Food-wise, I’ve been trying not to skip meals, but I need something quick. OIKOS yogurt has been clutch because I can throw in some fruit, and it actually holds me over. Starkist Tuna has been just as helpful. I can eat it with crackers and call it a day when I don’t feel like figuring out a full meal.

Drinking water is something I’m always trying to do better with, so I’ve been more consistent. MiO helps because I can switch up the flavor when I get bored, and it’s even helped my kids drink more water without always reaching for juice.

I’ve also been more mindful about what I’m drinking besides coffee and water, and Health-Ade Kombucha is something I’ll grab when I want something different without reaching for soda.

Some of the other things I keep stocked are just everyday staples that make life easier. Cottonelle is one that I don’t ever want to run out of. Bush’s Baked Beans are an easy side, and Oscar Mayer is a go-to for quick lunches when I need something fast. Honey Maid Graham Crackers have been in rotation for snacks because the kids actually eat them, and Beggin’ Strips are a must for the pup; he hears the bag and comes running every time.

I’m just trying to be consistent with what works for me. If something is easy and fits into my routine, I’m more likely to stick with it. And honestly, stocking up on the things we actually use has made a bigger difference than I expected. It saves time, cuts down extra trips, and helps me stay on budget without overthinking it.

While you’re stocking up, you can enter the Stock Up & Save Sweepstakes at MMSsweepstakes.com for a chance to win. Five winners will each receive a $100 Commissary gift card!

This program supports Operation Homefront, which helps provide relief and support to military families. Knowing that the everyday shopping I’m already doing can also give back in some way just makes it feel a little more meaningful.

Ingredients:

• Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls
• Canned Pie Filling (Peach)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Remove cinnamon rolls from packaging and flatten to fit into muffin tin cups.
3. Spoon the pie filling in each cup
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 13-18 mins.
5. Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool.
6. Remove the rolls from the muffin tin and drizzle the icing over the rolls.
7. Serve warm.

Notes:

• Using canned pie filling is an easy shortcut to a delicious dessert.
• You can use other flavors such as apple, blueberry or cherry as well.

Be sure to follow along to see what the next recipe will be…

Find Out More with My Military Savings and Muffin Mania!

If I am being honest, it is also one of the only times I sit down and look at my life in a practical way. Not emotionally. Not aspirational. Just realistically. 

This lifestyle does not give you a lot of room to figure things out later. When things get busy, they get busy fast. And if something is not already handled, it becomes one more thing you are trying to fix when you are already tired. 

So, I do not approach Memorial Day sales like a shopping event.  I treat it like a reset. 

I find myself standing in my kitchen, usually reheating my coffee, thinking through the next few weeks. What do I keep running out of? What do I always end up buying last minute? What stresses me out every single drill weekend that I could have handled ahead of time?

That is where I start, because I am not asking what I want. I am asking what I am going to have to buy anyway.  That shift alone has saved me more money than anything else. 

Living this Guard life means you are constantly transitioning. From civilian work to drill. From mom mode to mission mode. Those transitions are where the cracks show. That is where you realize you are out of something, forgot something, or did not plan as well as you thought you did…and those moments almost always cost more. 

So now, Memorial Day is when I get ahead of that version of me. The tired one. The one packing a bag late at night. The one grabbing whatever is easiest, because there is no time left to think. 

If it touches drill, I think about it now. I pay attention to the things I replace over and over again. The things I’m always scrambling for, and instead of dealing with it later, I handle it while it is on sale.  Not excessively. Just enough to stay ahead. That same mindset carries into everything else. 

I have learned that the real money does not disappear in big purchases. It disappears in the small, constant ones. The extra store runs. The quick orders. The “I will just grab it real quick” moments that add up over time.  So, I look at my everyday life and ask where that is happening. 

It is usually in the basics. Coffee. Snacks. Quick meals. The things that keep everything moving when I do not have time to stop. Buying those intentionally, and usually one place like Amazon, keeps me from making five separate trips during the week when I am already stretched thin. Honestly, it is not just about money. It is about time and mental space too. 

I also take a look at my home, but not in a way that has anything to do with how it looks. I think about how it functions.  If I am constantly dealing with the same frustration every morning, if something is making my routine harder than it needs to be, that is what I fix, because when everything else in life is unpredictable, your home should not be another source of stress. 

Sometimes saving money is not about buying less. It is about buying smarter so you are not replacing the same thing over and over again.  Even clothing falls into that for me now. I am not shopping for new outfits. I am paying attention to what I actually wear when I am tired. What I reach for without thinking. That is what I stick with, because it simplifies one more decision in a day that already has too many. 

At this point, Memorial Day sales are not about getting more.  They are about staying ahead.  They are about setting up the version of me that is about to be pulled in multiple directions and still expected to show up fully in every role.  That version of me is coming whether I prepare for her or not. 

Memorial Day will always be about honoring first. That never changes, but it is also a moment to take care of your life while you are living it. To prepare. To simplify. To remove as many unnecessary stressors as you can before everything speeds back up again…because this life is full. 

So, if I can make it even a little bit easier on myself and my family, I am going to do that. Every single time. 

Explore More with My Military Lifestyle and Guard Life!

Island Dreams

• Limeade Drink Packet
• Coconut Syrup

Bubbly Strawberries

• Bubble Gum Drink Packet
• Pink Strawberry Drink Packet

Sunshine Sipper

• Mango Drink Packet
• Coconut Drink Packet
• Peach Syrup

Dreamy Mermaid

• Piña Colada Drink Packet
• Mermaid Drink Packet

Blooming Strawberries

• Pink Strawberry Drink Packet
• Coconut Syrup

Don’t let the heat and humidity get you down! Fight back with hydration! It is just a bonus that it tastes so good!

Ready to put this one on the fridge or in your recipe binder? We make it easy with this printable version of June Waters!

Not sure where to begin? Make sure to check out our Getting Started blog!

Find Out More with My Military Savings and Warning…Wonderful Waters Ahead!

Crispy, caramelized Spam glazed in that perfect soy-sugar mix, pressed into warm rice that’s just sticky enough to hold everything together, then wrapped in a strip of nori like it’s holding the whole thing in place. It’s handheld, it’s satisfying, and it disappears way faster than you expect every single time.

For me, it’s more than just food, it’s one of those things that instantly takes you somewhere. Late-night bites, quick meals in between long days, something you grab without thinking but always appreciate. It’s the kind of snack that doesn’t need explaining. You either know, or you’re about to find out.

Ingredients:

• Spam
• Soy Sauce
• Sugar
• Mirin (optional)
• White Rice
• Nori

Directions:

• Slice your Spam into thick pieces and pan-fry them until they get that golden, crispy edge.
• In the same pan, add a quick glaze, soy sauce, sugar, maybe a little mirin if you have it, and let it caramelize over the Spam until it’s glossy and slightly sticky.
• While that’s going, make some short-grain white rice. It should be warm and slightly sticky, not dry.
• Take a small handful of rice and press it into a rectangle (using your hands or even the Spam can as a mold).
• Place a slice of glazed Spam on top, then wrap it with a strip of nori to hold everything together.

That’s it.

Eat it warm, maybe make a few extra…because you will want more.

Find Out More with My Military Savings and Food & Drink!

Ingredients:

• Shredded Cheese (Mozzarella or Blended Cheese Mix)
• Pepperoni Slices
• Marinara Sauce (Optional)

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Add cheese blend to muffin pan cups
• Top with pepperoni slices. 
• Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 mins.
• Allow the crisps to cool before removing from the pan.
• Serve warm.
• Serve with Marinara sauce for dipping (optional).

Notes:

• Possible Variations:
  • Use Italian seasonings or experiment with others.
  • Instead of pepperoni slices, try sausage crumbles or other pizza toppings you love!

This is a family favorite in my house! I hope your family will love it as much as we do! Be sure to follow along with the Muffin Mania series to see what the next recipe will be.

Find out more with My Military Savings and Muffin Mania!

Every spring I convince myself I’m going to “reset my life.”

That would mean new routines, more structure., and morning walks that look peaceful instead of me holding a leash in one hand and a coffee I forgot about in the other.

My dog? Completely unbothered. Already thriving, and already acting like they invented spring. So, instead of overhauling everything, we did the one reset that actually matters in this house: Lunch!

It started pretty simply with the same routine, but just a little more intention behind it. We’ve been using Merrick dry food as the base for lunch, and the thing I did not expect is how much my dog acts like I’ve suddenly become a five-star chef!

There’s something about it that just looks…real. Like, you can actually see what’s going into the bowl. Real ingredients, real texture, none of that “mystery kibble, but make it aesthetic” situation.

Then, I got slightly extra with it (because spring apparently makes me that person) and started adding little toppings or serving it on a lick mat some afternoons. Now, lunch is a little messier, a little more intentional and fully monitored by a dog who acts like I am running late to serve them.

The reaction is always the same…He sits. He stares, and he does that slow tail thump like they’re trying to remain composed but failing immediately and suddenly it’s gone like it never existed.

The best part isn’t even the food itself, it’s everything that comes after, because when lunch hits right, the whole day changes. Walks end up longer, sniff stops are more dramatic, and even the random yard zoomies feel like they have purpose instead of just… chaos for sport.

It’s like the fuel actually carries them through the day instead of just filling a bowl. I guess that’s the “spring reset” no one really talks about. Let me tell you…it is not the clean kitchen and the perfect new routine. It is just a calmer morning and afternoon, a happier dog, and a mat that gets new attention everyday now.

I didn’t reinvent my life this spring, however, I did upgrade lunch….my dog thinks that was the correct priority anyway.

Find Out More with My Military Savings and Pets!

Ingredients:

• Simply Lemonade
• Ocean Spray White Cran Strawberry Juice
• Freeze dried strawberries

Directions:

1. Fill the cup with ice or as much as desired.
2. Place a handful of freeze dried strawberries in a cup.
3. Fill the cup halfway with Lemonade.
4. Pour Ocean Spray White Cran Strawberry Juice to fill the cup.
5. Place a lid on the cup and swirl to mix or use a spoon to mix.
6. Enjoy!

Add this refreshing drink to your rotation this spring and summer. It is a great addition to any picnic or backyard BBQ, and the best part is adults and kids will enjoy this cool refreshment. This is a part of the Quench Your Thirst series!

Find Out More with My Military Savings and Food & Drink!

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!

Find Out More with My Military Savings and Finances!

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.

Find Out More with My Military Lifestyle and Guard Life!