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Navigating the military financial lifecycle

Whether you’re a servicemember entering basic training or you just hung up the uniform, we can help you handle financial challenges at every step of your military career. Get the resources .

Financial basics for new and current servicemembers

Servicemembers are expected to keep their finances in order at every step of their military career. Learn how. 

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)

The SCRA is a law that provides legal and financial protections to those who have answered the call to serve.

Borrowing money: Your rights under the Military Lending Act (MLA)

The MLA includes a number of rights for servicemembers and dependents. If you qualify, you can’t be charged an annual percentage rate higher than 36% on most types of consumer loans.

Dealing with debt collection

There are laws that spell out what debt collectors can say or do. Know your rights if you get a call about a debt.

Servicemembers, arm yourself with basic car buying skills

Before you rush off to the nearest car dealer advertising “Military – low payments, no interest, or zero down,” let us arm you with some basic car buying and car financing skills.

Strategies for tackling student loan debt

You may have options for lowering your interest rates, reducing monthly payments and qualifying for student loan forgiveness based on your public service. Take action today.

Servicemembers, take these immediate actions for a strong financial future

The immediate actions toward financial freedom include three basic steps: first, pay off high-interest debt; second, set goals and make a financial plan; and third, start saving and investing early.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and deployments

Moving is a military fact of life and often means managing financial challenges ranging from dealing with leases to sometimes having others make decisions on your behalf.

Use alerts to protect your finances

Whether you’re overseas or in the US, protect your finances with these fraud and identity theft alerts.

Delegating financial management during deployment

Giving a trusted person the power of attorney to make financial decisions for you while you’re away can provide peace of mind. Learn more about how it works and if it’s for you.

PCS’ing with an auto lease

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows active duty servicemembers to terminate an auto lease without paying early termination charges in some circumstances.

Handling PCS orders and an underwater home loan

If you owe more on your home than it’s worth and have received PCS orders, you may be able to sell your home and not have to pay back the remaining balance.

Transitions and life events

Learn more about handling other events in your personal financial life, from buying a home to raising a family with strong money management skills.

Buying a home: What you need to know

Whether you’re just thinking about buying a home or about to close, we can help you take control of the home loan process.

Safely consolidating credit card debt

If you’re considering rolling your debts into one monthly payment, we have what you need to know and where you can find a non-profit credit counselor to help you explore your options.

Set money goals that reflect your life

Making a plan ahead of time is the easiest way to navigate changes in income, priorities, or goals.

Teach your kids money management skills

You can teach your children basic money management skills today with these easy-to-use, age-appropriate activities and discussion topics.

Leaving the service and veterans’ issues

From GI Bill® benefits to Social Security, leaving the service requires navigating a different set of financial challenges. 

Going to college: Make the most of GI Bill benefits

The new GI Bill is the most generous education benefit since WWII. Use the Department of Veterans Affairs tool to make informed decisions when using those hard-earned benefits. 

Considering a pension advance? Avoid these traps

Many people depend on a pension to cover day-to-day as well as occasional unexpected expenses. Learn how to protect yours.

Can debt collectors take your Social Security or VA benefits?

Generally, a debt collector cannot take funds from your Social Security or VA benefits directly from your bank account or prepaid card.  

Know your Social Security benefits before deciding to retire

Our Planning for Retirement interactive tool can help you make an informed decision about when to claim Social Security and what to expect.