor Roth strategy: Can accept IRA roll-ins to avoid pro-rata issuesExclusive G Fund access:🔄 Reasons to ROLL OUT of your TSP Limited flexibility:Withdrawals come out pro rataHarder to execute strategies like the 3-bucket approachBeneficiary complications:Non-spouse heirs must move funds quicklyRisk of large taxable distributionsAccount fragmentation:Easy to forget old TSP balancesConsolidation improves visibility and control⚖️ Best of Both Worlds You don’t have to choose one option. Roll most funds into an IRA or new 401(k)Keep $1K–$2K in TSP to keep it openMaintain access to:G FundFuture Roth conversion strategiesOptional rollover flexibility⚠️ Note: If balance drops below $500, TSP may automatically close the account. 🧠 Trivia: Lost Retirement Money How much is sitting in forgotten retirement accounts? ✅ Practical Takeaways Even without a match, 401(k)s still offer tax deferral benefitsTSP is a strong option—low cost, protected, and efficientRolling to an IRA increases flexibility and controlA hybrid approach (keep + roll) often gives the best outcome

    58 min
  7. The Ultimate Exit Strategy - Your Estate Plan

    May 20

    The Ultimate Exit Strategy - Your Estate Plan

    Estate Planning Demystified + Retirement Reality Check 🪖 In This Episode This week in the foxhole, Rob and Omen tackle two critical topics that often get overlooked until it’s too late: Why many retirees are forced out earlier than plannedHow estate planning can protect your family — and where most people miss the markPlus, we welcome estate attorney and CFP John Morgan to break down wills, trusts, and everything in between—without the intimidating legal jargon. 📅 This Date in History ✈️ May 20, 1932 Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, reminding us that courage and preparation go hand in hand—even when flying blind. 📰 Headline of the Week “Retirement Shocks: Caregiving Burdens Test Americans’ Financial Readiness” Key stat: 59% of retirees stop working earlier than planned💡 Takeaway: Retirement isn’t just about money—it’s about health, family, and flexibility. Planning for early retirement due to health or caregiving needs isn’t optional… it’s reality. 🎯 Main Topic: Estate Planning with John Morgan John joins the foxhole to simplify estate planning and explain what actually matters. ✅ The Basics (Plain English) Will → Controls what happens when you pass awayPower of Attorney → Handles finances if you’re alive but incapacitatedMedical Directive → Covers healthcare decisionsTrust → Adds control, privacy, and can help avoid probate🔑 Key Insights from the Interview 1. “Good enough” isn’t always enough JAG-provided documents work well for simple situations, but fall short for: Multiple propertiesMinor or special needs childrenComplex family structures2. Probate isn’t always the problem… but multiple probates are Owning real estate in multiple states can create multiple probate processes—a major headache for your family. 3. A trust only works if it’s funded Creating a trust is step one—but assets must be properly retitled into it. 4. Beneficiary designations override everything Your will does NOT control accounts with named beneficiaries5. You need documents even if you’re young Everyone 18+ should have: Power of AttorneyMedical Directive💡 Takeaways Plan for retirement flexibility — your health may decide your timelineEstate planning isn’t about wealth — it’s about control and protectionIf you don’t make a plan, the state will make one for you🪖 From the Foxhole “If you don’t have an estate plan… you DO have one. It’s just not the one you chose.” 📣 Connect & Learn More Email the show! fiscalfoxhole@gmail.comBook a meeting with OmenBook a meeting with Rob

    1h 6m
  8. Military Money Manual Crossover - Omen's Interview

    May 13

    Military Money Manual Crossover - Omen's Interview

    🎙️ The Fiscal Foxhole Special Feature: Military Money Manual Podcast Crossover This week, Rob and Omen are both attending MillMoneyCon, so we’re doing something a little different. Instead of a standard episode, we’re sharing a guest appearance by Omen Quelvog on the Military Money Manual Podcast—a conversation that was simply too valuable not to cross‑publish. If you’re 2–3 years from military separation or retirement, this episode is required listening. And even if you’re earlier in your career—or already out—there’s plenty here that will challenge how you think about work, money, and lifestyle after the military. 🪖 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Preparing 2–3 Years Before Transition Why you should plan to attend TAP twiceGetting medical documentation squared away earlyVA disability planning applies to separators AND retireesCareer 2.0 & Work Optionality Why most service members default to jobs they knowUsing curiosity, not just “passion,” to shape what’s nextHow military pensions create true work optionalityThe Power of the Military Pension How valuable an inflation‑adjusted pension really isWhy it’s stronger than a civilian retirement substitutePension + VA disability + Tricare = a financial “cheat code”Lifestyle, Stress, and Decompression Why jumping straight into another job can backfireThe underestimated value of taking a short post‑retirement sabbaticalRecognizing the “fog of work” once it’s goneSaving, Spending, and Balance Avoiding lifestyle creep as pay increasesWhy both officers and enlisted need budgetsThe 50/30/20 rule as a practical frameworkRoth Conversions & the TSP When Roth (including in‑plan TSP conversions) might make senseUnderstanding marginal tax rates—not headlinesWhy Roth conversions are an optimization tool, not a silver bulletFinding the Right Advisor Why fee‑only mattersMilitary Financial Advisors Association (MFAA)Military‑Qualified Financial Planner (MQFP) 🔗 Resources Mentioned Military Money Manual PodcastMilitary Financial Advisors Association ⭐ Support the Show If you found this episode helpful: Subscribe to The Fiscal FoxholeLeave a 5‑star review on Apple PodcastsShare the episode with a fellow service memberEmail us: fiscalfoxhole@gmail.com Book a meeting with OmenBook a meeting with RobWe’ll both be back next week to take the watch again in the Foxhole.

    59 min
See All (41)

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Hosted by Army Veteran Rob Moore MQFP®, and Marine Veteran Omen Quelvog CFP® MQFP®, The Fiscal Foxhole is where military grit meets financial smarts. Whether you're active duty, a veteran, or retired, we dive deep into the money matters that matter most—from budgeting and investing to benefits and retirement planning. But don’t expect a dry lecture—we mix in humor, banter, and the occasional war story to keep things light while tackling serious financial topics. It’s finance with a foxhole twist: practical, patriotic, and just a little bit rowdy.

Information

  • Creator
    Rob Moore and Omen Quelvog
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rob Moore and Omen Quelvog
  • Show Website
    Fiscal Foxhole

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