As a huge thank you to military families past and present, you have the opportunity to enter an amazing sweepstakes. In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Stories of Service is giving away FIFTY $100 gift cards. And what’s even better is that if you share your story and are selected as a winner, you can pick between a Commissary or Exchange gift card.

It’s so easy to enter. Just head over to their website and tap the link, enter your info and join the celebration! You have until July 6th to enter, so don’t miss your chance.

Before You Convert: Four Questions Every Military Family Should Ask

1. What will this do to my taxes this year?

• A conversion increases your taxable income.
• That could:
  • Push you into a higher tax bracket
  • Affect eligibility for certain benefits
  • Trigger estimated tax payments
• You must pay the tax bill out of pocket—you cannot use TSP funds to cover it.

2. Will my tax rate be higher or lower in the future?

• This is the heart of the decision.
• A conversion may make sense if:
  • You’re in a low tax bracket now
  • You expect higher income in retirement (pension + Social Security + withdrawals)
  • You want to reduce future required minimum distributions (RMDs)
• It may not make sense if:
  • You’re currently in a high tax bracket
  • You expect a lower income in retirement
  • You can already contribute directly to Roth TSP through payroll

3. How will this affect my retirement income strategy?

• Military retirees often have multiple income streams:
  • Military pension
  • VA disability
  • Social Security
  • TSP withdrawals
• If you expect your taxable income to be high in retirement, having tax-free Roth money can give you flexibility and help you avoid higher Medicare premiums (IRMAA) and Required Minimum Distributions (RMD).

4. What are my long-term goals for my family?

• A Roth balance can be a powerful legacy tool:
  • Beneficiaries can receive tax-free withdrawals
  • You avoid passing on a tax burden
  • Charitable gifts from Roth funds are tax-efficient
• If your heirs will be in a lower tax bracket than you are today, converting now may cost more than letting them inherit traditional funds.

The Five-Year Rules You Can’t Ignore

• Two separate IRS clocks start ticking when you convert:
  • Five-year rule for Roth earnings
    • Earnings become tax-free only if:
      • Five years have passed since your first Roth contribution or conversion
      • AND you’re age 59½, disabled, or deceased
  • Five-year rule for converted amounts
    • If you withdraw converted funds within five years and you’re under 59½, you may owe a 10% penalty.
    • For military families who move, deploy, and transition frequently, these timelines matter.

So… Should You Convert?

• There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
• Here’s a simple way to think about it:
  • A Roth in-plan conversion may be a good fit if you:
    • Are in a low tax bracket this year
    • Have cash available to pay the tax bill
    • Expect higher income in retirement
    • Want to reduce future RMDs
    • Want to leave tax-free money to your family
  • It may not be the right move if you:
    • Are currently in a high tax bracket
    • Can already contribute to Roth TSP through payroll
    • Don’t have cash to pay the taxes
    • Expect lower income in retirement
    • Will need the converted money within five years

Final Thoughts for Military Families

Military life brings unique financial opportunities—and unique challenges. A Roth in‑plan conversion can be a powerful tool, but only when used intentionally and with a clear understanding of the tax implications.

If you’re considering a conversion:

• Run the numbers
• Think about your long-term goals
• Consider your retirement income sources
• Talk with a tax professional

A well‑timed conversion can save thousands in taxes over your lifetime—but a poorly timed one can create an unnecessary tax bill. There’s a lot to figure out when it comes to in-plan conversions, so make sure you are fully informed to make the right decision for your situation!

Did you miss out on the first part of our Roth In-Plan Conversions mini-series? Then, make sure to check it out!

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Some mornings I promise myself I will just make coffee at home and then somehow I am pulling into a gas station anyway, wishing I had planned ahead with a strong cup from Black Rifle Coffee Company waiting for me instead. 

Nothing crashes. Nothing spirals. It just gets a little chaotic. A little “I will deal with this later.” Then, spring shows up, the weather softens, and I realize it is time for my annual life reset.  Not a full reinvention. I am not waking up at 5 a.m. to journal or suddenly becoming a budgeting influencer. It is more like sitting down with my coffee and having an honest conversation with myself about how the last few months actually went. 

The first thing I do is look back at what drill season really cost us. The extra gas stops. The convenience meals after long weekends. The small purchases that felt completely deserved in the moment because sometimes you just need life to be easier for five minutes. I do not shame myself for any of it. Winter is the survival season. I just take notice because awareness is where better habits start. 

Then, I switch from reactive mode to prepared mode. I start planning for drill weekends instead of winging them. I stock up on freezer meals when sales hit, because Sunday evenings are not the time for ambitious cooking plans. Sometimes that means keeping simple meal options from Home Chef on hand so dinner is already decided before I even walk through the door. I actually check rewards apps before grocery shopping and make sure I am using military savings programs instead of remembering them halfway home. 

Spring is also when I reset the practical side of my Guard life.  Uniforms get properly checked. I reorganize my gear and inevitably find something I almost repurchased because I thought it disappeared into the void. Replacing things calmly is always cheaper than replacing them in a panic.  After that, I zoom out and look at the bigger picture. 

Are we still moving toward our savings goals? Did winter utilities quietly attack our budget? What do we need to adjust before Annual Training sneaks up on us? Writing everything down helps me see patterns instead of stress, so I sit with my planner and map out the next few months. Lately, my planner has become part budgeting tool, part life checkpoint, and part reminder that I am actually doing better than I think. 

Guard life has its own financial rhythm, and pretending every month looks the same just does not work. This seasonal reset helps me feel in control again instead of constantly trying to catch up with life. 

What I have learned is that financial organization is not about perfection. It is about maintenance. Small resets. Gentle course corrections. Giving yourself credit for managing a lot while still choosing to be intentional. 

Spring, for me, is less about fixing mistakes and more about setting future me up for success. I stock easy snacks, toss a few Liquid I.V. packets into my bag for drill because hydration somehow becomes optional when weekends get busy, and try to remove as many small stressors as possible before they start. When there is a peace of mind, a stocked freezer, and knowing drill weekend is already planned out? That is the kind of luxury I actually want now. Oh yeah…I will probably still buy the occasional gas station caffeine. It’s about growth, and not perfection.

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There are many things you can do as a parent to prepare your teen for “The Real World”. Now, this takes patience, especially since kids think they have all the answers. Try to focus on ensuring your child can apply basic life skills, time and financial management, problem solving, and self care. 

Here are some helpful tips:

• Basic Life Skills: Driving, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, using basic tools, and looking for a job.
• Time Management: Prioritizing tasks, studying, completing assignments on time, and using a planner.
• Financial Management: Managing a checking account/debit card, building savings/emergency fund, and budgeting.
• Problem Solving: Identifying the problem, using critical thinking skills, and developing solutions.
• Self-Care: Take breaks when stressed, disconnect from social media, take care of your physical health, and choose your friend groups wisely.

If your child will remain at home while attending college, you’ll have more time to focus on development. However, those who are getting your child ready to leave the nest will have limited time to prep before dropping them off on campus. I highly recommend starting to purchase the dorm essentials early as the costs can add up quickly. Below is a basic list of things your child could need for the dormitory.

Dorm Essentials:

• Personal/Health Items: Toiletries, towels, pillows and blankets, shower tote, shower shoes, and medications/prescriptions.
• Laundry Supplies: Detergent, fabric softener, laundry basket, and hangers.
• Room Essentials: Food storage containers, bedding, plates, utensils, alarm clock, and wall hooks. 
• Supplies: Calendar, laptop, pens/pencils, highlighters, paper, backpack, folders, and binders.
• Appliances: Coffee maker, small fan/heater, TV, and lamp.

It’s crazy how fast eighteen years seem to fly by, but early preparation will ease some stress for you as a parent and your future student. Be sure to maximize your savings by stocking up on essentials at your local Exchange and Commissary. Enjoy your time together before they head off to college and make as many great memories as you can.

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Think of this as moving from understanding the basics to learning how to use the TSP more strategically. A lot of service members don’t realize this option even exists, but when used at the right time, it can shape both your tax bill today and your financial flexibility in retirement. My goal here is to walk you through it in the same clear, practical way we approached the basics without jargon, just the information you need to make a confident decision.

Let’s break it down together.

What Is a Roth in‑Plan Conversion?

A Roth in‑plan conversion moves money from your traditional (pre-tax) TSP balance into your Roth (after-tax) balance. You’re not withdrawing anything, you’re just shifting it inside your account. The trade-off is straightforward: you pay taxes now so you can enjoy tax-free withdrawals later, as long as IRS rules are met.

Think of it as choosing when you want to pay the tax bill now or later, in retirement.

A Quick TSP Refresher:

• Traditional TSP gives you a tax break today. You don’t pay taxes on the money you contribute, but you will pay taxes on both the contributions and the growth when you withdraw it in retirement.
• Roth TSP works the opposite way. You pay taxes on the contribution now, but both your contributions and the growth come is withdrawn tax-free in retirement if you follow the rules.

A Roth in‑plan conversion takes money you originally contributed as Traditional and treats it as if you had contributed it as Roth all along, meaning you settle the tax bill today in exchange for tax-free income later.

Who Can Convert?

Almost everyone with a TSP can do a Roth in‑plan conversion, including:

• Active‑duty service members
• Federal civilians
• Retirees
• Spouse beneficiaries
• Non-spouse beneficiaries are the ONLY group excluded.

The minimum conversion amount is $500, and you can do up to 26 conversions per year.

Special Note for Service Members with Combat‑Zone Contributions

If you’ve contributed tax-exempt money while deployed, a portion of your conversion will also be tax-exempt. However, the IRS requires conversions to be proportional, so you can’t choose to convert only the tax-free portion.

This means:

• If your tax-exempt balance is small, most of your conversion will still be taxable.
• If your tax-exempt balance is large, more of your conversion will be tax-free.

This is one area where military members have a unique advantage, but only if the math works in your favor.

Don’t forget to check out part two of this Roth In-Plan Conversions mini-series!

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The PCS-Season Planning Timeline:
First, back-plan from your “keys by” date. Pick your “keys by” target, then work backward. Start with the moment you want to be moved in. Then, reverse engineer your timeline. For example, if you want the keys by early June, then aim to be under contract by mid-end of April. Begin serious touring and ready-to-move offers by March. This means, in February, you’ll start your prep stage (pre-approval, budget, must-haves, neighborhoods).

Why so early? That’s because even when everything goes smoothly, the path from offer to closing still includes multiple moving parts. Inspection negotiations, appraisal timing, and lender underwriting can all add time. One delay can push you into the busiest weeks of PCS season. If you want to close by summer, start seriously looking in March, not May. Then, make sure you have a solid team in place to get through this process!

If you can do one thing that lowers stress, it is this: choose people who understand military timelines. Find a realtor familiar with military families and VA transactions. A VA-friendly realtor helps you move quickly without skipping steps. They are used to coordinating video tours, remote paperwork, tight deadlines, and the reality that life can change quickly with orders.

Questions to Ask Your Realtor:
1. How many VA closings have you handled recently?
2. What appraisal-related issues come up most for VA buyers in this area?
3. How do you structure inspection deadlines and repair negotiations when the market is moving fast?
4. If we are buying from out of state, what is your plan for walkthroughs and quick decisions?

VA Loan Factors First-Time Buyers Should Know:
These are the things most military families ask early, and they can impact your timeline. Look into VA occupancy and options for being able to rent the home later. VA home loans are designed for primary residences, not investment properties. The big idea is good-faith intent to occupy the home as your main place to live.

A lot of people ask, “How long do I have to wait before I can rent it out?” There is not always one universal “wait this many months” rule. What matters most is that you planned to live there first. If PCS orders or life changes happen later, renting may be possible, but it is smart to talk to your lender early, because lenders can have extra rules on top of VA guidelines. Just remember, buy it to live in it first. If PCS orders change the plan later, confirm options with your lender early.

With a VA loan, you will have a VA appraisal. An appraisal is not the same thing as a home inspection. The appraisal supports the home’s value and checks for baseline safety and livability standards. If something comes up that does not meet those standards, it can turn into a required repair before closing. A home inspection is your deeper look at the home’s condition and systems. Even though it is not always required, it is one of the best ways to protect yourself as a first-time buyer because it helps you understand what you are walking into and what you might need to budget for. The VA appraisal helps you qualify and close. The inspection helps you buy smarter and negotiate with confidence.

More Questions to Ask Your Realtor:
1. If we need keys by ___, when should we start touring and offering?
2. What is normal here in spring…for example, days on market, multiple offers, and offer deadlines?
3. What contingencies are still realistic right now?
4. What issues are common here: drainage, flooding, termites, foundation movement?
5. What is the typical age range for roofs and HVAC in this neighborhood?
6. If we PCS in 2 to 3 years, does this area rent well?
7. What VA appraisal conditions show up most often in this market?
8. If repairs are needed, how do you usually negotiate: repairs, credits, or price adjustments?

Home Inspection Questions That Actually Help:
1. What are the top 3 safety concerns, if any?
2. What will likely cost us money in the first year?
3. What maintenance should we put on a calendar?
4. Where are the shutoffs and how do I use them?
5. Is there evidence of past leaks or moisture problems?

Treat the inspection like a lesson, not a pass/fail report. If the report flags expensive items (roof near end of life, aging HVAC), do not panic. The inspection is information. It helps you decide what you can handle, what you want to negotiate, and what you should plan for right away.

Finally, you’ve reached the home stretch. Insurance is one of the easiest places to accidentally under-prepare, especially during a PCS rush. Do this early. Confirm you understand deductibles (wind, hail, named storm, etc.) Ask what is covered and what might require separate coverage. Store policy docs and a home inventory in shared cloud storage that both spouses can access. For paper versions, store those in a fireproof/waterproof container. Your emergency fund is part of being “insurance-smart,” because not every home issue turns into an insurance claim.

Buying during PCS season does not have to feel like guesswork. Starting early, working with a realtor who understands military life, and knowing how VA loans and inspections work can help you make more confident decisions. The goal is not to do everything perfectly. It is to stay prepared enough that you can move forward with less stress and more clarity. After all the back-planning, paperwork, and decision-making, getting those keys is a big deal. Take a moment to celebrate how far you have come.

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For military families juggling PCS moves, deployments, and unpredictable schedules, knowing the account is professionally managed and federally regulated brings real peace of mind.

Who Chooses the Investments?

• Not parents — and not the IRS.
• Once Form 4547 is approved, your child’s Trump Account is assigned to an approved trustee, usually a financial institution authorized to manage IRA‑type accounts. That trustee makes all investment decisions on behalf of the child.
• Parents don’t pick individual stocks or funds. This design keeps the account simple, consistent, and compliant, no matter where military life takes you.

How Are Trump Account Funds Invested?

• Since Trump Accounts function like a traditional IRA for children, they follow standard IRA investment rules.
• Trustees may invest in:
  • Mutual funds
  • ETFs
  • Target‑date or age‑based portfolios
  • Other diversified IRA‑eligible pools
• They may not invest in:
  • Collectibles
  • Life insurance contracts
  • Direct real estate
  • Certain restricted or leveraged products
• For military families, this means the account stays aligned with mainstream, long‑term, retirement‑style investing — portable, regulated, and built for steady growth.

This Setup Helps Military Families

• This structure is designed to offer:
  • Professional management — one less account for you to track
  • Diversification — spreading risk across sectors
  • Consistent federal rules — no matter your duty station
  • Tax‑deferred growth until age 18 — more time for compounding
• Even without additional contributions, the federal pilot deposit alone can grow meaningfully. At an 8% annual growth rate, the initial $1,000 becomes over $3,900 by age 18. If left untouched until age 60, it can exceed $101,000 — a powerful head start for your young adult.

Why This Matters

A Trump Account isn’t meant to replace a 529 plan, family savings, or the TSP. It’s another layer of financial readiness for your household — portable across every PCS, low‑maintenance, and quietly growing in the background while you focus on the mission.

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You can get a sneak peek of the full line up on this year’s titles! Which ones will catch your eye? Maybe Archie or Sonic? Could it be the Flash Gordon or the Conan the Barbarian? I wonder if it will be Conan the Stitch or Mega Man?!?! There are so many that will be available that you will surely find something for everyone in your family!

Make sure to mark your calendar for 2 May 26 for this fun event! You can find all of the details through FreeComicBookDay.com!

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Here are five creative ways to turn February into a financial win:

• “Buy Nothing” Month
  • Challenge your household to skip all non‑essential purchases for the entire month. That means no impulse buys, no takeout splurges, and no new gadgets. Instead, focus on using what you already have, borrowing from neighbors, or swapping with friends.
  • Bonus Tip: Keep a “wish list” of things you almost bought. Revisit it in March—you’ll be amazed how many items no longer feel important.

• “Empty the Freezer” Month
  • Think of your freezer as a hidden treasure chest. Build your meal plan around what’s already tucked away—frozen veggies, meats, leftovers, and even those mystery containers you’ve been avoiding.
  • Military Twist: This strategy is especially helpful before a PCS move or deployment. Clearing out food now saves money, reduces waste, and makes packing day a whole lot easier.

• “Declutter & Sell” Sprint
  • Tackle clutter one room per week and list usable items on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or base swap groups. Price fairly and include clear photos to move items quickly. Donating items to a charity thrift shop can give your gently used items a second life and may net you a tax deduction.
  • Family Angle: Get kids involved—let them sort toys and earn a portion of the proceeds. It teaches responsibility, basic money skills, and the value of giving (consider donating part of the earnings).

• “Pantry Potluck” Nights
  • Host themed dinners using only pantry staples—think “rice night,” “canned‑goods chili,” or “pasta remix.” Invite neighbors or fellow military families to bring a dish made from their pantry finds.
  • Community Bonus: These nights build connection and morale, turn meal prep into a social event, and cut everyone’s grocery bills. Combined with a game night for adults and movies for the kids, it becomes an event that everyone loves.

• “No-Spend” Hobby Month
  • Pick hobbies that cost nothing: borrow library books, start a journal, hike local trails, craft with recycled materials, or learn a new skill through free online resources. Schedule regular time for these activities to make them stick.
  • Deployment‑Friendly: These low‑cost pastimes are great for solo parents or service members looking to relax and recharge without spending.

February’s brevity is a blessing—it’s long enough to build habits, short enough to stay motivated. Whether you’re stationed stateside or overseas, these challenges can help military families build resilience, save money, and spark joy in simple living.

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As I have been looking ahead to the new year and trying to figure out where I want to be at the end of next year, I found it easier to narrow down the list of things that I want to see accomplished.

Here are my top five for this coming year:

1. Pay off ONE student loan
2. Pay off two credit cards
3. Get into better shape (hoping to shave five minutes off my run time)
4. Eat healthier
5. Declutter my house

Simple. Easy. Attainable. Make a plan. Write it out and put it where you can see it. I have already laid out the goals for each month and what I have to do see it through. I calculated what I needed to put on each card and the one student loan to see them paid off. They are laid out in my ledger, and ready for a jump start. Meal planning has been on the go, and new recipes are being hunted and printed off for future use. The gym is already in my daily cycle, but I looked at what I wanted to achieve, and researched some running programs that would help to shave that time off. Different exercises will help build muscles and stamina, and in short, help bring that run time down.

The declutter on the house is my big one. I have decided that I will go one room at a time. Find what I need, what we use and what we don’t. What has not been used/worn in over a year can be donated. I can get rid of the items that are just sitting. Of course, there are some sentimental items that will not be leaving the house, but some things that we hold onto, we do so with the idea that we can use them at some point in the future. Ask yourself, have I used it? Can I use it? Will I put it to good use? If you cannot think of how to incorporate it, get rid of it! I tend to hoard clothing with the thoughts of “I will get back into that.” I have been saying that for a while, so right now there is a huge pile of clothing just waiting for me to take to goodwill, for someone else to put to good use.

What are you goals going to be? Well, now is the time to figure them out, write them down, and start tackling them one day at a time!

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