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August 1, 2005

[Have an opinion about the issues discussed in this article? Sound off in our Discussion Boards.]

By Richard Nash
Stars and Stripes Pacific edition

While base salaries for servicemembers can be modest, there are other opportunities to achieve financial security in the military. Troops who maximize their benefits could be the envy of their private-sector counterparts.

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the military's most powerful tool for securing a comfortable retirement. As a servicemember, you can contribute up to 10 percent of your basic pay to the plan. This amount can be allocated across a range of investments. Since the contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, the money can grow tax-deferred until it is withdrawn at age 59½ or later. Though retirement may seem a lifetime away, contributing to the TSP as early as possible allows you to harness the power of compound earnings and build a sizeable nest egg.

The advantages of the TSP don't stop there. If you contribute to the TSP from your basic pay, you're also eligible to contribute up to 100 percent of any special pay or incentive pay (up to the plan limits). Combat pay and other tax-free pay remains tax-free in the plan, which can provide a tremendous boost to your savings effort.

On top of TSP retirement funds, career military members also can count on a military pension after 20 years of service. It's a lucrative combination that's hard to find in the civilian world.

All the money in the world doesn't matter if you don't have your health. And through Tricare, the military health insurance plan, service members have access to a complete system of government and civilian medical and wellness facilities. The basic Tricare option is free to active-duty service members. Families opting for more flexible coverage pay only a modest annual deductible and a small percentage of the costs for treatment.

Compared with most private health insurance plans, Tricare can save hundreds or thousands of dollars each year. The savings can really add up over time.

If you have a spouse, kids or significant debt, life insurance is important to ensure your surviving loved ones don't face financial hardship in the event of a tragedy. Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) offers a low-cost policy for which servicemembers are automatically enrolled upon joining the military.

Since the cost for coverage stays the same regardless of your age and military duties, SGLI can provide peace of mind for a price that's hard to beat. While you have the option to choose less or no coverage, it's not a decision that should be taken lightly.

For servicemembers who couldn't afford college after high school, the military opens a new world of possibilities. In addition to on-the-job training and valuable life experiences, the military covers a large part of the cost for you to advance your education while on active duty. And for separated members who completed a 36-month enlistment, the Montgomery G.I. Bill provides tuition assistance for a variety of college or technical certification programs.

These benefits save money in the short-term and pay off even more in the form of higher earning power later in life.

Beyond the core components of the military benefits package, the less-publicized perks of life in the service also add up. To name a few:

• Guaranteed home loans and other benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• At-cost shopping at commissaries and post exchanges.
• Free legal services from the JAG office.
• Discounts on travel and special rates on some financial services.

As a member of the military, take advantage of opportunities to save money, invest it wisely and create a secure financial future for your family.

Richard Nash is a salaried Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner with USAA Financial Planning Services. USAA is a diversified insurance and financial services organization that has served the military community since 1922.

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©2005 Stars & Stripes. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of Military.com.