As a military spouse, managing a household budget is not always easy. Every time we move, we spend our savings to cover expenses. When my husband is deployed, I must typically choose between paying more for child care or cutting back on my work hours. We’ve lived in high cost-of-living areas, as well as low-cost locations. Each one brought its own challenges and caused me to seek out new supportive resources.
One thing that’s helped me manage the bills throughout the inconsistencies of military life is learning more about our finances. When I’m educated on all the options we have for saving and growing our income, I feel more empowered to make the strongest choice for our family. April is Financial Literacy Month, so let’s look at some free resources that can help military families handle their finances and make the most of their hard-earned money.
Military OneSource MilLife Guides
Here’s an easy resource for anyone trying to learn more about finances: Military OneSource. There you’ll find a huge number of resources, articles and calculators at your fingertips. The MilLife Guides section features personal finance topics specific to military life, like the Blended Retirement System, Military Flexible Spending Accounts, and Military Pay. You can also find useful information on general money topics like financial management and controlling debt.
Military OneSource also connects military families with free financial counselors by phone or video call. These professionals understand military life. Check out the Financial Counseling page to get started.
FINRED’S Sen$e App
The Defense Department’s Office of Financial Readiness created the Sen$e app to help military families learn about money. This free app teaches basic budgeting and savings skills while explaining how military pay works. It also provides guidance for handling big expenses that come with military life. They help families understand military benefits and plan for the future.
MilSpouse Money Mission
Military spouses created MilSpouse Money Mission to help other spouses handle family finances. Their articles explain common military spouse financial situations, like how to find jobs that move with you or strategies to manage money during deployment. The page provides resources for major milestones in military life, like getting married, buying a house, going through deployment, having a baby or getting a pay raise.
Steps to Take This Month
With so many free resources out there, it can be difficult to decide where to start. During April, commit to taking a step forward from wherever you are on your financial journey. Whether you’re new to military life or close to retirement, these tools can help you manage money better. Each resource offers different help, so try a few to find what works for your family.
Start improving your family’s finances with these simple steps:
- Look at how you spend money now
- Pick a savings goal
- Try one of the free tools listed above
- Talk about your money plans with your family
This month, take this opportunity to learn more, explore a new tool, and try something new that might benefit your family.
Take Action for Your Financial Future
Financial Literacy Month reminds us that managing money is an ongoing journey. The military community has created valuable resources to support that journey — from Military OneSource’s planning tools to FINRED’s mobile app and the MilSpouse Money Mission’s practical guides. Each resource offers a different approach to building financial knowledge and confidence.
Start small by exploring just one of these resources this month. Perhaps begin with a financial counseling session through Military OneSource. Set a manageable goal like creating a basic budget or starting an emergency fund. Remember that every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to financial stability.
Building financial literacy takes time, especially with the unique challenges of military life. Choose one area to focus on, celebrate your progress and keep building your knowledge. These free resources will be here to support you and your family throughout your military financial journey.
Blog Brigade unites military spouses by creating a community built on shared experiences and mutual support. Navigating the complexities of military life can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Military OneSource offers valuable resources focused on well-being, readiness, and connection. Explore a range of financial resources and tools tailored to meet your needs.
