We know managing finances is a concern of many of our service members and veterans, that’s why we have compiled this list of financial resources and assistance available to you.
Veterans Benefits and Assistance
The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers a variety of benefits and services that provide financial and other forms of assistance to service members, veterans, their dependents and survivors. Visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs at www.benefits.va.gov
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs helps connect veterans and their family members to the benefits and services they earned through their military service. Their website has information on local benefits and how to request assistance. www.dva.wa.gov.
Financial Counseling
Counseling on financial issues such as budgeting, money management, and debt consolidation is available for free to active duty, Guard, and Reserve members. Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 and ask for it. You must go through Military OneSource in order to access the sessions at no cost. Information about Financial Counseling
Home Loans
The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helps service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. VA provides a home loan guaranty benefit and other housing-related programs to help you buy, build, repair, retain, or adapt a home for your own personal occupancy. VA Home Loans Information
Free Social Security Benefits Tool for Veterans Day
This Veterans Day (November 11, 2013), Kiplinger's Social Security Solutions will offer its powerful online tool free to all veterans. The highly regarded tool will create a personalized report showing how when you claim Social Security benefits will affect how much you (and your spouse, if married) will receive each month. The tool will suggest a claiming strategy to maximize your benefits that could add $100,000 or more to your lifetime income. Access the free tool at www.socialsecurityforveterans.com.
Education – Student Loans
There are several student aid programs for veterans and their dependents. FinAid’s website has compiled a number of these programs. Student Loan Options for Veterans
Starting a Business
The Small Business Administration offers programs and assistance to veterans interested in starting a small business. Small Business Administration for Veterans
Finding a Job
VetSuccess.va.gov is a one stop site for veterans who are looking for work. Browse job listings, post your resume, and apply for jobs directly on the site.
Free Publications
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Financial Field Manual for Military Families (pdf)
A personal finance guide for military families from Kipliner and the BBB. -
A Salute to Smart Investing (pdf)
Lightbulb Press and the Investor Protection Trust offer this free booklet to educate the military and veterans about investing wisely and avoiding fraud.
Whether on-base or deployed overseas, it is crucial that military members have access to financial education information that enables them to make prudent saving and investing decisions for themselves and their families. SaveAndInvest.org offers a multifaceted program that includes online and on-the-ground training to make sure you're supported at key financial milestones. www.saveandinvest.org
Military Saves
Military Saves encourages the military community to build wealth and save for their future. The Military Saves website features information and resources to help you get started. www.militarysaves.org
North American Securities Administrators Association
The North American Securities Administrator Association maintains an investing resource page specifically for military service members. NASAA Resources for Military
SEC resources for Military Service members
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Office of Investor Education and Advocacy has teamed with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and the Department of Defense on a multi-faceted financial education program serving members of the military and their families. SEC Resources for Military