It's National Housing Month! If purchasing a house is on your list of short-term or long-term goals, start preparing your finances now, even if you plan to rent or live on base for a few more years. It's our number one rule for house shopping. Read this article for more homebuying advice, and you'll be signing for those keys before you know it.

Sometimes debt can feel like an endless merry-go-round: You take out a loan or use credit to cover an unexpected expense, then you have less money the next month because you have to pay that bill. So you pull out your charge card again to cover other monthly expenses. Break that cycle and work toward financial freedom by using SMART — specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based — goals to pay off debt.

Celebrate National Great Outdoors Month at more than 2,000 of our country's most beautiful national parks, wildlife refuges and historic sites. Whether you're in the mood for a short hike, a quick getaway or a long camping trip away from it all, you're sure to find the perfect spot for adventure. Don't wait! Sign up for your free America the Beautiful pass today.