The Military Wallet Podcast

The Military Wallet

The Military Wallet podcast brings financial guidance for the military community from enlistment to retirement. This is the place to come for up to date information on current benefits programs for active duty members, retirees, members of the Guard and Reserves, veterans, and their family members. We cover topics such as military pay & benefits, military retirement pensions, VA disability claims, VA Loans, GI Bill, Thrift Savings Plan, and more.

  1. 2d ago

    Breaking the Silence on Military Food Insecurity

    In this episode of The Military Wallet, host Ryan Guina sits down with Heather Campbell to tackle a vital yet deeply misunderstood issue within our community: military food insecurity. Heather Campbell is an active-duty Air Force spouse, registered dietitian, and an "accidental advocate" who has become a leading subject matter expert on this hidden challenge. Heather bravely shares her personal story of navigating immense financial stress and rigid program eligibility requirements as an officer family in remote Alaska. Despite having degrees in finance and nutrition, her family still fell through the system's cracks. This highlights a sobering truth: military food insecurity isn't about budgeting failures or lack of character. It's a widespread, systemic economic challenge. In fact, research shows that nearly one in four military families struggle to consistently put food on the table. We break down the unique causal factors, including spouse unemployment, unexpected PCS move expenses, and the flaws in how BAS and BAH allowances are calculated. Tune in to learn how we can better support our warfighters, remove the stigma around seeking help, and empower families with practical solutions. For more information, check out ⁠TheMilitaryWallet.com Connect with Heather Campbell: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherscampbell/⁠ Website: ⁠https://in-dependent.org/fuel-the-homefront/ ------ 0:00 Intro 0:10 Meet Heather Campbell 1:45 How Heather became an "accidental advocate" 8:39 Defining food insecurity 12:32 Who is impacted 15:30 Causal factors 19:36 Misconceptions about military pay 25:35 Psychological barriers to seeking help 30:05 Practical solutions 41:09 Calls to action & resources ------ #MilitaryPay #MilitaryFamilies #FoodInsecurity

    46 min

  2. Jun 2

    Can The Military Childcare Crisis Be Fixed?

    In this episode of the Military Wallet podcast, host Ryan Guina and guest Kayla Corbitt tackle the massive, complex challenge of finding safe, affordable, and reliable childcare for military families. Kayla, founder of Operation Childcare Project, shares her expertise on navigating Department of Defense programs like CDC and FCC, as well as civilian assistance programs. Discover the crucial differences between installation-based care and off-base options, how priority systems work, and the reality of fee assistance wait times. Learn why a 'menu' approach to childcare is essential, leveraging everything from family and friends to non-traditional care. Kayla provides actionable advice on vetting providers, safety planning for deployments and shift work, and utilizing resources like the Dependent Care Flex Spending Account. This conversation highlights childcare not just as a family issue, but a critical readiness and retention factor for the entire military community. Check out occproject.org for free case management and helpful calculators. For more information, check out ⁠TheMilitaryWallet.com Connect with Kayla Corbitt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylacorbitt/ Website: https://www.occproject.org/ ------ 0:00 Intro 0:10 The Mission 1:12 Operation Child Care Project overview 3:04 Kayla's origin story & motivation 7:38 Overview of military childcare programs 8:46 DoD vs. civilian-operated programs 10:14 Fee assistance program (MMYN) 13:40 Child care in your home program (CCH) 16:36 Pros and cons of different care options 23:54 Vetting providers and safety 28:26 Handling unpredictable schedules 31:53 Handling deployments and TDY 38:22 Affordability, subsidies & tax benefits 44:12 Services offered by Operation Child Care Project 48:07 Gaps and hopes for the future 52:45 Connecting with Operation Child Care Project ------ #MilitaryFinance #FinancialIndependence #MilitaryFamilies

    54 min

  3. May 26

    How to Translate Your Military Skills to a Civilian Resume

    Transitioning from the military is one of the biggest challenges a veteran will face. In this episode, host Ryan Guina, sits down with 10-year Army veteran and career coach Jacob Mousseau, and breaks down the "Swiss Army Knife" mistake most veterans make and how to build a 90-day action plan that actually lands you a job you love. Whether you are 6 months out or have been out for 10 years and feel stuck, this career strategy session covers everything from identifying your core values to using AI for interview prep and salary negotiation. Jacob shares his own "unexpected" transition story and the exact framework he uses to help veterans move from survival mode to a thriving civilian career. Stop guessing your way through the military-to-civilian transition. Learn how to frame your military experience as a product, master the "Tell me about yourself" question, and negotiate the salary you deserve. For more information, check out ⁠TheMilitaryWallet.com Connect with Jacob Mousseau: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobmousseau/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontlineCareerStrategy ------ 00:00 Intro 00:10 Introduction to Jacob Mousseau & Veteran Transitions 00:41 Jacob’s 10-Year Army Story & Unexpected Transition 05:59 The #1 Struggle for Transitioning Service Members 07:34 Stop Being a "Swiss Army Knife" (The Specialist Secret) 11:34 Why Values & Geography Matter More Than Your Resume 25:32 The 90-Day Veteran Career Action Plan 30:24 How to Use AI for Career Research & Interview Prep 36:57 Mastering the "Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Question 43:28 Salary Negotiation & Total Rewards for Veterans 54:03 Where to Find Jacob (Frontline Career Strategy) ------ #militarytransition #veteranjobs #careercoaching

    56 min

  4. May 19

    Military Survivor Benefits: What Every Spouse Needs to Know

    When a service member passes away, the grief is overwhelming, but the financial "what now" starts almost immediately. In this episode, host Ryan Guina sits down with Krista Simpson Anderson, founder of The Unquiet Professional, to discuss the reality of navigating life after loss in the military. Krista shares her personal journey following the loss of her husband, Green Beret Staff Sgt. Michael Simpson, and breaks down the critical benefits every spouse needs to understand. From the immediate $100,000 Death Gratuity and SGLI to long-term support like the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), this conversation is a roadmap for the "unknown unknowns" of military survival. We also dive into the "Heart Act", a massive financial benefit many survivors miss, and the impact of the remarriage penalty on benefits like TRICARE and the Fry Scholarship. Whether you are active duty, a veteran, or a surviving spouse, this episode provides the clarity and community support needed to protect your family's future. For more information, check out ⁠TheMilitaryWallet.com Connect with The Unquiet Professional: Website: TheUnquietProfessional.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnquietProfessional Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunquietprofessional/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theunquietprofessional/ ------ 0:00 Intro 0:10 Meet Krista & The Unquiet Professional 1:30 Mike's legacy - why the organization was born 2:35 The Unquiet Professional 4:44 The day everything changed 5:41 How the military handles family travel 7:30 The role of nonprofits 8:46 The financial reality of the first 72 hours 10:13 The DD93 warning 11:30 How death gratuity is paid and what it's for 13:15 The danger of outdated forms 14:37 The PAD (Person Assigned Disposition) 17:00 Estate planning 18:08 Navigating life as a survivor 21:04 Understanding the 55% Survivor Benefit Plan 21:40 DIC explained 22:20 Line of duty investigations 24:20 The HEART Act 27:35 The Fry scholarship 28:35 The remarriage penalty 30:30 The Love Lives On Act 35:35 Rebuilding your community when the "unit" moves on 39:30 Putting the pieces back together 43:00 Transitioning from military life to civilian life 47:48 Organizing identity, health, legal & vehicle docs 52:00 The importance of a shared password manager 55:41 Connect with the Unquiet Professional ------ #MilitaryBenefits #SurvivorBenefits #TheMilitaryWallet

    1 hr

  5. Apr 19

    30% of Military Spouses Have Been Pushed Out of Their Careers—Here's Why

    Join us for a profound conversation with Ryan Guina and Jennifer Barnhill, a journalist, researcher, and author of "Military Stories You’ve Been Told and The Ones You Need to Hear". Jennifer peels back the "pink camouflage" to reveal the raw, often overlooked experiences of military families. From the personal sacrifices of career gaps and underemployment to the "wicked problem" of frequent PCS moves, she highlights why 30% of working-age spouses have been pushed out of the workforce entirely. Jennifer dives deep into the unspoken expectations placed on spouses as their partners rise in rank and shares the moving history of advocacy, from the fight against the "widow’s tax" to current efforts allowing survivors to remarry without losing benefits. This isn't just a discussion about policy; it's a "love letter" to the community and a call to action for better understanding. Learn why the true makeup of military life is rarely reflected in the media and how we can foster deeper connections by listening to the stories that actually matter. Connect with Jennifer: Find her book on Amazon, Bookshop, or Barnes & Noble, and follow her journey on LinkedIn. For more information, check out TheMilitaryWallet.com ------ 0:00 Intro 0:22 Jennifer explains why she wrote her book 1:10 Jennifer's background 2:28 Love letter 3:44 Expectations for military spouses 4:25 Pink camouflage books 6:04 When spouses step up 6:53 The 1988 Air Force policy change 9:36 The wicked problem 11:17 Research from IVMF 12:36 Military spouse unemployment 14:11 Solutions for spousal employment 16:00 Positive trends of states 18:22 Theresa Jones' story 19:21 SBPDIC (the widow tax) 21:47 Call to action 25:45 Recap ------ #MilitarySpouses #VeteranFamilies #JenniferBarnhill

    27 min

  6. Mar 26

    MILITARY VETERANS: Your Roadmap From Broke to Financially Secure

    Once you’ve organized your finances and tackled debt, the next step is building long-term wealth through investing. But with so many options and strategies, it can be hard to know where to start. In this episode of The Military Wallet, Ryan Guina sits down with Mike Hunsberger to introduce the fundamentals of investing — from brokerage accounts to employer-sponsored plans and the Thrift Savings Plan — and how to use them to achieve your financial goals. From understanding different account types to choosing the right investment strategies, this conversation breaks down investing 101 for service members and veterans, showing you how to grow your money over time while staying aligned with your long-term financial plan. Whether you’re new to investing or just looking to refine your strategy, this episode explains how to take control of your future and make smart, informed decisions with your money. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Different investment options and how they workHow brokerage and taxable accounts differWhether you can have multiple investment accountsEmployer-sponsored accounts and how to maximize themHow the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) works for service membersLifecycle funds and how they simplify investingHow to coordinate TSP with other investmentsThe differences between Roth and traditional accountsHow to determine the right percentage of income to investStrategies for long-term financial growth and wealth building⏱️ Episode Timeline 00:00 – IntroductionOverview of long-term savings and investing basics. 00:27 – Different Options for InvestingExploring the main types of investment accounts. 02:35 – Brokerage AccountsWhat they are and how to use them. 07:23 – Taxable AccountsAdvantages, limitations, and strategies. 09:05 – Can You Have More Than One?How multiple accounts work together. 10:50 – Employer Investment AccountsMaximizing contributions and benefits. 12:49 – Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)Basics of the TSP for service members. 16:32 – Lifecycle FundsHow target-date funds simplify investing. 20:39 – Coordinating TSP With Other InvestmentsStrategies for balance and growth. 23:00 – Roth vs. Traditional AccountsKey differences and tax implications. 26:36 – TSP Explained in More DetailAdvanced tips for managing TSP funds. 29:10 – How Much to InvestDetermining the right percentage of income. 33:35 – RecapKey takeaways and final advice. 🎯 Who This Episode Is For Active-duty service members planning for long-term wealthVeterans looking to start or optimize investingBeginners seeking foundational investing knowledgeAnyone transitioning from budgeting and debt repayment to growthIndividuals wanting a strategic approach to financial planning

    37 min

  7. Mar 26

    Personal Finance Fundamentals: Why Most Military Members Get Their Finances WRONG

    Managing your money doesn’t have to be complicated — but without a clear plan, it’s easy to fall into debt, miss savings goals, or feel like you’re always behind financially. In this episode of The Military Wallet, Ryan Guina sits down with Mike Hunsberger to break down the fundamentals of personal finance — starting with one of the most important skills you can build: budgeting. From building an emergency fund to reducing debt and making smart decisions with extra cash, this conversation simplifies the core principles of financial stability and shows you how to take control of your money with confidence. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your financial habits, this episode explains how to create a practical plan that supports both short-term needs and long-term goals. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why budgeting is the foundation of financial successHow to build and prioritize an emergency fundHow net worth fits into your overall financial planStrategies for paying down debt effectivelyHow to decide where your money should go each monthWhat to do with extra cash once your basics are coveredHow to balance saving, spending, and investingCommon budgeting mistakes to avoidHow to build sustainable financial habitsWhy consistency matters more than perfection⏱️ Episode Timeline 00:00 – IntroductionOverview of budgeting and personal finance basics. 00:32 – Why Budgeting MattersHow a plan for your money impacts your financial future. 03:50 – Emergency Fund BasicsHow much you should save and why it’s important. 07:00 – Net Worth & Financial PlanningHow to measure and track your progress. 10:00 – Debt Reduction StrategiesHow to approach paying off debt effectively. 14:25 – What to Do With Extra CashSmart ways to allocate surplus income. 18:00 – RecapKey takeaways and final advice. 🎯 Who This Episode Is For Service members building a financial foundationVeterans working to improve money managementAnyone struggling with budgeting or debtBeginners looking to understand personal finance basicsIndividuals wanting a simple, practical financial plan

    20 min

  8. Mar 26

    The Life Insurance Strategy Many Military Members Are Missing

    Life insurance isn’t something most people want to think about — but for military families, having the right coverage can make the difference between financial security and long-term hardship. In this episode of The Military Wallet, Ryan Guina sits down with Chad Armstrong to break down how life insurance fits into a complete financial plan — and what service members need to know about protecting their families both during and after military service. From understanding SGLI and VGLI to comparing term and whole life insurance, this conversation explains how to choose the right coverage, avoid costly gaps, and make decisions that support your family’s long-term financial future. Whether you’re currently serving, transitioning out of the military, or simply reviewing your financial plan, this episode explains how to make smarter life insurance decisions — and why waiting too long can come with serious consequences. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why life insurance is a critical part of financial planningHow Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) worksWhat Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) offers after serviceKey differences between SGLI and VGLIHow to calculate how much life insurance coverage you needWhy maintaining continuous coverage is so importantThe pros and cons of term life vs. whole life insuranceWhen term life insurance may be the better optionCommon mistakes military families make with life insuranceReal-world consequences of inadequate coverageHow to align your insurance with long-term financial goals⏱️ Episode Timeline 00:00 – IntroductionOverview of life insurance and why it matters for military families. 00:45 – SGLI, VGLI & Other OptionsBreaking down military-specific life insurance programs. 04:44 – How Much Coverage Do You Need?Strategies to calculate the right amount. 07:11 – Avoiding Coverage GapsWhy letting insurance lapse can be costly. 11:33 – SGLI vs. VGLIKey differences and when each applies. 17:15 – A Real-Life StoryThe emotional and financial impact of inadequate planning. 23:00 – Term Life vs. Whole LifeWhen term life may be the smarter choice. 27:48 – RecapKey takeaways and final advice. 🎯 Who This Episode Is For Active-duty service members reviewing their benefitsVeterans transitioning out of the militaryMilitary families focused on financial protectionAnyone deciding between term and whole life insuranceThose building a long-term financial plan

    29 min
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About

The Military Wallet podcast brings financial guidance for the military community from enlistment to retirement. This is the place to come for up to date information on current benefits programs for active duty members, retirees, members of the Guard and Reserves, veterans, and their family members. We cover topics such as military pay & benefits, military retirement pensions, VA disability claims, VA Loans, GI Bill, Thrift Savings Plan, and more.

Information

  • Creator
    The Military Wallet
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Military Wallet
  • Show Website
    The Military Wallet Podcast

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