Managing finances can be challenging, especially for military families who often face unique financial situations due to frequent relocations with varying costs of living. However, with careful planning and budgeting, it’s possible to achieve financial stability and peace of mind. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a military family budget, step by step.
Step 1: Assess Your Income and Expenses
Start by calculating your total monthly income, including military pay, allowances, and any additional sources of income.
Next, list all your monthly expenses, including fixed costs like rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and discretionary spending.
Step 2: Set Financial Goals
Determine your short-term and long-term financial goals, such as saving for emergencies, paying off debt, buying a home, or investing in education.
Prioritize your goals based on their importance and feasibility, and set specific, measurable targets to track your progress.
Step 3: Create a Budget
Based on your income and expenses, create a realistic monthly budget that aligns with your financial goals.
Allocate funds for essential expenses first, such as housing, utilities, and groceries, then allocate remaining funds for savings, debt payments, and discretionary spending.
Step 4: Track Your Spending
Monitor your spending regularly to ensure you’re staying within your budget and identify areas where you can cut back or save.
Consider using budgeting apps (I love Every Dollar) or software to track your expenses automatically and categorize your spending.
Step 5: Adjust as Needed
Be flexible with your budget and make adjustments as needed to accommodate changes in income, expenses, or financial goals.
Periodically review your budget to ensure it remains relevant and effective in helping you achieve your financial objectives.
Conclusion:
Creating and maintaining a military family budget requires diligence, discipline, and commitment, but the rewards are well worth the effort.Remember your goals, and hold one another accountable. By following these steps and prioritizing your financial goals, you can take control of your finances, reduce stress, and build a secure financial future for you and your loved ones.
Don’t forget to join our Facebook group for more financial tips and support from fellow military spouses!
One of the greatest challenges for military spouses is building and maintaining meaningful friendships while navigating the nomadic nature of military life. Frequent moves, deployments, and the demands of daily life can make it challenging to establish lasting connections. However, with the right approach and mindset, it is possible to cultivate meaningful friendships that provide support, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. In this article, we’ll explore some strategies for creating and nurturing friendships as a military spouse.
1. Embrace the Military Community:
One of the first steps to creating meaningful friendships as a military spouse is to embrace the military community. Attend base events, join spouse clubs or support groups, and participate in social gatherings organized by other military families. By immersing yourself in the military community, you’ll have the opportunity to meet other spouses who understand the unique challenges and experiences of military life.
2. Be Open and Approachable:
Approachability is key to forming friendships, so make an effort to be open and welcoming to others. Smile, introduce yourself, and strike up conversations with fellow military spouses whenever you have the chance. Remember that everyone is in the same boat, and most people are looking to make connections just like you.
3. Seek Common Interests:
Look for common interests and activities that can serve as the foundation for friendships. Whether it’s fitness classes, book clubs, volunteer opportunities, or hobbies like hiking or crafting, joining groups or activities that align with your interests can help you connect with like-minded individuals.
4. Be Proactive in Reaching Out:
Don’t wait for others to initiate contact—take the initiative to reach out and make plans. Invite a fellow military spouse for coffee, suggest a playdate for your kids, or organize a potluck dinner for your neighborhood. Taking proactive steps to foster connections can lead to meaningful friendships.
5. Be a Supportive Friend:
Show genuine interest in others and offer your support whenever needed. Whether it’s lending a listening ear, offering practical help during deployments or PCS moves, or simply being there to celebrate milestones and accomplishments, being a supportive friend can strengthen bonds and deepen connections.
6. Use Social Media and Online Platforms:
In today’s digital age, social media and online platforms can be valuable tools for connecting with other military spouses, even across geographical distances. Join online communities, forums, and Facebook groups dedicated to military spouses, where you can share experiences, seek advice, and forge friendships with others in similar situations.
7. Be Patient and Persistent:
Building meaningful friendships takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent in your pursuit. Understand that it may take time to find your tribe, and don’t get discouraged if initial attempts to connect don’t yield immediate results. Keep putting yourself out there, and eventually, you’ll find kindred spirits who enrich your life.
Creating meaningful friendships as a military spouse requires intentionality, effort, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. By embracing the military community, being open and approachable, seeking common interests, being proactive in reaching out, being a supportive friend, utilizing social media and online platforms, and being patient and persistent, you can cultivate friendships that endure the challenges of military life. Remember, true friendship knows no boundaries, and with each new connection, you’re not just expanding your social circle—you’re enriching your military journey with shared experiences and lasting bonds.
Join our Facebook group Milspouse Mastery, to connect with other military spouses, share experiences, and build meaningful friendships that support you on your military journey. Together, we can navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of military life. Click here to join now
In a world where military families play an important role in supporting our troops, it is crucial for individuals to understand what documents are required to become a military spouse. By having the necessary paperwork in order, you can ensure a smooth transition and access to the benefits entitled to military families. Let’s explore the key documents you need to become a military spouse.
Identification Documents
The first set of documents you will need to provide are identification documents. These typically include a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. You may also be asked to present your Social Security card as proof of your identification and eligibility for certain benefits.
Marriage Certificate
One of the most important documents you’ll need to become a military spouse is your marriage certificate. This legal document verifies your marriage to a service member and is crucial for accessing various benefits, including healthcare, housing, and commissary privileges. Make sure you have an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate ready, as some places may not accept photocopies.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is another important document for military spouses. This legal document grants you the authority to act on behalf of your service member in various cases, such as financial transactions, legal proceedings, and other important decisions. Having a power of attorney ensures that you can effectively handle issues that may arise while their gone.
Dependent ID Card
To have full access to military facilities and services, you will need to have a dependent ID card. This identification card establishes your eligibility as a military spouse and allows you access to military installations, medical facilities, and other services provided exclusively to military families. You can typically apply for a dependent ID card at a nearby military installation or designated office.
Conclusion
As you embark on your journey as a military spouse, it’s important to gather and maintain the necessary documents to make sure you have access to the benefits that are available. The essential documents include identification documents, a marriage certificate, a power of attorney, and a dependent ID card. By having these documents in order, you will be better prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with being a military spouse.
Remember, each military branch may have specific requirements, so it’s important to find reliable sources and consult with the appropriate military personnel for accurate information.
Be sure to keep your documents organized and readily available, like I discussed HERE. since you never know when you may need them. Now that you know what documents you need, take action and gather them today to ensure a seamless transition and access to the benefits you deserve!
Looking for ways to find stability? Check out this guide where I’m sharing my tips!
The military lifestyle is one filled with unique opportunities and challenges, and one of the challenges that military spouses often face is finding employment while navigating the frequent relocations and uncertainties that come with being married to a service member.
In this blog post, we will explore the common challenges faced by military spouses when it comes to finding a job, as well as the opportunities and resources available to support us in their pursuit of employment.
Frequent Relocations
One of the primary obstacles military spouses face when seeking employment is the frequent moves associated with military life. Relocating every few years can make it difficult for spouses to establish long-term careers in traditional employment settings. However, it’s important to note that as technology advances, more companies are embracing remote work opportunities, which can provide flexible employment options for military spouses.
Licensure and Certification Issues
Certain professions require state-specific licensure and certifications, and the process of transferring those credentials can be time-consuming and challenging for military spouses. Each state has its own requirements, and these discrepancies can make it difficult for spouses to continue a career or start in-demand professions if we move frequently. Nonetheless, initiatives such as the Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition Options (MSPB) Act aim to facilitate the transfer of professional licenses across state lines, making it easier for military spouses to maintain career progression.
Employer Misconceptions
Unfortunately, some employers may hold misconceptions about military spouses, wrongly assuming we are unreliable or incapable of long-term commitment due to the potential for relocation. This can make it more challenging for military spouses to secure employment opportunities. However, many organizations are recognizing the value of hiring military spouses and actively seeking to provide employment support through programs like the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP).
Remote Work and Entrepreneurship
The rise of remote work opportunities and the growing availability of online entrepreneurship ventures have opened up new avenues for military spouses to find employment. Remote work allows greater flexibility, enabling military spouses to work from any location, including during relocations. Additionally, some military spouses have found success in starting their own businesses, leveraging unique skills and experiences to create portable and flexible careers.
Employment Support Resources
Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to support military spouses in our job search efforts. Military Spouse Employment Readiness Programs (ERP), offered through installations and military support organizations, provide career counseling, resume assistance, and networking opportunities. Websites like Military OneSource and MilSpouse.org offer job boards, educational resources, and guidance on navigating the unique challenges faced by military spouses.
Conclusion:
While it is true that military spouses face challenges when it comes to finding employment due to frequent relocations and other factors, there are also opportunities and resources available to support them in their search for meaningful work. Remote work options, entrepreneurship, and initiatives aimed at recognizing and addressing licensure and certification issues are paving the way for military spouses to overcome hurdles. With the support of the military community and organizations dedicated to the employment of military spouses, finding fulfilling and flexible employment is becoming increasingly attainable.
Check out this list of work from home options here.
The lifestyle of a military spouse often involves attending various military-related events, ceremonies, and social gatherings. It’s natural to wonder if there is a specific dress code that military spouses are expected to follow. In this blog post, we’ll explore the topic of dress codes for military spouses and shed light on the expectations and guidelines that may apply.
Understanding Dress Codes for Military Spouses:
1. Military Ceremonies and Formals: For official military ceremonies or formal events, military spouses are generally expected to dress in a manner that reflects the significance of the occasion. Traditionally, this includes wearing formal attire. Women may opt for elegant dresses or evening gowns, while men typically wear suits or tuxedos. It’s important to note that the specific dress code may vary depending on the branch of service and the formality level of the event.
2. Casual Events and Social Gatherings: When it comes to more casual events and social gatherings, military spouses have more flexibility in their attire. While there is no prescribed dress code for such occasions, it is advisable to dress modestly and appropriately. It’s always a good idea to consider the location, theme, and nature of the event when choosing your outfit. For example, opting for business casual attire or smart casual outfits that are neat and well put-together is generally a safe choice.
3. Base Facilities and Functions: When visiting military base facilities, such as the commissary, exchange, or medical facilities, it’s preferred to dress in a manner that shows respect for the military environment. Although there might not be a strict dress code enforced, it is still recommended to dress modestly and avoid overly casual or revealing attire.
4. Deployment Homecomings and Reunions: When welcoming a deployed service member back home or attending deployment reunions, military spouses often choose to dress comfortably and casually. These occasions celebrate the return of loved ones, and families often opt for casual attire that allows them to embrace the joy of being reunited.
5. Personal Style and Individuality: While there may be certain guidelines to consider in specific situations, it’s important to remember that military spouses, like anyone else, have their own personal style and individuality. As long as the attire is respectful and appropriate for the occasion, military spouses are encouraged to express their unique fashion sense and personal preferences.
Conclusion:
While there isn’t an official dress code for military spouses in most situations, it’s important to be mindful of the specific event or circumstance you’re attending. Dressing appropriately and respectfully reflects your understanding of the military environment and shows your support for your service member and the military community. Whether you’re attending a formal ceremony or casual gathering, finding the right balance between personal style and appropriate attire will help ensure you feel confident and comfortable while embracing the military spouse role.
Are you craving stability in this crazy military world? Get my tips here .
You’ve finally gotten past your first PCS, and all the stress is behind you. Now your kids are at school, your husband is at work, and you’re in this new house that feels foreign and strange. How do you make your new duty station feel like home?
You Need a Routine
The first thing I recommend is establishing a routine. It’s important to get back to your schedule when you move. Begin doing the things that were familiar in the past. At your last duty station, if you ran errands on Wednesdays and went to the gym Tuesday and Thursday, try and keep those things consistent. Once those habits kick back in, you’ll start feeling familiar with your new home.
Decorate Your Home
Next, you need to decorate. Picture frames, pillows, blankets, rugs. Whatever you used before, try to incorporate in your new house. Of course, it’s fun to update your home with new items, but you want to recognize it as belonging to you and your family, and a simple way to do that is by bringing in aspects that feel familiar to you.
Explore the Community
If you want to feel at home, you’ll also want to get out into the community. Go out and explore your surroundings. Hike a trail, join the spouses’ club, volunteer at the USO. During the holidays, you can attend a local parade or potluck. See how your community operates and become a part of it.
Make Friends
My final tip is to try to make friends. I know it’s easier said than done, but whether or not you have a support network can make or break your experience. The fact is, your husband won’t be home all the time, and you need someone (or group of someone’s) who can come over for coffee, watch your kiddos while you get a pedicure, or just listen while you vent. Being a military spouse is tough, but we have a built in network of women with whom we can relate if we’re willing.
Moving is stressful, and moving often is difficult, but there are ways to feel comfortable and at home. If you can establish a routine, jazz up your home with some familiar decor, get out into the community, and make friends, then when it’s time to PCS, you’ll wonder how you’re ever going to leave this home you’ve created, that once felt so foreign.
New to the military life? Get my guide with 5 facts about the military and what your husband needs from you HERE
I'm a wife, crunchy mom of 5, Jesus lover, and homemaker. Join me on this wild journey of moving every 3 years to unpredictable locations as the wife of a US Marine.
