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December 2024

The Gift of Investing

It’s mid-December, MilSpouses! We’ve almost made it. Hopefully, your shopping list is dwindling and your to-do list includes hanging your elf hat up for a while. But if you're still in need of some last-minute gift ideas, why not consider a U.S. savings bond? It’s a gift that keeps on giving and will teach the children in your life about investing. Plus, they can be purchased for $25 or $50, and left alone, can earn interest for up to 30 years.

Stay on Top of Estate Planning

Think about the year ahead: Are you in for any big life changes, like a new baby, a permanent change of station or military retirement? If it’s been a while since you wrote your will or if it doesn’t protect everything you need it to, our guide can help you build or update your estate plan. Take the process step by step and reach out to DoD experts for free assistance.

Check Off Financial Resolutions Early

This December, make your financial well-being list and check it twice! Have you thought about budgeting for 2025 yet? Are you saving as much as you’d like? Do you want to focus on paying down debt? These are just a few easy steps you can take to set your family up for a prosperous 2025. Get a jump start on five financial resolutions you can use to start the new year strong. Our latest blog will help set you up for financial success all year long.

Keep Your Finances on Track With Sen$e

Download Sen$e, the DoD’s free financial education app, in honor of National App Day, Dec. 11. You can use Sen$e to play games, build a spending plan, take the Financial Well-Being Assessment and find Service member-specific calculators. You can even create saving and spending goals — a helpful way to stay on track over the holidays.

Did You Know?

The Department of Defense will offer a Health Care Flexible Savings Account (HCFSA) benefit in 2025. Your family will have the opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars from your spouse’s paycheck for out-of-pocket medical, dental and vision expenses like copays, medications, braces and glasses. Stay tuned for more information about a special Open Season in March.

Resources

• U.S. Post Office: If you haven’t mailed a holiday package to your overseas Service member yet, you must send it via Priority Mail Express by Dec. 16 if you want it to arrive by Dec. 25.
  
  
• NORAD: While your kids wait to track Santa this holiday season, keep them busy with 23 free, seasonal, educational video games.
  
  
• FINRED: Explore what buy now, pay later really means for your wallet.
  
  
• FINRED: Test your financial vocabulary with this very special puzzle on National Crossword Day (Dec. 21).

Join the Mission!

MilSpouse Money Mission® is a Department of Defense resource that offers free personal financial education specifically for military spouses. Learn how we can serve you — and share this resource with your friends.