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Your Military Money

March 2025

Civilian Life: Your Next Step

Leaving military service and transitioning to civilian life doesn’t have to be stressful. Get tips from someone who's been there in our latest blog. Follow Tony, a recent veteran, as he goes through the Transition Assistance Program, retires and finds a civilian job. His step-by-step suggestions will help you navigate your transition. 

Enroll Now in the HCFSA Program

The DoD's newest benefit, the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA), launched March 3. You have until March 31 to sign up during a Special Enrollment Period. If you miss this deadline, you'll have to wait until the next Federal Benefits Open Season in November or a Qualifying Life Event. Learn more about the HCFSA and enroll before the end of the month.

Understand Your Consumer Protections 

As a Service member, you have special protections that prevent you from being treated unfairly when you take out a loan, lease an apartment or apply for a credit card. Check out the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act website to understand your protections and learn how to stand up for your rights.

Keep Your Kids Safe Online

The internet is full of games, news, shopping and educational materials. Unfortunately, it's also full of scams, and it can be hard for kids to know the difference. Review the Federal Trade Commission's guide on internet safety for kids, learn how to regulate multiple platforms and set parental controls to prevent bullying. You'll also find suggestions on starting this conversation.

Did You Know?

Sen$e, the DoD's financial education app, can help you analyze your credit spending habits. Check out the Credit Quiz. Answer 13 "yes or no" questions about borrowing, debt repayment, credit limits and payday loans to uncover red flags in your spending habits. Then use the quick suggestions at the end of the quiz to see how your credit card usage aligns with your financial goals. Download Sen$e from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Resources

• FINRED: Discover whether the HCFSA might be right for you in this fact sheet.
  
  
• FINRED: Learn the ins and outs of credit.
  
  
• Annual Credit Report: Obtain weekly online credit reports for free.
  
  
• MilTax: Stuck on a section of your tax return? Military tax experts can provide no-cost support 24/7.

ABOUT US

Your Military Money is an official communication from the United States Government, brought to you each month by the Department of Defense Office of Financial Readiness. FINRED oversees DoD-wide financial literacy programs and education, enabling Service members and families to strengthen their personal financial well-being.