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. 

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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.

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Think of this as your annual healthcare refresh. Nothing complicated, just a few intentional steps to help you feel prepared and covered as the year unfolds.

Military life changes quickly. A new duty station, a growing family, or even a change in work schedules can affect which TRICARE plan works best for you. Taking a moment to confirm which plan you’re enrolled in and whether it still fits your current situation can prevent surprises later in the year. What worked last year may not be the best option now, especially after a move or life transition.

It’s also important to make sure your information in DEERS is accurate and up to date. Address changes, family additions, or status updates all impact your TRICARE coverage. Even small details can cause issues with appointments or claims, so checking this early in the year helps everything run more smoothly.

The beginning of the year is a great time to schedule preventive care. Annual physicals, well-woman or well-man exams, pediatric checkups, dental cleanings, and vision appointments tend to fill up quickly, especially on or near base. Getting these on the calendar now provides flexibility later when schedules shift or PCS plans appear unexpectedly.

If anyone in your household takes regular medications, the new year is a smart time to review prescriptions and pharmacy options. Confirm refill schedules, dosages, and whether on-base pickup or home delivery works best for your lifestyle. This is especially helpful if travel, training cycles, or a move may be coming up.

For families enrolled in TRICARE Prime, referrals are another important piece to review. Referrals have expiration dates, and understanding which ones are active can help avoid delays or unexpected costs when specialty care is needed later.

If a PCS or extended travel is on the horizon, a little healthcare planning now can make a big difference. Gathering medical records, transferring specialty care, and refilling prescriptions ahead of time can ease transitions and reduce stress during already busy seasons.

Mental health deserves just as much attention as physical health. The new year can feel hopeful, but it can also bring pressure and exhaustion. TRICARE offers access to counseling, behavioral health services, and telehealth options, making support easier to reach when you need it.

You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Even completing one healthcare check-in can help the year feel more organized and supported. Taking time to review your TRICARE and healthcare needs now is a simple way to care for yourself and your family as military life continues to move forward.

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It is not just about first aid kits and contact lens solution anymore (though yes, those count). There is a whole world of unexpected products your FSA dollars can cover…from travel must-haves to items for your service dog. Your FSA lets you set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck for eligible health-related expenses. The big perk? You do not pay taxes on that money, ZERO, which means you are basically saving up to 30% on stuff you were already going to buy anyway. Here is the kicker: you usually have to use it or lose it by the end of the year. Which is why knowing what you can actually spend it on is key.

So, if you are curious about some of these items I am talking about, then, be ready to look through these lists to help answer…”Wait! That’s FSA eligible?!?!”

Wellness + Self-Care Items:

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Whether you’re stationed somewhere tropical or just trying not to fry like a lobster during summer, your SPF habit is totally covered.
• Lip Balm with SPF: Yes, some chapsticks can be FSA-approved.
• Acne Treatments: From spot gels to medicated face washes, all eligible.
• Menstrual Care Products: pads, tampons, cups, liners…ALL qualify now.
• Hot and Cold Therapy Packs: Think heating pads for during that time of the month or cold compresses after a long run.
• Smart Health Products: The Oura Ring tracks sleep, readiness, heart rate variability, temperature and more, and yes, it’s FSA/HSA eligible. 

If you’ve ever had a cross-country PCS and realized halfway through that you forgot something medical, these will be your new go-tos.

Travel and PCS-Friendly Finds:

• Motion Sickness Bands or Meds: Long drives or flights? Covered.
• First Aid Kits: Keep one in your car, your everyday purse or backpack, and your new home.
• Compression Socks: Not just for Grandma…long flights or standing all day at work? Eligible and life-changing. I promise. 
• Eye Masks and Heat compresses: Tired eyes from night shifts or too much screen time? Yep, covered too. 

Here’s something most people don’t know, if you have a service animal, some of their care expenses can be FSA-eligible too.

That Includes:

• Veterinary Care: for your service animal
• Grooming: cleanliness is part of their health and function
• Food: it’s a medical necessity for their work
• Training Expenses: when it’s directly related to maintaining their service skills

You’ll just want documentation showing that your dog is indeed a legit service animal. Emotional support pets don’t qualify, but for trained service dogs, these costs can add up, and your FSA can help offset them.

A Few More Everyday Items that Might Surprise You:

• Kinesiology Tape (KT tape): For muscle support after workouts or injuries.
• Digital Thermometers: Great to have in your travel kit or home cabinet.
• Blood Pressure Monitors: Especially helpful if you’re tracking your health post-service.
• Baby Monitors (with Health Tracking): If it tracks breathing, temperature, or oxygen, it might count! 
• Red Light Therapy Devices: Yep, certain red or infrared light therapy devices can qualify, especially those marketed for muscle recovery, joint pain, or skin treatment. Some plans may ask for a Letter of Medical Necessity, so double-check your FSA rules before you click “add to cart.”
• 24k Acupuncture Ear Seeds: These gems aren’t just for spa days, several brands list them as FSA/HSA eligible for pain, stress relief, and overall wellness.

Places like “Our FSA Footprint” section of our Amazon storefront FSA/HSA section are absolute goldmines. You can literally scroll and see what is eligible and stock up before your funds expire. Plus, there are no awkward checkout moments wondering what counts and what doesn’t. Your local Commissary often carries a lot of FSA-eligible health and wellness essentials like sunscreen, first aid kits, pain relief items, and more. It’s an easy way to grab what you need while you are already running errands.

It is easy to forget about your FSA until that reminder email hits in December. Set a quarterly reminder in your phone to check your balance, that way you can spend a little at a time instead of panic-ordering 12 bottles of sunscreen on December 31st to use all of your funds. And if you have dependents or a spouse, remember: their eligible items count too, like family prescriptions, glasses, thermometers, all fair game.

Once you realize how flexible it actually is, you will start to see it less like a benefit and more like a smart budgeting move. Sign up now for next year while open enrollment is happening (through 12/8/2025), trust me, I regret not signing up! Grab those everyday essentials you didn’t even realize you could save money on, because hey, I’m just saying if Uncle Sam’s giving you a tax break for your sunscreen, dog food, or smart health gear, you might as well take advantage of it.

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Ingredients:

• 8 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and rounded
• 1½–2 sticks unsalted butter, chopped
• 2 cups sugar (plus more to taste)
• 4 tsp vanilla extract (or a generous swirl)
• 1–2 Tbsp cinnamon (to taste)
• 1 Tbsp nutmeg (or a good sprinkle)
• ¾ can sweetened condensed milk
• 6 eggs
• ½ cup brown sugar (for topping)
• 4 ready-to-bake pie crusts

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Place the sweet potatoes in a large pan and layer chopped butter on top.
• Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.
• Sprinkle about 2 cups of sugar evenly over the potatoes.
• Cook on medium-high heat for 15–20 minutes.
• Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg; stir gently to blend.
• After 10 minutes, taste and add a bit more sugar if needed.
• Continue cooking another 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are soft and syrupy.
• Secret Step: Toward the end of cooking, sprinkle brown sugar on top and let it melt into a glossy caramel glaze.
• Transfer the cooked potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
• Add condensed milk and eggs; stir until smooth and creamy.
• Pour the mixture evenly into 4 pre-crusted pie pans.
• Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the pies are set and slightly golden.
• Cool before slicing and enjoy that brown-sugar-sweet magic in every bite!

This pie is a core memory of where I came from lived out for my children to receive. Whether you’re baking it for your family or your next FRG potluck, this pie is guaranteed to warm hearts.

Insider Tip: After you make it, let it cool before cutting the first slice and serving it up with a spoon full of whipped cream. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

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However, while this is usually a Thanksgiving side dish, we find that we will make some time for a basic turkey dinner throughout the year, with turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, dressing, a veggie or two, and some rolls.  So, consider throwing an extra turkey that you find on sale this season into the freezer and save it for another time to enjoy some of your favorite Thanksgiving feast dishes!!!

Crock Pot Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Butter or Margarine
• 2 Cups Chopped Onion
• 2 Cups Chopped Celery
• 12-14 Cups Dry Bread Cubes
• 1 tsp Poultry Seasoning
• 1 ½ tsp Salt
• 1 ½ tsp Sage
• 1 tsp Thyme
• 4-6 Cups Chicken broth or turkey broth
• 2 Well Beaten Eggs

Directions:

1 – Melt butter in skillet and sauté onion and celery.
2 – When done add all seasonings and stir.
3 – Pour this mixture over bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl.
4 – Pour in enough broth to moisten to your preference.
5 – Add beaten eggs and mix together well.
6 – Spray crock with PAM.
7 – Pack dressing lightly into crockpot.
8 – Cover and set to high for 1 hour; then reduce to low to cook for 4-8 hours.
9 – Serve & Enjoy!

Notes:

• For the Dry Bread Cubes, our favorites are Pepperidge Farm Cubed Stuffing. We us 1 bag of Sage & Onion and 1 Bag of Herb Seasoned to make our perfect mixture!
• We like this super crispy so I stir the dressing every once in a while to get the crispy parts off of the edges and then it makes more crispy edges! Repeat as many times for your liking!
• When you do occasionally stir, watch that there is enough moisture in the mix, as you may need to add a splash or two of more broth.
• You could put this in a 9 x 13 pan and bake. However, I like it in the crockpot so I can leave more room in the oven for other things.

This is a family favorite side dish for our Thanksgiving dinner and any time we have turkey throughout the year as well! I hope your family enjoys it as much as we do!

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Ingredients:

• 1 sub roll or sandwich bread
• 1/2 tablespoon low-fat mayo
• 2 1/2 ounces leftover turkey breast, sliced or shredded
• 1/8 cup leftover stuffing
• 1 tablespoon leftover cranberry sauce

Directions:

• Spread your mayo onto your bread.
• Layer on the turkey and stuffing.
• Top with cranberry sauce.

This can be served warmed or cold. If you prefer warm, then heat the stuffing and turkey separately before placing on the bread.

That’s it, Thanksgiving leftovers, reheated and reused in the best possible way. The Bobbi sandwich is one of those things that somehow tastes even better the next day. Warm it up if you want all the cozy vibes, or eat it cold while you’re still half-asleep and scrolling sales, no judgment here. However you do it, it’s the best kind of tradition: simple, delicious, and perfectly imperfect.

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Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• 1 cup Velveeta, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a 9×13 baking pan and set it aside.
3. Combine Cheddar cheese and Monterey jack in a large bowl. Set aside.
4. Prepare your elbow macaroni. Bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add pasta and cook. Drain the noodles and add the drained noodles to a large bowl.
5. Pour melted butter over the noodles and stir into the macaroni.
6. Add the half-and-half, eggs, half the shredded cheese, Velveeta cheese, salt, and pepper to the noodles, and stir to thoroughly combine.
7. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan.
8. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese mixture.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the edges are bubbling.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

You don’t have to be a master chef to wow your family and friends with this ooey gooey cheesy dish. In fact, they may just ask you to make it again and again. Luckily, you can pick up all the ingredients at your local Commissary.

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Built by the Team Behind MMS—We Know Service

VOICE Wireless was created by the same team at My Military Savings (MMS). Trusted by military families for secure and reliable communication. That legacy of excellence extends to our customer service. We’re committed to making things right, every time. Whether you’re a veteran, a busy parent, or just someone who values straightforward support, VOICE Wireless is here for you.

Unlimited Talk, Text, & Data—Always

Every VOICE Wireless plan comes standard with unlimited talk, text, and data. No confusing tiers, costly upgrades, or surprise overages. Just pure, uninterrupted connectivity for you and your family—whether you’re streaming, working remotely, or keeping in touch with loved ones.

Affordable Plans That Fit Real Budgets

As MVNOs continue to gain popularity, Americans are discovering they don’t need to pay premium prices for premium service. VOICE Wireless offers competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. For a limited time, we’re offering something truly special: a 15% lifetime discount on all plans. That’s right, whether you’re buying one line or four, this is the only lifetime discount we’ll ever offer. Lock it in now and save forever. All you have to do is use code FAMILY15 at check out!.

How To Switch And Save
If your phone is locked because you’re still making payments, your carrier will allow you to request that your phone be unlocked. Most carriers automatically unlock your phone after 60 days but you have to request your unlock pin.

Here’s How You Can Get Started on Getting Your Unlock Pin:

1. Reach out to your current carrier’s customer service or visit their website to begin the unlocking process. They will provide you with guidance on the necessary steps and any requirements you need to fulfill.
2. You may need to provide various details, including your account information, phone number, and IMEI number. You can find your IMEI number in your phone’s settings or by dialing *#06# on your phone. In some cases, a written request may also be required.
3. Your carrier will provide you with specific instructions on how to complete the unlocking process. This may involve entering a code provided by the carrier or performing a reset on your phone.

Once your phone is successfully unlocked, you’ll have the freedom to use it on our network. However, your carrier will send you a bill for the remaining balance if you still are making payments shortly thereafter!

Once it’s unlocked, switching is simple — just order an eSIM, activate, and port your number over on VOICE-wireless.com and start saving month to month on your phone service.

If you’d rather not wait, you can always bring an already unlocked device or buy the latest phone on our store and start saving immediately.

What Do I Do About My Balance?

If you’re weary about paying off your balance, there are a few options available to you. You can trade in your phone to Apple, and use your trade in credit for the new iPhone. When you buy a phone from Apple, you buy an unlocked phone making the switch to VOICE simple.

If you want to make it even easier, you can trade your phone in and buy a new device right from the VOICE Wireless store.

To trade in your device, follow these steps: 

1. When purchasing a device, you’ll be presented with an option for trade-in.  
2. Once you confirm your new device purchase order, the trade-in experience will begin. 
3. Complete the estimation form by providing information about your device and answering a few additional questions.  
4. It’s crucial to provide accurate details that reflect the actual condition of your device to ensure the most precise valuation.  
5. Accept the estimated offer to continue with trade-in.

Upon acceptance of terms and conditions, our trade-in partner Asurion, will send you an email confirmation that includes trade-in summary and next steps. 

A Great Opportunity for Families

There’s never been a better time to get your whole family on board. With our lifetime discount, unlimited data, and seamless switching process, VOICE Wireless is the perfect solution for households looking to simplify and save. Whether it’s one line or a dozen, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to make the switch? Join the growing number of Americans who are choosing smarter wireless. VOICE Wireless isn’t just a provider—it’s a promise to always make it right for the service members who protect this country and the families who support them. If you’re looking for reliability, affordability, and a provider that truly understands your needs, VOICE Wireless is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

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Ingredients:

• 3 (15 oz) cans drained green beans
• 1/2 lb of cooked bacon chopped
• 2/3 cup of your favorite brown sugar substitute or brown sugar
• 1/4 cup if melted butter
• 1/4 cup of coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce if you prefer
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Cook bacon until almost done. Remove from skillet and drain. Chop.
• Add green beans to 9×13 inch pan
• Stir together brown sugar substitute, melted butter, coconut aminos, and garlic powder.
• Pour mixture over green beans.
• Bake for 40 minutes
• Enjoy!

I know that this recipe will have everyone begging for seconds and that’s not always easy to do with a vegetable! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season with your family and that this recipe brings your family together too!

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