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There are pros and cons to both options. But there are some things to consider before you choose exactly what to do with the extra cash, including:

• Do you already have an emergency savings account? Everyone needs one, because an emergency could happen at any time. You may need dental work, a plane ticket, or repairs to the refrigerator.

• How much is your debt costing you? To do the math, make a list of all your obligations, including auto loans, mortgage, and credit-card debt. Then write down the interest rate on each debt. Multiply the two numbers to find out how much each loan is costing you each year.

• What are your financial goals? If you’re thinking of buying a vehicle, sending the kids to college, or maybe even doing some traveling, you might want to consider stashing away the extra money in a savings account.

• How much could your savings earn? If you do save the cash, would you put it in a bank account, or possibly a money-market fund? Which pays more? Check the numbers on how much your debt is costing you. If paying off a chunk of that debt would save you more money than putting the cash in a savings account, you’re probably better off getting rid of the debt.

• What are your expected earnings in the near future? If you expect another windfall or extra cash, anytime soon, you’ll have a little more flexibility. You might be able to pay off your debt and stash away some cash for the future.

If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, you should carefully consider all the options before you decide what to do with the extra cash. Whether you pay down debt or save the money, remember that if you find yourself in a temporary cash crunch, a military loan can help to get you through without feeling squeezed.

If you still can’t decide between saving or paying off your debts, do a little bit of both. It might take longer to pay off your credit-card balances, and your savings will grow more slowly, but you’ll eventually be able to achieve both financial goals.

How do you decide what to do with extra cash? What are your thoughts on saving versus paying off debts? Please share your thoughts and insights with us!

The post Saving Versus Debt: The Battle of What to Do with Extra Cash appeared first on Just Military Loans.

The app, which uses only an iPad and a heart-rate monitor clipped to the user’s earlobe, is made up of four sections:

• Know How: Provides users with information about stress and resilience and how to apply that knowledge to their missions.

• Techniques: Explains how users can bring themselves into the best mental and physiological state possible to build resilience and achieve peak performance.

• Games: Allow sailors and Marines to practice applying those resilience skills.

• Review: Helps track a user’s training progress.

The game-based app allows a user to choose from several increasingly challenging training scenarios while the monitor records when his or her heart-rate rhythm becomes incoherent – a sign of stress. By playing the game, sailors and Marines can learn which techniques, such as deep breathing or muscle relaxation, help them maintain or regain coherence and manage their unique stress responses.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Developers of the app hope that once those techniques are learned, users can apply them to real-life situations.

The new app underwent field-testing in April 2013 at the Naval Center for Combat and Operational Stress Control in San Diego.

Analysts say lessening the impact of PTSD is crucial not only to sufferers, but to the military and the nation. According to a 2012 report by the Congressional Budget Office, 21% of military personnel returning from overseas contingency operations in Afghanistan and Iraq suffer from PTSD. The cost to treat those victims is almost 3.5 times higher than treating someone without PTSD or traumatic brain injury.

Those numbers work out to almost $1 billion in costs when multiplied by the total number of overseas contingency operations patients, according to statistics.

Stress can come from a variety of situations, and some are easier to work through than others. Financial stress can be eased with the help of a military loan; marital stress can often be resolved with counseling. But some stress associated with being a Mariner or sailor is harder to deal with. Officials believe that working to prevent PTSD will go a long way toward helping members of the military make an easier transition from active duty back into civilian life.

Are you an active duty military member? How do you cope with your stress? We’d love to hear your input.

The post Managing Post-Traumatic Stress: There’s an App for That appeared first on Just Military Loans.

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No one is better at the art of getting by than military families. You’ve become a pro at juggling household bills, managing your military loans and savings, and you’ve even managed to set up an emergency fund for life’s little surprises. You make difficult decisions everyday regarding your finances and you realize that every corner you cut puts more money in your pocket. Unfortunately, all deals are not created equal. To really save money, you’ll need to look at cost versus benefit. Here are some things to remember when evaluating that “too good to be true” score.

Time Is Money

Think of yourself as your own employee. What is your time worth? Sure, refinishing the deck in true DIY fashion seems like a good way to save money. However, before you dive into any project, you should factor in the cost of raw materials, your own labor, and your personal skill set. Sometimes it really is cheaper in the long run to hire an expert and leave the work to them.

Buyer Beware

Many military families look for pre-owned or refurbished items to save cash. People often sell pricey merchandise second-hand for a fraction of the cost, and most of the time everyone is satisfied. Whenever you buy something used, however, you run the risk of winding up with a very expensive paperweight. Even if your item is functional when it arrives, it’s important to remember that wear and tear has already taken its toll. Saving $100 on a new flat screen isn’t the best deal if you’ll need to replace it in a year or so.

Whenever possible, be sure to fully investigate the item before purchasing. It’s helpful to keep in mind that the more “high-tech” a specific product or device may be, the higher the chance that something could go wrong. Buying a second-hand blender might not be such a bad investment, but buying a pre-owned computer, TV, or smartphone might be a little bit more risky.

Remembering Rebates

On the surface, a rebate is a great deal. Pay the entire cost now and the company will send part of the money back later. If you’re on top of things, go for it. However, the company is banking on you forgetting to mail in the rebate slip, failing comply with their terms and conditions, or giving up in the face of complicated redemption processes. Rebates aren’t always bad, but you may end up paying more than you otherwise would have by counting on the rebate to make up the difference.

Waste Not, Want Not

Buying in bulk can save you buckets of money, but it’s important to be honest with yourself about how you’ll use the product. Twenty pounds of pancake mix at a bargain price will only save you money if you use it. Never buy anything simply because it’s a good deal. You’re not saving money by purchasing something you wouldn’t have bought if it weren’t on sale.

We all want to save money, but always be aware of the hidden costs when you find that great bargain. There is a big difference between cheap and inexpensive. Knowing how to tell which is which will make spotting a good deal easy.

What corners are worth cutting to save money? Which ones do you avoid cutting? Share your thoughts with us!

The post When Cutting Corners Can Cost You appeared first on Just Military Loans.

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The question, “Will you marry me?” is sometimes a hard one to ask, and a hard one to answer. But once you’ve answered it – or gotten an affirmative answer – there’s a whole a wealth of new questions to address, and not all of them pertain to cake flavors, centerpieces, and honeymoon locations.

Money is now, and has almost always been, the No. 1 reason why married couples argue – and often why they split up. It’s often even more contentious for military couples who have to manage a tight budget. So it’s prudent to have the money talk before the wedding ceremony. In fact, the earlier you have “the talk” the better. Here are some financial subjects you and your fiancée should tackle before the “I dos.”

• Debt - You both need to be up front about the amount of debt you’ll be bringing into the marriage. If your partner’s debt load seems high, find out why. Are student loans still being paid off? Do one or both of you have a tendency to rack up credit-card charges? Discuss who will be responsible for paying off debts incurred before you get married, and find out one another’s credit scores.

• Attitude toward money - Your saving and spending habits as an adult are greatly influenced by the way you were raised. If one of you is thrifty and the other lives to shop, now is the time to sort out how you will handle those differences. You might consider opening a joint bank account to pay shared expenses – like rent/mortgage, groceries, and utilities – and keep separate accounts for personal use.

• Financial problems - Almost 80% of people admit lying to their spouses about how they spend money, and lies are unhealthy in any marriage. Before you walk down the aisle, set some ground rules that will make talking about money easy for both of you. And decide now which one of you will be responsible for paying the monthly bills, and when necessary, what you’ll do in emergency financial situations, such as applying for a short-term military loan.

• Future financial plans - Discuss what kind of home you want to own, how often you want to take vacations, how many children you’ll have, and whether one of you will stay home with them. Set your goals now then build your budget around them.

Debt doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. But understanding and agreeing on finances before marriage can help forge a successful, long-term union that’s free from money squabbles.

How do you and your spouse handle financial sticky spots? Do you have any advice for soon-to-be military brides and grooms? Please share your thoughts!

The post Till Debt Do Us Part: Having the ‘Money Talk’ Before Marriage appeared first on Just Military Loans.

Since its inception, the group has responded to disasters in Chile, Burma, Pakistan, Sudan, and at home – in Vermont, Maryland, Missouri, Alabama, and the East Coast, after Hurricane Sandy devastated thousands in 2012. More than 1,000 Team Rubicon members participated in “Operation: Greased Lightning,” responding to the area affected by Hurricane Sandy even before the storm hit, and performed search-and-rescue operations, shelter management, and debris clearing in the aftermath.

Jake Wood, a Team Rubicon co-founder and veteran, spoke in 2011 about the organization’s mission and work.

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Veterans lose three things when they get out of the military: mission, community, and a sense of self,” Wood said. “Team Rubicon is able to provide these things to veterans in spades.

“We have a clearly defined mission that veterans buy into: They once again find themselves on the front lines, only this time in their communities after disasters rather than in the Middle East.”

Experienced military veterans possess disaster-relief skills that many other Americans lack. Working with Team Rubicon can give returning service members a sense of purpose and help them make the transition back to civilian life.

“Team Rubicon pioneered a new paradigm in disaster response while redefining the meaning of veteran reintegration into society,” the group’s website explains.

Team Rubicon’s most recent mission was in April 2013, when members were deployed to Monroe County, Tenn. to provide home repair and debris cleanup in areas damaged by severe storms.

Team Rubicon’s slogan, “Bridge the Gap,” refers to its mission to provide disaster relief between the moment a disaster occurs and the point at which more conventional aid organizations respond. When that gap closes, and conventional aid organizations arrive, Team Rubicon moves on.

Most Team Rubicon members are volunteers, so those applying may need some help bridging their own financial gap. If this is the case, a military loan from Just Military Loans can help you maintain your financial security so you can help others in need.

For more information about Team Rubicon or to apply for a position, visit the group’s website.

Are you a member of Team Rubicon or veteran volunteering with similar organization? How are you using your military skills in civilian life? Please share your thoughts and experiences with us!

The post Veterans Put Their Skills to Use in Disaster Relief appeared first on Just Military Loans.

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For members of the military who are caring for aging parents, it’s often pretty clear when you need to take away the car keys. However, when it comes to money, it’s not always as obvious.

Almost one-fourth of those older than age 65 have some type of cognitive impairment. Even those who are experiencing normal “cognitive aging” might be affected by memory lapses and slower thought patterns.

What should you look for? Some of the signs that an elderly parent may be struggling with money include: anxiety about the mail and paper clutter in their home; difficulty counting money; and calls from banks and other financial institutions about problems with their accounts.

If it’s clear that an older relative is no longer able to handle his or her finances, and you’re thinking of taking over that job, make sure you know the answers to these questions:

• Have your parents named a durable power of attorney to manage their finances?

• Where do they keep their financial records? Make sure you know the location of keys or codes to safety deposit boxes or safes.

• What are the numbers for their accounts with banks, mortgage companies, and investment firms?

• What are your parents’ monthly expenses?

• What is their annual income, and what is the source of that income?

• Besides Medicare, what kind of medical insurance do they have?

• Do your parents have long-term care insurance? If not, how much can they afford for housing?

Whatever you decide to do, be sure you are careful about framing and timing your offer of assistance. You might suggest that they put all their bills in one place, and then offer to come over once a week and help sort them out. You can also consult a military lender if you find that a parent has run into financial difficulty and you need cash to help tide them over.

Remember that it’s important for older people to retain a sense of dignity and independence, even if they’re no longer handling their own finances. You can help by being sensitive to this and allowing a parent to maintain a small checking account, or have access to a prepaid credit card.

For more tips on taking over aging parents’ financial affairs, check out this advice from financial editor Jean Chatzky of The Today Show.

Are you managing an aging parent’s finances? How did you approach the situation, and what tips do you have for others in the same situation?  Please share your advice and experiences with us.

The post Cutting the Purse Strings: Dealing with Your Parents’ Finances appeared first on Just Military Loans.

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1. Buy Energy Star appliances – Replace your outdated washer, hot water heater, dishwasher, and refrigerator with energy-efficient models. Each appliance you replace will save you upwards of $75 a year on energy costs alone. Many states also offer tax credits and rebates for those installing Energy Star appliances. Look for the blue star and save.

2. Use water-saving devices – American households use an average of 80 to 100 gallons of water per person, per day. The quickest way to reduce the amount of water flowing out of your house is to correct the flow itself. Install low-flow toilets and water-saving showerheads and reduce your monthly water bill.

3. Plant synthetic grass – Synthetic grass has come a long way from the plastic green carpet on grandma’s front porch. Today’s faux foliage looks and feels like the real deal. Even better, it never needs watering, mowing, or fertilizing. Insects leave it alone, so there’s no need for environmentally harmful insecticides. In summer, your lawn can suck up 125 gallons of water per day. Install some fake green and put some real green back in your pocket.

4. Install programmable thermostats – A little adjustment goes a long way. Invest in programmable thermostats that automatically turn your heating and cooling systems up, down, or off when no one is home. Adjust the heat to 68 degrees in the winter and 78 in the summer, and save as much as 15% on your energy bill. It’s a little change that makes a big difference to the environment and your budget.

Although the initial financial outlay of these money saving ideas may seem counterproductive, the benefits outweigh the costs. Keep in mind that Armed Forces loans from Just Military Loans are available for those looking to do a complete eco-friendly overhaul or those who need a financial hand with small modifications. Protect the environment just as you protect your country, and reap both the savings and the rewards.

How is your military family helping the environment? What do you do to save on energy and water bills? We want to hear your tips and tricks!

The post 4 Eco-Friendly Money-Savers for Military Families appeared first on Just Military Loans.

As potential Army recruits become more sophisticated about what military life can offer, Army officials believe it’s important that they are shown a picture of how things really are – warts and all. Thus, anything submitted to Army Strong Stories is published unedited, provided it follows guidelines set forth by the Army to ensure that “all story submissions uphold Army values.”

Although soldiers are legally prohibited from speaking out against the military – and while historically, the military has cracked down on soldiers who air opinions that don’t mesh with the official military line – Army Strong Stories allows anyone to post a story.

The stories are reviewed only after they appear on the website. Officials have removed some posts that they believe endangered operational security (OPSEC) because they included details about soldiers’ locations and schedules. The authors were asked to repost edited versions, but no action was taken against them.

“Most soldiers know better,” an Army spokesperson told Buzzfeed. “We encourage their openness as long as they are adhering to OPSEC guidelines, which they are very cognizant of.”

One example of the Army walking a fine line with the website is sequestration, and its effects on the military. Political speech is discouraged, but when it comes to criticizing the president about recent cutbacks – specifically, suspension of the tuition assistance program – open criticism is allowed.

One recent post encouraged readers to contact senators and representatives to tell them that the program suspension is a “slap in the face” to members of the military. Keep in mind, those who have felt the effects of the sequestration financially have the option of checking into military lenders, who can provide short-term loans to help ease the burden.

For more information on Army Strong Stories, visit armystrongstories.com.

How has military life impacted you and your family? What’s your biggest struggle as a member of the armed services? We would love to hear about your experiences.

The post Army Embraces Social Media to Let Soldiers Tell Their Stories appeared first on Just Military Loans.

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We all have moments when we feel like our daily life has sapped all of our energy. That feeling is compounded tenfold for military spouses. With so much on your plate it can be difficult to find time to be your own person. While being a military family offers a wealth of resources that includes everything from counseling to loans for active duty military members, sometimes you need something that’s not provided: alone time. Prioritizing yourself is one of the best ways to fight off an occasional case of the blues, and there are a lot of easy and inexpensive ways to do it.

1. Exercise - Sure, it doesn’t sound like much fun now, but exercise is one of the best ways to spend time alone with your thoughts. From a trip to the gym to a brisk walk around the base, physical activity creates feel-good endorphins that can quickly lift your mood. Clear your mind, trim your waistline, and beat the blahs all at once.

2. See a movie - When was the last time you saw a movie without talking animals or epic shoot-outs? Head to the theater solo and see a movie you’ve been waiting to watch. A few hours alone in a make-believe world can do wonders for your soul.

3. Change your routine - Life has a way of becoming stagnant, so make sure to change it up! Take a different route to work, shop at a new store, or try that cozy little coffee shop everyone has been talking about. Even a small change to your routine can make you feel like a new person.

4. Run away from home – Everyone wants to run away sometimes. Act on your impulse. Find a sitter for the kids and head out with no plans. Go where the night takes you. Spontaneity has a way of making you feel alive like nothing else can. Break free from the day-to-day grind and do something you enjoy.

5. Feel the beat – When all else fails, dance. Crank up your favorite song and bust a move in the kitchen, backyard, or living room. Be silly or spastic – it doesn’t matter as long as you’re moving. Dance like no one’s watching, but maybe make sure it’s true. You don’t want anyone to think you’ve actually lost your mind!

The military life can be tough, rigid, and demanding, but there’s no reason it shouldn’t be enjoyable, too. You are more than a mom or dad, a husband or wife. You’re a person. Prioritize time with yourself and be the best person you can be for your family and your country.

How do you relax and unwind? What’s your favorite me-time activity? Please share your thoughts with us!

The post 5 Tips for Making Yourself a Priority appeared first on Just Military Loans.

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When a wounded soldier returns home from war, there are countless people who step up and take care of him – not the least of whom is his wife.

But who takes care of the military wives, whose lives can be hard enough under ordinary circumstances? To whom can they turn when their wounded husbands come home, and they add “primary caregiver” to their job responsibilities? Short-term financial needs can be met with the help of a military loan, but emotional support is equally important.

Four years ago, author Barbara McNally, volunteering at a military hospital, realized that those women – also heroes – weren’t getting the recognition or the support they deserved, and the Empty Your Cup program was born. “I don’t pretend to understand,” says McNally, who started a support group for the wives of wounded warriors who had become their husbands’ primary caretakers. “I’m just there to provide a place for encouragement.”

Empty Your Cup began as a quarterly meeting that allowed women to relax, incorporating yoga, spa days, and a place to talk and share their stories. McNally paid for the program herself for two years, then joined forces with the Wounded Warrior Project and the Armed Services YMCA. The partnership eventually grew to allow more gatherings and therapy programs for military wives.

“I would say they’re the silent strength behind our soldiers,” McNally says of the wives involved in Empty Your Cup. “We wend our soldiers out, and they come back with medals and flags. The silent heroes are the ones who wait for them and are there when they’re injured.”

McNally remembers receiving a card from a woman who came to an Empty Your Cup gathering. “She said I was the first person who ever recognized her,” McNally says.

In her blog, McNally talks about the success of the first “spa day,” noting that the bond that the women formed was more important than any of the spa treatments. “Being able to talk with other women going through the same challenges made them feel less alone and more understood,” she wrote.

For more information about Empty Your Cup, visit the Armed Services YMCA website.

Are you the spouse of a wounded warrior? Are you participating in the Empty Your Cup program or one like it? Please share your stories and thoughts with us!

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