Military Retirement Archives

Retirement Planning: How to Save More

Remember the dark days after the financial collapse in 2008? Many investors tossed quarterly investment account statements into unopened piles. Some did grim mental calculations of how much longer they would have to work to save for retirement. These days, thanks to recent stock market gains, investors may be able to look at those 401(k), IRA and stock portfolio statements again without cringing. But for those who think markets are headed bac... more

Retiree's Thoughts on Transition

Military.com

Financial Planning I am not going to tell you which stocks, bonds or mutual funds to buy. But, I will hopefully stimulate some thoughts as you make a significant financial transition in your life. A very small number of military retirees truly retire when they leave the service. However, for most military retirees, retirement means starting a second career when they are not financially secure enough to stop working. In most cases, this second... more

Time to Rally Around Roth?

USAA

With the threat of a big tax increase in January, investing in a Roth IRA now might be a good idea. Why? A Roth IRA is a source of potentially tax-free retirement income. Here are some other reasons why you might want to consider a Roth. The Roth Rundown Before exploring that move, it's important to understand why Roth IRAs can be appealing. "That starts with the fact that qualified withdrawals of earnings are completely free from federal in... more

When You're Already Behind on Retirement

USAA

Maybe you cared more about Woodstock than shares of stock. Or it could be that you kept a closer eye on your favorite MTV VJ than on your 401(k). Whatever the reason, you've put off saving for your retirement -- until now. With retirement on the horizon, you worry that you're too late, that you'll never amass enough money, that your retirement dreams will stay just dreams. If that's you, then listen up: It's not too late! If you're within 20... more

Leaving the Military: Civilian Pay and Benefits

USAA

A lot of changes occur when you leave the military, especially in the area of pay and benefits. You may not have spent a lot of time analyzing your military pay and benefits package, but as you transition out of the military, you'll need to closely examine what you'll be paid in the civilian world and what your benefits will cost. Here are a few points to consider: Taxes may take a bigger bite. Military tax-free allowances like the Basic All... more