Take Action Now:
- Review and strengthen your core military and VA financial benefits
- Protect yourself and your family from financial risks
- Prepare for transition and long‑term financial stability
Resources for You:
- Office of Financial Readiness (DoW): The Department of War provides financial resources for service members through FINRED. It provides tailored guidance on the Blended Retirement System (BRS), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and managing money during deployments.
- VA Financial Literacy & Education: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers specialized tools to help veterans manage their benefits, understand VA Home Loans and protect themselves from predatory lending.
- Military OneSource: Money Management: Military OneSource provides 24/7 access to free financial counselors who understand the military lifestyle, offers help with tax preparation, debt management and the Savings Deposit Program (SDP).
- CFPB: Office of Servicemember Affairs (OSA): OSA focuses on consumer protection for the military community, helping service members exercise their rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
- SEC: Saving and Investing for Military Personnel: The Securities and Exchange Commission provides specific advice on military-targeted investment scams and how to build a portfolio while on active duty.
Transition and Family Support:
- TAP: Financial Planning for Transition: TAP provides mandatory financial counseling for those leaving the service to help bridge the gap between military pay and civilian salaries.
- FINRA Foundation: Military Programs: FINRA offers free credit scores and analysis tools specifically for military spouses and families to help maintain financial stability during PCS moves.
- Employment and Training Service (VETS): The U.S. Department of Labor’s VETS program connects veterans with resources to help translate military skills into high-paying civilian careers, a cornerstone of long-term financial health.
Programs and Resources to Power Your Financial Future:
- PA 529: Pennsylvania’s 529 College and Career Savings Program gives families a simple, flexible, and tax advantaged way to save for the rising costs of higher education, trade schools, apprenticeships, credential programs and K 12 learning—helping them plan for whatever educational path their children choose.
- Keystone Scholars: Keystone Scholars is a statewide program that provides an automatic $100 scholarship invested by Treasury for every child born to or adopted by a Pennsylvania family since 2019 to be used for future higher education and career training expenses.
- PA ABLE: PA ABLE Saving Program accounts provide Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their families the opportunity to save money tax-free without losing access to important benefits.
- Trump Accounts: Trump Accounts are tax-advantaged investment accounts for children to build resources early for education, business start-up costs or the purchase of a new home. Certain children may be eligible for $1,000 deposits provided by the U.S. Treasury or other philanthropic contributions.
- The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: This state agency provides programs and services concerning financial assistance and other services for veterans, active-duty military and their families.
