Saving for Competing Priorities as a Veteran

The Veteran Saves Team brings you a special Veteran-focused mini-series to celebrate Veteran Saves Week, a four-day event encouraging veterans, transitioning service members, and their families or caregivers to do a financial check-in and gain a clear view of their finances.

In this episode, Amelia and Krystel focus on the challenge of managing competing financial priorities. From creating an emergency fund to paying off debt and saving for retirement, this episode provides veterans and their families with step-by-step strategies to take control of their finances and build financial security.

During the episode, we’ll dive into...

Introduction to Veteran Saves Week:

Veteran Saves Week provides veterans with the tools and support they need to manage their finances with confidence. Each day highlights a different theme, offering guidance on topics like housing, debt, banking, and transitioning from military to civilian life.

Today’s Theme – Balancing Competing Financial Priorities:

This episode is all about helping veterans balance various financial priorities, including saving for emergencies, paying down debt, and preparing for retirement, all while managing everyday expenses. Our goal is to make financial planning more manageable and less stressful for veterans, transitioning service members, and their families.

Veteran Saves Program Overview:

Veteran Saves supports veterans in achieving financial goals through resources, articles, videos, and reminders. Veterans can also take the Veteran Saves Pledge at VeteransSaves.org, which provides encouragement and guidance for reaching their savings goals.

Save or Skip Segment:

Scenario: What would you do if you received a $1,000 bonus? Would you put it toward retirement or use it to pay down debt? Takeaway: There's no right or wrong answer—it all depends on personal goals and financial priorities.

Steps for Balancing Financial Priorities:

• Break Down Your Financial Goals: Think of your goals in three categories—short-term, mid-term, and long-term—to help clarify what’s most important right now and in the future.
• Start with $500: Building a $500 emergency fund is a great starting point for financial security. Strategies include automating savings, setting aside portions of VA benefits, and using military discounts to save.
• Manage Debt Effectively: Consider the snowball or avalanche method to tackle debt in a way that fits your goals and keeps you motivated.
• Saving Flexibly: Remember, saving is a cyclical process, and it’s okay to use your emergency fund when needed. Automatic transfers can help you build back your savings over time.

Maximizing VA Benefits:

VA benefits can be essential financial tools, offering resources for healthcare, education, and job training. Utilizing benefits like the GI Bill, vocational programs, and financial counseling services can help veterans advance their careers and financial stability without stretching their budgets.

Aligning Financial Plans with Personal Values:

Reflecting on your core values—such as community support, financial independence, or enjoying meaningful experiences—can help make your financial journey more rewarding and aligned with what truly matters to you.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Veteran Saves Pledge: VeteranSaves.Org/Pledge 
• Create a Spending and Savings Plan: https://veteransaves.org/resource-center/insights/6-steps-to-establishing-a-spending-and-savings-plan-for-veterans-and-transitioning-military-personnel/ 
• Savings Plan On-Demand Workshop: https://youtu.be/m5ur5tt8JhA <