JJ Montanaro

Joseph "JJ" Montanaro is a certified financial planner professional (CFP^®). He is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, and earned his bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. He also holds a master’s degree in personal financial planning from Kansas State. JJ is a director on the USAA Military Advocacy team.

Montanaro has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is a regular contributor to Military.com and also writes monthly personal finance columns for American Legion and Military Spouse magazines. Before entering the financial services industry, he served in the Army for six years on active duty, and in 2009, he retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve.

Latest Articles

Military Spouses: The Unsung CFOs of Military Families

Let’s face it: Behind nearly every financially sound military family is a military spouse juggling more spreadsheets (and...

A toy moving truck is on top of scattered U.S. $100 bills.

PCS Season Survival Guide: Financial Tips for Military Families on the Move

Here are four steps to help make your PCS smoother, smarter and less financially frustrating.

The words "estate planning" appear in black letters sideways on lined notebook papers, on a wood desktop surrounded by office items and coffee.

Wills and More: These Are the Legal Documents Every Military Household Needs

Estate planning isn’t just about protecting your assets; it’s about protecting your family from unnecessary stress and...

A hand holding a pen appears to be checking items on a list amid graphic icons representing forms of insurance.

Preparing for the Worst: 5 Steps to Review and Update Insurance Policies for Financial Security

The key to staying protected is making insurance reviews a regular part of your financial routine -- because the last thing...

On red background, cash money with handwritten note EMERGENCY FUND, financial goal to save money for contingency fund, set money aside for unexpected expenses or safety net for future distress.

Your 2025 Emergency Fund: How Military Households Can Weather the Storm

A readily accessible pool of cash in the form of an emergency fund provides a crucial buffer against financial shocks...

Social security card and American money dollar bills close up concept

Retirement Savings To-Do Lists for Military Households

The key to a successful retirement isn't just saving; it's setting up guaranteed lifetime income so that your essential...

A pie baking in a dark oven with sideways lighting appears to be made out of U.S. bills.

7 Financial Fundamentals for Military Families

Let’s take a look at the essential ingredients that make up a well-rounded financial life.

Man is dropping coins into a blue piggy bank, symbolizing the act of saving and financial responsibility.

How Military Families Can Take Control of Their Finances

The fundamental principle of financial success boils down to a simple yet powerful concept we shared with our kids: Spend...

Hands hold a printed mock-up of a credit report, implying a person is reading the report.

How Military Families Can Manage Debt and Build a Stronger Credit Score

Approach debt with caution, respect and a plan, and you'll ensure it works for you -- not against you.

A close-up of Benjamin Franklin's eye, eyebrow, nose, cheek and hair from the U.S. $100 bill.

Military Households: Here's the Most Important Financial Advice You'll Ever Receive

Without a financial plan, your budgeting, saving, investing, tax, insurance protection and retirement planning just float...

5 Ways Military Families Can Start to Get Ahead Financially

Here are five actionable ideas derived from certified financial planner JJ Montanaro's take on the first Military Financial...

Pictured from directly above, a hand holds folded cash in the foreground and a belt, jeans and a wood floor appear blurry.

More Money, Less Debt: New Study Reveals Military Households' Financial Trajectory Since 2019

While many military families appear to be doing better than their civilian counterparts financially, they still face...

A man's hands form a roof over people-shaped green paper cutouts.

Protecting Your Family as You Leave the Military: 3 Options and an Imperative

As you prepare to take off the uniform, take the steps necessary to ensure that in the event of your death, your family won't...

Four stacks of coins with the digits of 2025 on top increase in size from left to right until arriving at a white piggy bank.

Your Year-End Financial Action Plan, Part 4: Maximizing Retirement

Use this year-end evaluation as an opportunity to discuss and get aligned on your retirement goals and portfolio.

A silhouetted person pushes the letters of the word debt off a cliff

Your Year-End Financial Action Plan, Part 3: Tackling Debt

While you may not be able to dig all the way out of debt in 2024, you can clearly chart a path that will allow you to get...

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