January 2026

Happy Holidays,

2026 Tax Changes

Understand the 2026 IRS tax adjustments to help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises when you file in 2027. Key changes include:

→ Standard deduction: $16,100 (single) / $32,000 (joint).
→ Max Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): $8,231
→ Health FSA limit: $3,400
→ Dependent Care FSA limit: $7,500 per household
→ 401(k) limit: $24,500

It's Time for Tax Paperwork Prep

Tax time is just around the corner. Before you dive into numbers and forms, get your document ducks all in a row. The IRS outlines the must-have paperwork that makes filing smoother, faster and less “where did I put that?” You’ll need:

→ Personal information
→ Forms W-2, 1099 or other information returns
→ Documents for credits or deductions
→ Documents from side jobs and self-employment

MilTax offers free tax software and one-on-one help from military tax experts. Take advantage of tips and tricks to make tax time easier.

Financial Well-Being Assessment Benefits

Start the year strong. During Financial Wellness Month, gain a clear understanding of your holistic financial wellness. Taking the Financial Well-Being Assessment can help you:

→ Manage financial anxiety.
→ Strengthen your ability to handle the unexpected.
→ Pinpoint strengths and gaps in your financial plan.
→ Make informed purchasing decisions.
→ Set SMART goals.
→ Develop a roadmap to achieve your goals.
→ Track your progress.

Ring in the New Year with these top 10 investing resolutions from Investor.gov.

Act Against Identity Theft

Take immediate action when you suspect identity theft. First, call the companies where you know fraud happened. Then, place a fraud alert on your report and review your credit reports. Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. You may also choose to file a report with your local police department. Next, take a deep breath and begin to repair the damage.

Building an Emergency Fund

Having an emergency fund isn’t pessimism, it’s preparedness. A funded emergency account reduces anxiety and helps you focus on solutions, not survival. Even small, steady savings can make a difference. 

For Service Members and Leaders

2026 National Defense Authorization Act

The 2026 NDAA includes provisions that impact service members and families, including an increase in Family Separation Allowance, a 3.8% pay raise across the board and health care access improvements.  

Plan My Deployment Checklists Tool

Designed to meet the evolving needs of Service members, the Plan My Deployment Checklists tool helps you plan, prepare and execute all phases of deployment.  

TSP Roth In-Plan Conversion Change

A change to the Thrift Savings Plan gives participants a powerful new planning tool. Starting in January 2026, you will be able to convert money in your traditional (pre-tax) balance to your Roth (after-tax) balance in your TSP account. 

Planning Ahead with the Survivor Benefit Plan

As you map out financial goals for the year ahead, don’t overlook the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). The SBP can offer a reliable income stream for eligible beneficiaries to help safeguard your family’s future. 

For Military Financial Service Providers

Upcoming Webinars

How to Bring National Consumer Protection Week to Your Library

2026 Tax Updates - What Service Providers Need to Know

Supporting Military Couples Through Employment and Financial Transitions

For Military Spouses

Protect Your Kids' Devices

Keep your kids safe online and protect them from hackers and scammers. Military Consumer offers tips for protecting young kids and teaching older kids how to secure their devices.

From Pilot to Permanent: Career Accelerator Expands Spouse Opportunities

The Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot has proven its value and becomes a permanent initiative in January 2026. The Department of War-backed program, the Career Accelerator expands long-term employment opportunities for military spouses.  

Teaching Young People About Money

Research suggests that financial education may be related to lower debt, higher savings and higher credit scores. Practical suggestions for talking to kids about money can give them a head start on their future success. 

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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 DOW Office of Military Compensation and Financial Readiness. The Financial Readiness (FINRED) component oversees DOW-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.