The document summarizes a Twitter discussion (#CreditChat) about financial challenges and advice for military families. Participants discussed common struggles like frequent relocation, deployment, and income fluctuations. They provided tips on saving on moves, preparing financially before deployment, available discounts and benefits, VA loans, educational benefits, and resources for financial help. Advice was also given for transitioning to civilian life and preparing for changes to the military retirement system.

1. #CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
MILITARY & MONEYCredit & Money Tips for Military Families

2. Join our #CreditChat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.
This week, we talked about ways military families can improve
their finances and credit.
ex.pn/militarycredit

3. What financial challenges do military
families struggle with?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

4. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Military families also struggle with the
same challenges that all families do but can
be compounded by deployments, etc.”
- @StopFraudCo

5. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Deployment, frequent relocation, financial predators can
take a toll. Military families move 2.4 times as often as
civilians.”
- @veteransunited

6. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Most ongoing challenge tends to be shifts in
income and expense costs that come with
frequent relocation.”
- @JerryBuchko

7. Some military families relocate
regularly. Any tips to save on moving?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

8. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Get empty boxes from your office or
friends, pack your own boxes, U-Haul, and
sell any unnecessary items before you
move.”
- @care4yourfuture

9. “If you are PCSing, there are new short sale protections
for military homeowners. More information:
veteransunited.com/futurehomeowners.”
- @veteransunited
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

10. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Take advantage of military discounts, get
friends and family to help out, and don’t
keep what you don’t need!”
- @LeslieHTayneEsq

11. What should military families do to
prepare financially before deployment?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

12. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Automate your expenses and savings as
much as possible, make sure your POA and
will are up-to-date and other legal
documents.”
- @care4yourfuture

13. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Make a plan and take advantage of more
income and less expenses to pay down debt
and build savings.”
- J.J. Montanaro, @jj_USAA

14. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Avoid money-related stress by planning ahead, keeping
calm and setting goals.”
- @veteransunited

15. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Set goals and make a plan that works for
your family during deployment. Not
everyone has the same money goals.”
- Lacey Langford AFC, @FinanceLacey

16. What are ways to track money and pay
bills when deployed overseas?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

17. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“When deployed overseas, set up automatic
payments that way you don’t have to worry
about missing payments or internet
service.”
- @ConsolidatedUS

18. “Automated bill paying is widely offered and helpful.
Setting up Power of Attorney is important too.”
- @veteransunited
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

19. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Use military-friendly investment
companies that are tailored to serve
members’ needs.”
- @StacySmith0615

20. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Use mobile access and reduce bandwidth,
auto bill pay to avoid missed payments, and
make sure your spouse knows all.”
- J.J. Montanaro, @jj_USAA

21. What sorts of discounts and financial
benefits can military families get?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

22. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“If serving in designated combat zones,
boost your savings with DoD Savings
Deposit Program (SDP).”
- @AirForceFCU

23. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Military personnel can receive discounts at restaurants,
retail stores and online shopping.”
- @Rod_Griffin

24. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“The sky's the limit when it comes to
military discounts. Always, always ask
before you buy!!”
- @StacySmith0615

25. What should military families know
about VA loans?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

26. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“VA loans are for primary residences only,
don’t have a prepayment penalty, and don’t
have mortgage insurance.”
- @LeslieHTayneEsq

27. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“VA loans have huge financial benefits for military families.
No or low money down, no PMI, etc. VA Home Loan benefits
can be re-used, but millions of veterans are aware of them.”
- @veteransunited

28. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“VA loans are provided at favorable terms
to help service members, veterans and
eligible surviving spouses buy, build, repair,
retain homes.”
- @ConsolidatedUS

29. What educational benefits are available
to vets and those in military?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

30. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“For private schools, the Yellow Ribbon
Program is a provision that helps subsidize
the costs of private college costs.”
- @care4yourfuture

31. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Post 9/11 GI Bill. Don’t let the best education benefit in
the world go to waste. Military families TA while on active
duty.”
- J.J. Montanaro, @jj_USAA

32. Where can military families go to get
financial help?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

33. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“The American Legion provides emergency
cash grants for children of service members
and USA Care helps vets pay for housing.”
- @LeslieHTayneEsq

34. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Start close to home with a Military and Family
Readiness Center, and of course, @USAA and @usaaef.”
- J.J. Montanaro, @jj_USAA

35. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“If debt is your issue, call a non-profit credit
counseling agency. Credit counseling and
budgeting is free.”
- @StacySmith0615

36. What are ways for civilians to help
support military families and vets in
need?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

37. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Reach out to the service member’s family
during the deployment, say how and when
you can help them.”
- @AirForceFCU

38. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Hire veterans! This is an amazing demographic with
unique skills and expertise. It’s saying thanks and smart
business.”
- @veteransunited

39. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Support organizations that support
military families NMCRS, AFAS, AER.”
- J.J. Montanaro, @jj_USAA

40. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“There are many ways to help. Even offering
emotional support or helping with their kids
or chores can make a big impact.”
- @LeslieHTayneEsq

41. What financial advice do you have for
those transitioning to civilian life?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

42. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Before transitioning, build a transition
fund, save 9 to 12 months of living
expenses.”
- @AirForceFCU

43. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Stay on top of your credit history. Get a free report every
4 months: 1.usa.gov/1cWSBIB.”
- @veteransunited

44. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Preparation and communication are key to
transitioning to civilian life. With force
reduction it could be sooner than you think.”
- Lacey Langford AFC, @FinanceLacey

45. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Leverage tools, resources, orgs out there to
assist: @USAA, @HiringOurHeroes,
@IVMFSyracuseU.”
- J.J. Montanaro, @jj_USAA

46. Military retirement is changing in 2018,
what do military families need to know
and how should they prepare?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

47. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“The new plan is a blend of a pension and
investment plan. No more traditional 20-
year, all-or-nothing retirement plans.”
- @care4yourfuture

48. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Contribute to TSP, or look at alternatives for saving.
Here are five options: veteransunited.com/money.”
- @veteransunited

49. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Lots still to be worked out, watch news,
contribute to TSP and start planning for
Military Retirement Decisions 2018.”
- J.J. Montanaro, @jj_USAA

50. With all the changes and uncertainty in
military life, what can military families
do to stack the deck in their favor?
#CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET

51. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Knowing your goals and what’s important
to your family will make quick financial
decisions a little easier.”
- Lacey Langford AFC, @FinanceLacey

52. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Do basics right: emergency fund, save,
invest for future, have money talks to help
prepare for anything. Make your voice
heard through organizations like Military
Officer, Blue Star Family. Take BSF Survey
today!”
- J.J. Montanaro, @jj_USAA

53. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Stay informed. Our Veterans United Network is a great
resource for veterans and military families.”
- @veteransunited

54. #CreditChat
Wednesday | 3 p.m. ET
“Like with all things finance, you can plan
ahead. Get your emergency fund in order in
case life throws you a curveball.”
- @Kasasa

55. #CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
Check out all the resources and tips shared:
ex.pn/militarycredit

56. #CreditChat
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. ET
Join Us Every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.
experian.com/creditchat