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

    TSP Basics for Service Members: Matching, Contributions, and Investing

    The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) can be one of the most valuable tools service members have for building retirement savings, but understanding matching contributions, contribution rules, and investment choices can be confusing when you're getting started. In this Military Wallet Mail Call episode, host Ryan Guina answers reader questions about the TSP basics service members should understand. Ryan explains when automatic and matching contributions begin under the Blended Retirement System, how the military match works once you're fully eligible, and why contributing enough to receive the full match can be so important. He also covers where TSP contributions can come from, why you generally can't deposit personal savings or an inheritance directly into your TSP, and how rollovers from eligible retirement accounts work differently. Finally, Ryan breaks down the five individual TSP funds, including the G, F, C, S, and I Funds, and explains how Lifecycle Funds combine those investments into a diversified portfolio that automatically adjusts over time. He also discusses why an L Fund can be a straightforward starting point for service members who aren't yet comfortable choosing their own investment allocation. Subscribe to The Military Wallet Podcast for more conversations about military pay, benefits, retirement planning, and personal finance. What questions do you have about the TSP? Leave them in the comments and we may answer them in a future Mail Call episode. For more information, check out TheMilitaryWallet.com ------ 0:00 – Intro 0:17 – When TSP contributions and matching begin 3:05 – What the TSP vesting period means 4:05 – How to receive the full TSP match 5:15 – Can savings or an inheritance go into your TSP? 6:01 – How to use outside money to increase TSP contributions 7:35 – When rollovers can add money to your TSP 8:41 – Individual TSP funds vs. Lifecycle Funds 9:35 – Understanding the G and F Funds 10:36 – Understanding the C, S, and I Funds 12:54 – How TSP Lifecycle Funds work 14:04 – How to decide where to invest 16:52 – Outro ------ #TSP #MilitaryFinance #MilitaryRetirement

  2. Aug 11

    Why Military Spouse Employment Matters to Military Readiness

    Military spouses often face career disruptions that can make it difficult to build and maintain long-term professional momentum. Frequent PCS moves can mean leaving a job, starting over with a new employer, accepting work below your experience level, or stepping away from a career altogether. In this episode of The Military Wallet Podcast, host Ryan Guina speaks with National Military Spouse Network founder and president Sue Hoppin about why military spouse employment is not just a family issue, but an important part of military readiness and, ultimately, national security. Ryan and Sue discuss the challenges military spouses face when relocating, including underemployment, childcare shortages, overseas employment restrictions, and the difficulty of maintaining career continuity through repeated moves. They also look at areas where progress has been made, including licensing and credential reciprocity, while exploring how remote work, entrepreneurship, self-advocacy, professional networks, and stronger policy consistency could help more spouses remain employed throughout a military career. The conversation also looks at the long-term financial impact of interrupted careers, including lost income, reduced retirement savings, and fewer opportunities for career growth. Ryan and Sue discuss how spouse employment affects recruiting and retention, why military families need a stronger voice in policy discussions, and how changes such as expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to military spouses could create more opportunities for employers to hire from this talent pool. Subscribe to The Military Wallet Podcast for more conversations about military careers, benefits, personal finance, and the issues affecting service members, veterans, and their families. What has been the biggest employment challenge your military family has faced? Share your experience in the comments. For more information, check out TheMilitaryWallet.com Connect With Sue Hoppin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suehoppin/ Connect With the National Military Spouse Network: Website: https://www.nationalmilitaryspousenetwork.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NMSNetwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmsnetwork/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-military-spouse-network/ ------ 0:00 – Intro0:38 – Meet military spouse employment advocate Sue Hoppin1:30 – How big is the military spouse employment problem?3:03 – Why underemployment is difficult to measure4:28 – Are military employment surveys asking the right questions?7:03 – How PCS moves disrupt military spouse careers7:53 – Why policy consistency matters for spouse employment11:53 – The challenges of working overseas13:35 – Progress on licensing and credential reciprocity17:16 – How military spouses are helping each other find opportunities19:36 – Why childcare remains a major employment barrier23:41 – Can remote work make military spouse careers more portable?27:03 – The long-term financial cost of interrupted careers31:20 – Retirement savings and the power of starting early33:48 – When spouse employment becomes a readiness issue37:09 – Giving military families a stronger voice in policy41:56 – Programs and policies that could improve spouse employment44:59 – How the National Military Spouse Network is advocating for change48:46 – Resources and opportunities for military spouses51:34 – How to connect with the National Military Spouse Network52:23 – Outro ------ #MilitarySpouse #MilitaryFamilies #MilitaryReadiness

  3. Jul 28

    VA Disability Claims: What Veterans Need to Know Before Filing

    Filing a VA disability claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure which type of claim to submit, what evidence the VA needs, or how to prepare for a C&P exam. In this first The Military Wallet Mail Call episode, host Ryan Guina is joined by retired senior non-commissioned officer and VA benefits expert Chad Armstrong to answer common questions from veterans and military families. Ryan and Chad explain the difference between a standard claim and a fully developed claim, what to expect during a compensation and pension exam, and how veterans can prepare without exaggerating or downplaying their symptoms. They also discuss the types of evidence that can strengthen a claim, including service treatment records, private medical records, buddy letters, medical opinions, and symptom trackers. The conversation also covers more complicated situations, including filing years after leaving the military, proving service in locations connected to presumptive conditions, and building a case when military records are missing or difficult to read. Chad explains why veterans should carefully review denial letters, understand what evidence is still missing, and seek qualified help when a claim becomes too complex to manage alone. Subscribe to The Military Wallet Podcast for more practical conversations about VA benefits, military pay, retirement, and financial planning for service members, veterans, and their families. What questions do you have about VA disability claims or the C&P exam process? Share them in the comments for a future Mail Call episode. For more information, check out TheMilitaryWallet.com Connect With Chad Armstrong: Website: https://aceveteranconsulting.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aceveteranconsulting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aceveteranconsulting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadjarmstrong/ ------ 0:00 – Intro0:57 – Standard claims vs. fully developed claims1:44 – When a fully developed claim makes sense4:13 – What to expect at a VA C&P exam6:56 – Why veterans should not downplay their symptoms7:18 – How to prepare for your C&P exam9:35 – Using notes and understanding the rating criteria10:03 – What evidence can strengthen a VA disability claim11:03 – The three things every successful claim needs13:47 – Filing years after leaving the military14:24 – Proving service connection with missing records15:31 – Creative ways to document where you served17:13 – When to seek help with a complex VA claim19:10 – What denial letters can tell you19:46 – Where to learn more from Chad Armstrong20:09 – Outro ------ #VADisability #VeteransBenefits #VAClaims

  4. Jul 22

    What the 2027 Military Pay Raise Could Mean for Your Family

    Military pay raises are usually applied evenly across the board, but lawmakers are considering something different for 2027. One proposal would provide a larger raise for junior enlisted troops, while senior service members would receive a smaller percentage increase. In this episode of The Military Wallet Podcast, host Ryan Guina speaks with military journalist and researcher Jennifer Barnhill about why Congress may target additional pay toward the service members who need it most. Ryan and Jennifer explain how military pay raises are determined, the differences between the House and Senate proposals, and why recruiting, retention, and readiness influence compensation decisions. They also examine the financial pressures facing military households, including food insecurity, rising housing costs, childcare expenses, military spouse unemployment, and limited access to assistance programs. Beyond the proposed raise, Ryan and Jennifer look at what it reveals about the financial realities of military life. They discuss why compensation decisions affect more than take-home pay, influencing morale, retention, and whether service remains sustainable for military families over the long term. Subscribe to The Military Wallet Podcast for more conversations about military pay, benefits, personal finance, and the issues affecting service members, veterans, and their families. What changes would make the greatest difference for today’s military families? Share your thoughts in the comments. For more information, check out TheMilitaryWallet.com Connect With Jennifer Barnhill: Website: https://www.jenniferbarnhill.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermbarnhill/ Check Out Jennifer's Book, The Military Stories You've Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQKTN152 ------ 0:00 – Intro 0:44 – How annual military pay raises are determined 2:22 – The competing 2027 military pay raise proposals 3:38 – How military families and advocates influence policy 4:29 – Why recruiting, retention, and readiness affect pay 5:55 – Why military spouse income now matters more 7:39 – The history of targeted military pay raises 11:15 – Why junior enlisted troops may receive more 13:49 – How rising living costs strain military budgets 16:02 – SNAP, WIC, and support for struggling families 18:55 – What a targeted pay raise could accomplish 20:45 – Why today’s military families face different challenges 22:49 – The risk of pay compression between ranks 26:13 – Why higher pay alone will not solve the problem 29:42 – Building better housing, childcare, and family support 32:14 – Jennifer Barnhill’s book and where to follow her 33:13 – Outro ------ #militarypay #militaryfamilies #militaryfinance

  5. Jul 4

    How Military Families Can Pay for College Without Going Broke

    Paying for college is challenging for almost any family—but military families often have access to unique education benefits that can dramatically reduce the cost when used strategically. In this episode of The Military Wallet Podcast, host Ryan Guina sits down with military finance expert and author Kate Horrell to discuss how families can make the most of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, 529 plans, scholarships, state education benefits, and other resources to create a college funding strategy that works for their unique situation. Whether you're planning for one child or several, this conversation offers practical guidance to help you make informed financial decisions before tuition bills arrive. Ryan and Kate explain why college planning should be viewed as a family-wide financial strategy rather than a series of individual decisions. They cover lesser-known GI Bill transfer rules, common misconceptions about the Yellow Ribbon Program, ways to combine military education benefits with scholarships and state programs, and how thoughtful planning can stretch your education dollars much further. They also discuss alternatives to traditional four-year colleges, including community college, apprenticeships, and trade schools, giving military families a broader perspective on higher education. If you're an active-duty service member, veteran, military spouse, or parent preparing for college expenses, this episode provides practical strategies that can help you maximize the benefits you've earned while avoiding costly mistakes. Every family's situation is different, but understanding your options before making major education decisions can save thousands of dollars and create more opportunities for everyone involved. Subscribe for more conversations about military money, benefits, investing, and financial readiness. Comment below: What questions do you have about paying for college or using your GI Bill benefits? We'd love to hear from you. For more information, check out TheMilitaryWallet.com Connect With Kate Horrell: Website: https://www.katehorrell.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katehorrell/ Check Out Kate's Book, College Finances for Military Families: https://www.amazon.com/College-Finances-Military-Families-Confidently/dp/B0F9NDL54P ------ 0:00 – Intro 0:39 – Meet military finance expert Kate Horrell 3:10 – Why college planning should be a family strategy 5:37 – Different ways military families can pay for college 7:22 – Transfer your GI Bill the right way 11:08 – Maximize GI Bill benefits for multiple children 14:11 – Scholarships, 529 plans, and state education benefits 18:31 – Build a college funding plan that saves money 22:23 – Set realistic college expectations with your kids 27:21 – Smart ways to lower the cost of college 31:38 – When professional college planning help makes sense 34:50 – College alternatives worth considering 40:31 – Yellow Ribbon myths and hidden GI Bill strategies 45:40 – Kate Horrell's book and final college planning advice 46:47 – Outro ------ #militaryfinance #gibill #collegeplanning

  6. Jun 18

    You CAN Build Wealth on Active Duty the Automated Way. Here's How!

    If you want to learn essential military financial literacy strategies to help manage your money with confidence and build long-term wealth, this episode is for you. Today, host Ryan Guina sits down with Darius Lester, an active duty financial literacy educator and the founder of Mammoth Money Mindset. Darius breaks down practical steps for military members and their families to take control of their finances. Whether you are currently serving or transitioning out, this conversation provides actionable advice on budgeting, debt elimination, and strategic saving. Darius opens up about his personal journey, from starting with zero financial literacy to saving $30,000 during his first four years in the military using a strict "out of sight, out of mind" automation strategy. We dive deep into the unique money challenges service members face, including the temptation to overspend when moving out of the dorms, navigating complex family financial dynamics, and overcoming the psychological trauma or limiting beliefs tied to money. Discover why Darius believes math is only a small fraction of personal finance, and why mastering your mindset is the real key to success. He shares his top actionable tools for wealth-building, including maximizing the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), leveraging high-yield savings accounts without fear, and using digital budgeting tools like Undebt.it, Rocket Money, and Qube Money. Whether you are a brand-new service member looking to set up your first allotments or a seasoned veteran aiming for early retirement, this interview provides the ultimate blueprint to stop living paycheck to paycheck and start putting your wealth on autopilot. Subscribe for weekly personal finance tips and comment below with your biggest question about managing money during or after service. For more information, check out ⁠⁠TheMilitaryWallet.com Connect with Darius Lester: Website: https://www.mammoth-money.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MammothMoneyAcademy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darius-lester-003550150/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmoneymammoth/ Skool: https://www.skool.com/mammothmoney/ ------ 00:00 Intro 00:10 Meet Darius Lester 00:54 Growing up without financial literacy 01:31 Saving $30,000 in his first four years - the "out of sight, out of mind" rule 02:10 Learning about credit cards in the military 02:45 Real estate vs. luxury cars 03:04 Joining Robin Hood to be part of the stock market 03:40 The turning point: Getting a sign to start a financial coaching business 04:35 Taking the entrepreneur leap of faith 05:10 The story behind "Mammoth Money Mindset" 06:01 The psychology of money, not just the math 07:05 Automating the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 08:14 Letting the computer manage your money 09:20 Handling pay raises and promotions 10:04 Building a 3-to-6-month emergency fund 10:51 The stigma of High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSA) 12:22 Stock market investing using the S&P 500 history 14:02 Budgeting and tackling high-interest credit card debt 15:35 Common mistakes 17:11 Navigating difficult family financial dynamics and cultural expectations 18:28 The "Richest Man in Babylon" rule 19:11 Powerful tech tools for financial success: Undebt.it, Rocket Money, and Qube Money 21:09 Why tracking your spreadsheet every month matters 21:55 The golden rule of finance: "Pay Yourself First" 23:14 Taking care of family post-military 25:10 The impact of COVID 27:47 Other areas of coaching Darius offers 31:20 After the "dorm life" 36:00 Understanding "family issues" 39:29 Helpful tools and apps 47:10 Financial success according to Darius 51:00 How to connect with Darius ------ For more information, check out TheMilitaryWallet.com #MilitaryFinance #financialliteracy #Mammothmoneymindset

  7. Jun 9

    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

  8. 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

See All (56)

4.7
out of 5
65 Ratings

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
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Military Wallet
  • Show Website
    The Military Wallet Podcast