Service to Savings

MFAA

Attention, service members and veterans! Ready to turn your military pay into lasting wealth? Service to Savings, brought to you by the Military Financial Advisors Association (MFAA), is your go-to podcast for straightforward, actionable financial strategies tailored to military life. From maximizing your TSP and navigating the Blended Retirement System to mastering PCS budgeting and tax-free allowances, our expert hosts break down complex money topics into clear, battle-ready plans. Expect practical tips, inspiring stories, and no-nonsense advice to help you build financial security—whether you’re an E-1 or an O-6, active duty or retired. Join us weekly for insights that empower you to conquer your financial future. Subscribe now and visit militaryfinancialadvisors.org for free resources to kickstart your journey. Your service deserves savings—let’s make it happen! Disclaimer: Content is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Consult an MFAA advisor for personalized guidance.

Episodes

  1. Jan 13

    Episode 9: Roll It or Leave It?

    In this episode of 'Service to Savings,' hosts Joseph Brown and Greg Young discuss financial strategies for managing old 457 plans and the benefits of rolling them into Thrift Savings Plans (TSP) or IRAs. They explore the pros and cons of different investment options, including the importance of diversification and the potential for Roth IRA conversions. The conversation also touches on the significance of low-cost index funds and the value of long-term financial planning. Takeaways Consider rolling old 457 plans into a Thrift Savings Plan for simplicity and low costs.Avoid leaving old 457 plans unattended due to potential high fees and forgetfulness.Long-term financial planning is crucial for building wealth.Behavioral finance plays a role in investment decisions and outcomes.

    22 min

  2. 12/16/2025

    Episode 8: Navigating Retirement, Military Discounts, and Estate Planning

    In this episode of Service to Savings, hosts Joe Brown and Greg Young answer three listener questions covering different areas of military and veteran financial planning. Joe and Greg discuss how to approach retirement planning when you are six months from retirement, how to evaluate whether military discounts are actually saving you money, and where military families should begin with estate planning. Each question is addressed independently and reflects a different set of circumstances, allowing listeners to apply the frameworks and guidance to their own situations. Drawing on their experience working with military families, the hosts focus on practical decision-making, common pitfalls, and steps service members and retirees can take to build clarity and confidence in their financial lives. Topics covered include: Retirement planning with six months remainingIncome, healthcare, and housing prioritiesTRICARE and healthcare considerationsEvaluating military discounts and spending behaviorEstate planning basics for military familiesBeneficiaries, wills, trusts, and base legal resources 🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: DoD Transition Checklist: https://www.dodtap.mil/dodtap/rest/docs?filename=Managing_Your_Transition_Timeline.pdfLinkedIn Retirement Checklist (Kirk Windmueller): https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7311311801760006145/🎧 About Service to Savings Service to Savings is brought to you by the Military Financial Advisors Association (MFAA), providing education and guidance to help military families navigate financial complexity throughout their careers and into retirement.

    24 min

  3. 12/09/2025

    Episode 7: Don't Miss Out on BAH Protection: Earn Thousands More!

    In this episode, Joseph Brown and Greg Young discuss the intricacies of home buying, savings plans, and financial strategies for military members. They delve into the pros and cons of VA loans, the impact of commuting on financial decisions, and the importance of planning for the future, including investment strategies and estate planning. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful consideration of personal circumstances and long-term goals in financial planning. Takeaways The decision to use a VA loan depends on how long you plan to stay in the area.Buying a home should be considered a long-term investment.Commuting costs can significantly impact your financial situation.It's essential to have an emergency fund before investing in retirement accounts.Maxing out TSP and Roth IRA early in your career can lead to greater financial security.Balancing unique life experiences with financial planning is crucial.Mid-career is a pivotal time to reassess financial goals and strategies.Estate planning is vital for those with dependents.Regularly review and adjust retirement contributions as income increases.Understanding the tax advantages of military pay is important for financial planning. #home buying, #savings plan, #VA loans, #financial advice, #military finance, #investment strategies, #commuting costs, #estate planning, #military career, #financial planning Chapters 00:00 Navigating Home Buying with VA Loans 10:07 The Dilemma of Moving During a PCS 15:51 Maxing Out Retirement Accounts Early 20:47 Mid-Career Financial Strategies 30:36 Disclaimer

    31 min

  4. 12/02/2025

    Episode 6: Should I Take Long Term Capital Gains This Year?

    In this episode of Service to Savings, Joseph Brown and Greg Young discuss financial strategies for military personnel, focusing on tax planning, capital gains, and credit card management. They provide insights into leveraging non-retirement accounts, understanding tax brackets, and optimizing credit card rewards. A trusted resource to help with handling credit cards is military money manual.  Head over to their site and register for their free credit card course to maximize your rewards and learn how to properly handle credit cards.  Financial readiness and record-keeping, especially during government shutdowns, can be key to minimizing stress and maximizing your success. Want to find a trusted Fee-Only financial advisor to work with? Head over to https://militaryfinancialadvisor.org to find one! Takeaways Understand the benefits of long-term capital gains tax brackets.Consider tax gain harvesting in low-income years.Non-retirement accounts can be valuable for retirement planning.Always pay off credit cards to avoid interest.Military members often have access to credit cards with no annual fees.Keep good financial records to avoid issues during shutdowns.Evaluate your financial resilience after a government shutdown.Use credit card rewards strategically for travel or cash back.Be sure to hit introductory credit card offers and spending requirements – with spending you already were going to have.Head over to militarymoneymanual.com for a free credit card course.Consult a financial advisor for personalized advice. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and Current Events00:03:00 Understanding Capital Gains00:09:00 Tax Strategies for Low-Income Years00:15:00 Credit Card Management for Military00:21:00 Financial Readiness and Record-Keeping #financial strategies, #military personnel, #tax planning, #capital gains, #credit card management, #non-retirement accounts, #tax brackets, #credit card rewards, #financial readiness, #government shutdowns

    29 min

  5. 11/25/2025

    Episode 5: Is Your Spouse Overpaying State Taxes?

    In this episode of Service to Savings, Joseph Brown and Greg Young discuss various tax-related topics relevant to military personnel, including state tax considerations for military families, the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, and the implications of rental property depreciation and capital gains exclusions. They also explore the benefits of working with a financial advisor to navigate complex financial decisions. Want to find a trusted financial advisor to work with - head over to https://militaryfinancialadvisor.org to find one! TakeawaysUnderstanding state tax laws can save military families money.The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act offers tax benefits for military families.Depreciation on rental properties can impact capital gains taxes.Working with a financial advisor can help manage complex financial situations.Military personnel can benefit from extended capital gains exclusions.Proper record-keeping is essential for financial planning.Choosing the right state of residency can have significant tax implications.Financial planning should include both short-term and long-term strategies.Tax planning is crucial for minimizing lifetime taxes.Navigating tax laws requires understanding both federal and state regulations.Chapters00:00:04 Introduction and Overview00:00:30 State Tax Considerations for Military Families00:01:01 Military Spouses Residency Relief Act00:01:30 Rental Property Depreciation and Capital Gains00:01:58 The Role of Financial Advisors00:02:27 Conclusion and Call to Action #tax planning, #military finance, #state taxes, #Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, #rental property, #capital gains, #financial advisor, #tax strategies, #military families, #financial planning

    23 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    Episode 4: Do you need Life Insurance?

    In this episode, Joe Brown and Greg Young explore the intricacies of life insurance, discussing its necessity, the right coverage, and the different types of policies available. They delve into the importance of life insurance for military families, the role of permanent insurance, and the financial strategies for ensuring family security. #lifeinsurance #militaryfamilies #financialplanning #terminsurance #familysecurity TakeawaysLife insurance is essential for family security.Consider the right amount of coverage needed.Understand the differences between term and permanent insurance.Permanent insurance can be complex and costly.Evaluate life insurance needs based on life stages.Military families have unique insurance needs.SGLI and VGLI are important for service members.Plan for life insurance before medical diagnoses.Consider life insurance as part of estate planning.Insurance costs increase with age. Head to militaryfinancialadvisors.org to find an advisor!

    33 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    Maximize Your TSP: Essential Moves for Military Transition

    In "Maximize Your TSP: Essential Moves for Military Transition," Joe Brown and Greg Young offer invaluable insights into optimizing your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) as you transition out of military service. Learn strategic moves to enhance your financial future, whether you're considering rolling over, cashing out, or maintaining your TSP. This episode is packed with expert advice tailored for military members and veterans, ensuring you make the most of your retirement savings. Don't miss this essential guide to securing your financial future post-service! Takeaways Leave a portion of your TSP to maintain flexibility.Consider rolling over to an IRA for more control.TSP offers low fees and good fund management.Estate planning is crucial for TSP management.Monthly distributions can aid in financial planning.Lifecycle funds are beneficial for early career stages.Avoid diversifying with multiple lifecycle funds.TSP is a great fallback for poor 401k plans.Consider income needs when planning TSP withdrawals.Flexibility is key in retirement planning.

    21 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    Episode 2: Renting vs. Buying: What’s Right for You?

    In this episode of Service to Savings, Joe Brown and Greg discuss the critical financial decision of whether to buy or rent a home at your next military duty station. They explore the pros and cons of using a VA loan, the importance of having an emergency fund, and the emotional and financial aspects of homeownership for military families. Takeaways Emergency funds are crucial for financial stability.VA loans offer unique benefits but come with risks.Consider the length of stay before buying a home.Emotional decisions can impact financial outcomes.Homeownership involves ongoing maintenance costs.Renting offers flexibility for frequent movers.BAH should cover rent and utilities, not just mortgage.Real estate can be a good investment if intentional.Military life requires financial readiness and planning.Consult with a financial advisor for personalized advice. Ready to work with an advisor that has walked in your shoes and gets it? Head over to militaryfinancialadvisors.org to find the right one for you. Keywords military finance, VA loan, home buying, renting, emergency fund

    28 min

  9. 10/28/2025

    Episode 1 - How big of an emergency fund do you need?

    In this episode of Service to Savings, hosts Joe Brown and Greg discuss the critical importance of emergency funds for military families. They explore what constitutes an emergency fund, how much should be saved, and strategies for building and maintaining these funds. The conversation emphasizes financial readiness as a key component of overall mission readiness, particularly in light of potential government shutdowns and other financial uncertainties. The hosts provide actionable advice on starting an emergency fund, maintaining it, and adjusting it as life circumstances change, ultimately aiming to reduce financial stress and enhance stability for military families. Ready to take your relationship with a fee only planner to the next level? Check out the MFAA planners at militaryfinancialadvisors.org your trusted source for financial advisors who have walked in your shoes!

    19 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Attention, service members and veterans! Ready to turn your military pay into lasting wealth? Service to Savings, brought to you by the Military Financial Advisors Association (MFAA), is your go-to podcast for straightforward, actionable financial strategies tailored to military life. From maximizing your TSP and navigating the Blended Retirement System to mastering PCS budgeting and tax-free allowances, our expert hosts break down complex money topics into clear, battle-ready plans. Expect practical tips, inspiring stories, and no-nonsense advice to help you build financial security—whether you’re an E-1 or an O-6, active duty or retired. Join us weekly for insights that empower you to conquer your financial future. Subscribe now and visit militaryfinancialadvisors.org for free resources to kickstart your journey. Your service deserves savings—let’s make it happen! Disclaimer: Content is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Consult an MFAA advisor for personalized guidance.

Information

  • Creator
    MFAA
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 MFAA
  • Show Website
    Service to Savings