DECEMBER 2025

Happy Holidays,

Get a Financial Jump Start on 2026

As the days grow shorter and the year winds down, it’s a good time to relax, reflect and prepare for 2026 — especially when it comes to your finances. Whether you’re navigating a period of transition or planning for a brighter financial future, taking a few thoughtful steps now can set you up for a more secure and hopeful new year. For example:

1. Take the Financial Well-Being Assessment.
2. Check your credit score.
3. Prepare for tax season.
4. Make financial resolutions.
5. Evaluate your emergency fund.
6. Meet with a personal financial manager or counselor.

Double Check Your Pay

It’s important to review your leave and earnings statement (LES) each pay period. While regular check-ins help you stay on top of your finances, times of change — like annual benefit updates — can bring unexpected adjustments. Reviewing your LES ensures that your pay, deductions and entitlements reflect the latest changes, and also helps you catch any discrepancies early.

Learn more about the types of military pay with this guide, then visit the Defense Finance and Accounting Service to discover how to decode your military or civilian LES.
View Your LES

Scams Are on the Rise

There’s recently been an uptick in scams targeting Service members and Federal employees. Persuasive criminals claim they want to help, but they’re really out to steal money and identities. Be wary of any unsolicited offers, and be sure to research new assistance programs and follow these sites from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to stay one step ahead:

• Veteran Service Member Family Fraud Evasion (VSAFE)
• Military Consumer Blog

Update Benefit Choices During Open Season

Open Season is a time for eligible Service members and military families to enroll in or change TRICARE health benefits, FEDVIP dental and vision coverage, and FSAFEDS Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which require annual reenrollment.

• Health Care FSA: Set aside up to $3,400 individually pre-tax for medical, dental, vision, prescription and some over-the-counter health needs.
• Dependent Care FSA: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for day care, summer camp, elder care and more. The 2026 maximum annual contribution limit is increasing to $7,500 per household or $3,750 per individual, including if married and filing taxes separately.

Federal Student Aid Updates

The Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid is evolving its approach to supporting students and families. The Office of the Ombudsman will become the Office of Consumer Education and Ombudsman with a strengthened focus on improving financial literacy among students, parents and borrowers. Additionally, the income-based repayment plan will offer expanded eligibility, and 2026-2027 financial aid applications, which are available now, will better reflect families’ financial needs.

Simplify Your Holidays

If your December already feels too hectic, too expensive, consider simplifying your holidays. Give yourself permission to pass on traditional events, skip a side dish or appetizer, spend less per person and/or buy everyone on your list gift cards. Minimize your stress, follow these safety tips and enjoy a merrier, more affordable season.

For Service Members and Leaders

Higher TSP Annual Contribution Limits

The IRS recently announced that most Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contribution limits will increase in 2026. For example:

• Elective deferral limit: $24,500
• Participants aged 50-59, and 64 and over: $8,000 catch-up

All About VA Loan Assumptions

VA loan assumptions, which allow new borrowers to take over existing VA loans, have become increasingly attractive to homebuyers in recent years because they generally come with lower interest rates, fees and closing costs.

For Military Financial Service Providers

Webinar: FinTech Risks and Regulations

Join a senior counselor from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at OneOp’s webinar on December 9 at 11 a.m. ET. This session will focus on SEC’s role in regulating financial technology like robo-advisors and cryptocurrency. You’ll discuss the ethics of utilizing new FinTech and discover how to integrate SEC guidelines into financial counseling.

Webinar: Military Personal Finance Review

Learn insights from other personal financial managers and explore key events that shaped Service members’ finances in 2025. This OneOp session will highlight legislation, policy updates and recent research, and also cover changes anticipated in 2026. Tune in January 8 at 11 a.m. ET.

Empower Military-Connected Caregivers

A recent study found that 31% of caregivers used their savings to cover the cost of caring for a loved one, 22% took on debt and 19% delayed paying bills. Caregivers of both elderly parents and exceptional children often face these difficult financial trade-offs. Help ease their burden by sharing tax credit info, connecting them to military and Government benefits, and offering financial literacy workshops tailored for them.

For Military Spouses

Online Discussion: Remote Job Applications

Remote jobs are crucial for military spouses who want to build their own, PCS-proof careers. Join Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) on December 11 at 3 p.m. EST to learn how to make your application stand out.

SCRA Tax Benefits: A Must-Watch for Military Spouses

Military life means frequent moves, but your state income tax rights don’t have to be complicated! The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) offers key protections for military spouses, but many are unaware of their benefits. This video explains the SCRA and provides updates on income taxation for military spouses. Watch Now

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Your Military Money: Financially Secure, Mission Ready is an official communication from the United States Government, brought to you each month by the DoD Office of Military Compensation and Financial Readiness. The Financial Readiness (FINRED) component oversees DoD-wide financial education and counseling programs, enabling Service members and military spouses to strengthen their personal financial well-being. FINRED also offers training and resources to financial service providers and leaders, keeping them informed of financial policies and laws.