MILMO Show

Military life comes with lots of transitions and career decisions are a big one, especially for spouses navigating remote work, PCS moves, and family schedules. A big decision many milspouses face is whether to stick with the stability of a W-2 job or switch to the flexibility and income potential of 1099 contract work. In this episode, I'm answering a listener's question from Holly about whether...

Veteran homelessness is a heartbreaking reality that still exists in communities across the country. While many of us want to help, it can be hard to know where to start, or feel like what we can give really makes a difference. In this episode, Tom McLean and I are talking about how small, everyday actions can add up to real change for veterans in need. We talk about the current crisis of veteran...

Taking the oath and raising your right hand is a big moment. For many of us, it's one we never forget. But imagine if you could hand your younger enlisted or officer self a letter on that day. A letter full of the wisdom, hard work, and growth that military life and life itself were going to teach you.  In this episode, I'm doing just that. This is a letter I would have given to my 19-year-old sel...

There's a quiet shift happening in the way we spend money and it's costing us more than we realize. Small payments, auto-splits, and "buy now, pay later" options have become the new normal, and while they seem harmless, they're creating habits that lead to quiet, creeping debt. Especially in the military community, where transitions and tight budgets are already part of the equation, these modern...

When it comes to money, our emotions often drive the decisions we make and that's especially true in military life, where constant change, separation, and stress can shape how we spend, save, and communicate with those we love. But if we don't understand our financial behaviors, we can find ourselves repeating the same mistakes over and over, leading us to feel stuck. In this episode, I discuss th...

Transitioning out of the military isn't just about finding a new job. It's about redefining who you are. For many service members, especially those in the Special Operations community, leaving the military can feel like losing a piece of your identity, your purpose, and sense of belonging. In this episode, Kelly McGraw shares how to navigate the emotional and mental side of transition with tools t...

Planning for college is already overwhelming, but for military families, the maze of VA and DoD education benefits adds another layer of complexity. The good news? These resources can be a huge asset—if you know how to use them. In this episode, Kate Horrell shares smart, practical strategies from her new book College Finances for Military Families. You'll learn how to maximize the GI Bill, avoid...

Many people say they want to start a business, build wealth, or make an impact, but the truth is, they often stop short when things get tough. Whether it's fear, self-doubt, or a lack of direction, those roadblocks can keep people stuck. In this episode, T. Shane Johnson shares how he pushed past rock bottom and used his military experience, mental toughness, and belief in sales to build a life on...

Today is Memorial Day, a day of honor, reflection, and gratitude. Our community knows better than anyone that it's not just a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer. It's a time to remember the brave men and women who took an oath and gave everything in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the reason we have the freedom to chase our goals and live with purpose. In honor of those who...

Woodworking can be a deeply fulfilling hobby, a practical skill, or even a powerful form of therapy but turning it into a business? That's a whole different challenge. Many aspiring makers struggle to bridge the gap between creativity and profitability, especially when faced with the realities of tools, pricing, and risk. In this episode, Stoane Loudenslager shares how to turn woodworking into a p...

Life insurance might be uncomfortable to talk about, but avoiding the conversation could leave your loved ones without support when they need it most. Whether you're on active duty or transitioning to civilian life, it's essential to understand the protections you have and the ones you don't. In this episode, Heather Walrath covers everything from traumatic injury benefits and accelerated death pa...

Health Savings Accounts, better known as HSAs, can be a powerful tool for saving money and reducing your taxes, but they're often misunderstood, especially in the military community, where eligibility can get tricky. If you've ever been confused about how HSAs work, who qualifies, or how they compare to Flex Spending Accounts and TRICARE, you're not alone. In this episode, military spouse and fina...

Saving for education can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling military life, moves, and everything in between. Whether it's understanding your military benefits, choosing the right savings plan, or figuring out how to afford college for multiple kids at once, it can get complicated quickly. In this episode, Joe Brown shares strategies to help you plan for education expenses while mak...

Taxes can feel like a mystery, and for many, they're scary. Add in a military transition, accidental landlord, or a side hustle, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But understanding your taxes and planning ahead can make a huge difference, not just in your wallet, but in your peace of mind. In this episode, Forrest Baumhover shares his journey from Navy to financial planner to online educator, and...

When it comes to investing, everyone wants to know the secret—how do you make fast money in the stock market? It's a question that is as old as the market. The answer isn't as simple or as quick as most people would like it to be. In this episode, I'm talking about what it really takes to be a stock trader, how that's different from just wanting a hot tip, and why your financial plan should be tai...

We are all juggling two financial forces. The first is living our life today, and the second is securing our future. The hard part is finding balance. You can't take money with you to the grave, but you also must have a surplus ready for when you need it most. If we put too much focus on one, the other falls apart. That's where Yin and Yang can benefit our financial lives.  In this episode, I'm go...

Debt can feel like an overwhelming burden that creates growing anxiety for not only yourself but also your family. When you're in the thick of debt, it can be hard to know how to get started and the best path forward.  In this episode, I'm going over strategies to help you get control of your debt with action and help you on the path to financial success. https://milmo.co/podcast/breaking-free-fro...

We talk a lot about the struggles of transitioning out of the military – losing that sense of purpose, the steady paycheck, and the tribe you trust. But what we don't highlight enough is the flip side: how that transition can be a launchpad to an incredible career or business and a life you design.   In this episode, I'm sitting down with Brendan Aronson, a Marine turned entrepreneur who's all abo...

Starting and running a business solo is difficult even for the most knowledgeable and disciplined. It's hard to find the time of day and mental fortitude to be a jack of all trades. Hiring help can seem scary when you aren't sure if you'll make enough to pay them.  In this episode, I'm sharing how I've been testing and using freelancer marketplaces to hire experts to help me get tasks and projects...

We often hear about how debt or the lack of a financial cushion can trap us in a cycle of stress, forcing tough decisions that might dig us deeper into trouble. Often, it's not because we want to but because our finances leave us no choice. What we don't talk about enough is the flip side: how being debt-free and having savings can open doors to incredible opportunities in life.   In this special...

Food spending is often where budgets go off the rails—eating out adds up fast and can leave you with more waste than you are even aware of. With warmer weather pulling us outdoors and tempting us to splurge, now's the perfect time to revisit a fan-favorite episode. Today's an encore airing of What's Your Trash Worth ? https://milmo.co/podcast/whats-your-trash-worth For more MILMO, follow at: MILMO...

You don't need a big paycheck to build a big bright future. Even if you're starting as an E-1 with little left over after bills, you can set yourself up for financial freedom. It's not about where you start. It's about the consistent steps you take from there.  In this episode, I'm sharing a roadmap to go from E-1 to financial success. I'm talking about avoiding money traps, budgeting like it's yo...

Many service members, military spouses, and veterans have valuable knowledge, skills, and expertise to share with the world. But turning that expertise into a steady stream of income can feel like an overwhelming challenge. Where do you even start, and how can you create something that generates revenue, makes a meaningful impact or both?   In this episode, Stu McLaren, a membership expert, shares...

Leaving the military can mean your entire identity is changing. It can be overwhelming. What is next for you in your career and your mission?    In this episode, Olivia Nunn shares her journey from military service to becoming a leading advocate for mental health and an authority in the branding world. We'll dive into how she navigated the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, her insig...

Building wealth is a financial buzz phrase we hear a lot. We all want a build-up of wealth, but how do we get there, and what does that path look like for service members and their families? In this episode, Jerry Quinn, shares actionable insights for military families looking to build wealth and achieve financial success, what wealth-building means, and practical strategies for saving, investing,...