The Military Money Manual Podcast

Starting January 28, 2026, military members can finally convert their traditional TSP to Roth while still serving...and if you're deployed to a combat zone, you could convert tens of thousands at near-zero tax rates. Brian "ALF" O'Neill from Wingman Wealth breaks down the game-changing TSP in-plan conversion feature and reveals why this could be a 6- or 7-figure lifetime tax savings for service me...

Leaving thousands of dollars in credit card offers on the table because you forgot to activate them? Brooke Merkle from  CardPointers reveals how the Chrome extension and app automatically track 40+ credit cards, find the best card for every purchase, and helped one user rack up $40,000 in statement credits, all without spreadsheets or mental math. CardPointers is a tool that automatically adds cr...

Is 2026 the year you finally take control of your military finances? With a 3.8% pay raise, new TSP contribution limits of $24,500, and proven strategies that helped one E-7 reach $600,000 in net worth by year 14, Spencer and Jamie break down exactly how to build wealth while serving, even if you're starting from scratch or recovering from financial setbacks. In this episode, we provide a comprehe...

What have learned as we've recorded over 200 episodes now? What have we changed our minds about? We reflect back on our years of podcasting, recording over 200 episodes with hundreds of positive reviews, hundreds of thousands of downloads, and hopefully countless military families helped. In this milestone 200th episode, Spencer and Jamie sit down in person to reflect on four years of the Military...

$7,500 is the new maximum amount you can contribute for your IRA in 2027. We recommend generally that you and your spouse (if applicable) both do Roth IRAs, after 5% to the the TSP for the match.   Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor  sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call.  militarymoneymanual.com/men...

What if you could fly your family to Europe in first class, stay at luxury resorts for $400 a week, and spend less on vacation than you do at home? Chelsey from Camouflage Perks shares how military families are using fee-waived credit cards and exclusive military discounts to travel the world. Today's guest is Chelsey from Camouflage Perks - Military spouse and travel expert with 45,000+ Instagram...

Don't want to feel stressed about money this holiday season? Here are 5 ways to prepare your family's mindset and spending for the season of giving! Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one  Military Money Mentor  sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call.  militarymoneymanual.com/mentor Over 20,000 military servicemembers and mili...

Join Spencer Reese and Carissa Rawson, Director of Travel and Marketing at Rove and Air Force veteran, for an in-depth discussion about maximizing credit card rewards and travel benefits as a military service member. Carissa shares her journey from enlisted Arabic translator to becoming a leading voice in military credit card content, having written for The Points Guy, NerdWallet, USA Today, and F...

Hot new bennies are live on one of our favorite cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve! EDIT TO ONE MISPEAK IN EPISODE: site to search for Chase Dining benefit locations is https://useyourcredits.com/maps/chase-reserve/ As of 10/26/25, many new benefits are available for you to activate or take advantage of, such as: $300 per year ($150 per semi-annual period) for dining at restaurants in the Sapphire...

Jamie's no longer a "Citi hater" because Citi just changed the game. The new $595 Citi Strata Elite now has automatic annual fee waivers for military—no complex formulas, no statement balance tricks, no emails required. Plus $500 in easy-to-use annual credits and a 100,000 point welcome offer.  Key Benefits Annual Fee Waiver $595 fee automatically waived for MLA covered borrowers Fee charged on fi...

Spencer Reese welcomes Lieutenant Commander Webster Felix, a Navy prosthodontist, for an in-depth discussion about maximizing military medicine benefits. Webb's journey from enlisted E6 dental student to O5 prosthodontist showcases the incredible opportunities available in military healthcare. This episode unpacks lesser-known scholarship programs, specialty training funding, loan forgiveness stra...

Spencer Reese, founder of the Military Money Manual, joins Jesse Kramer to discuss the unique financial landscape of military service and the critical transition to post-service life. Spencer separated from the US Air Force in 2022 after 12 years as a pilot and now helps military families reach financial independence through his book, podcast, course, and website. Host: Jesse Kramer - Financial ad...

Travel Planning with Points & Miles Join Spencer Reese and Jamie as they dive deep into the tactical strategies for planning and booking travel using credit card points and miles. This comprehensive guide walks through the entire process from initial flight searches to hotel bookings, with a focus on maximizing value while avoiding common pitfalls. Topics Covered Flight Booking Strategies: How to...

Updates available on militarymoneymanual.com/shutdown Air Force Aid Society  – Falcon Loans up to $1,500 and Standard Assistance, up to 24 months of repayment. Space Force also eligible. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society  – Quick Assist Loan and Financial Assistance available Army Emergency Relief  – Normally assistance available same day but no later than 48 hours. AER will provide rapid, zero-int...

Spencer Reese and Jamie deliver a no-nonsense, tough-love episode for military families struggling with paycheck-to-paycheck living. This episode cuts through excuses and provides three immediate, actionable steps to regain control of your finances and stop the financial bleeding. If you're stressed about money, fighting with your spouse about finances, or feeling overwhelmed and behind—this episo...

Think military divorce means automatically splitting everythign 50/50 and going to court? Wrong on both counts! Certified Divorce Financial Anaylst David Smith reveals what most military families get wrong and what it costs them! In today's episode, we'll discuss the complex financial and logistical aspects of military divorce, covering everything from pension division to healthcare benefits, tax...

Dont' fall for these traps! This "convenient" payment option could be sabotaging your financial future and even your security clearance! Military financial expert Lacey Langford returns to sound the alarm on what she calls "the new payday loan," Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. With over $170 billion in BNPL transactions this year and 91.5 million Americans using these services, this seemingly...

New benefits are available immediately as of 9/18/25!! Learn how to apply for the  The Platinum Card® from American Express :  https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/ Learn more about American Express military annual fee waivers: https://militarymoneymanual.com/american-express-military/ Learn how to maximize your military credit card benefits in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards...

"Rising tides lift all ships!" MilMoneyCon 2026 dates just released! May 26-28, 2026 in Savannah, GA. See https://milmoneycon.com/register/ The military finance community doesn't have to operate in silos. Through strategic networking and mentorship, veterans and military spouses can accelerate their finance careers while building a supportive ecosystem that lifts everyone up. In this episode, we s...

Is the wrong strategy for your GI Bill costing you over $100,000?! Today's guest is Kate Horrell, author of the new book "College Finances for Military Families," reveals why the "fair share" approach to education benefits might be the most expensive mistake military families make, GI Bill basics, and all the things to know about college for your military kids. Key Topics: GI Bill Transfer Strateg...

Think your military career ends with active duty? Think again. Sam Lewis reveals how Guard and Reserve service can unlock financial freedom, career flexibility, and long-term stability...without sacrificing family life or future goals Guest: Sam Lewis, CFP®, ChFC®, MQFP Founder of SJL Financial | Delaware Air National Guard | Member of Military Financial Advisors Association Key Topics Covered: Tr...

How much life insurance do military servicemembers need? What about military spouses? Is SGLI enough? In this episode, Spencer Reese and Jamie sit down with Jerry Quinn, a 40-year Army veteran and executive at Armed Forces Mutual (formerly AAFMAA - American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association), to discuss everything military families need to know about life insurance. Topics Covered: SGLI (Service...

Are Mini Retirements, Optionality, and Side Hustles Possible in the Military? From seven-month sabbaticals to turning a hobby into a thriving side business, Justin Peters from the FI Minded Podcast shares how dialing back work can supercharge your career, creativity, and financial freedom. Key Points & Topics Part-time work and mini sabbaticals Recognizing burnout and funding a seven-month break D...

Financial Coaching & Money Mentor Opportunities Feeling confident in your research but stalled when it comes to taking action on your military family's financial plan? From TSP questions to credit card strategies, this episode explains how an hour with a dedicated coach can transform hesitation into clear, personalized next steps. Key Points & Topics Defining financial coaching vs. advisory servic...

Wondering how to unlock premium travel perks and avoid annual fees while serving on Active Duty, the Guard, Reserves? Or maybe you're a military spouse and curious if you qualify for the same protections and waivers? This episode dives deep into the ins and outs of MLA and SCRA protections, credit card strategies, and maximizing those free hotel nights and points. Links & Resources Mentioned: Spen...