Financial wellness. It’s more than just the ability to pay your monthly bills. It’s an essential component of overall life satisfaction and well-being, making it important for military members to thoroughly plan and prepare for the transition into civilian life. Good financial planning can help Veterans create a budget that reflects their income, expenses, debt levels, savings goals, and other financial decisions. This week we were fortunate to speak with Lt. Col. (R) J.J. Montanaro, a Relationship Director with the USAA Military Affairs team, about how to financially prepare for your next chapter.

Financial Transition

The USAA Military Affairs team is comprised of retired joint service officers and noncommissioned officers who advocate for those currently serving in the military, Veterans, and their Families. They do this by supporting the military community through career assistance and financial readiness advice. They believe that like every mission, you must start with a plan and be deliberate about your finances.

Service members and Veterans should consider all aspects of financial wellness such as education savings plans, investment options, health insurance, life insurance and retirement planning. Ultimately, the goal is to create a comprehensive financial strategy that allows military Families to achieve their objectives while maintaining fiscal responsibility and stability through the first 8-12 months of transition. With thorough planning and preparation, military members can and will make a successful shift into civilian life.

To help with these things, USAA also has a host of resources, checklists and tools that can be used to help plan life after the military. Check out their transition website for employment assistance, coverage options and other financial considerations to think through.

For More Information

Please watch the full video of this week’s Your Next Mission^® video podcast episode on our website, our YouTube channel, or our newly launched Rumble video channel.

Your Next Mission^® is a program initiative of the American Freedom Foundation, a non-profit
dedicated to serving our Veterans and Families. Your Next Mission^® video podcast with host
12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley features insightful conversation with subject matter experts from the
military and civilian communities. It’s a place where we can have frank and honest
conversation, tackle the tough questions, share stories, and have some fun along the way.