Mil Money

From managing your finances, to buying a new car or home, Mil Money provides advice to U.S. service members.

Are military spouse employment programs working?

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent by DoD, nonprofit organizations and employers, but spouse unemployment is still high, advocacy group says.

19 hours ago

Utility bills for base housing are returning; few details offered

Defense officials intend to reestablish the Resident Energy Conservation Program, which would monetarily reward tenants who conserve energy and charge more to those who don't. But details are scant.

3 days ago

Pay & Benefits

Another 16 million veterans can get Home Depot’s new military discount year-round

But be aware of the new rules for the military discount.

Here’s who gets the biggest military housing allowance bumps in 2022

The Basic Allowance for Housing is going up in 2022 for the vast majority — 86% — of Military Housing Areas across the 50 states.

4 weeks ago

Why are so few troops applying for the extra housing money approved to ease financial woes?

The military services have so far approved just 4,167 claims for the temporary increase in Basic Allowance for Housing, far fewer than were anticipated by defense officials.

6 weeks ago

Military charities step up to assist families affected by tainted water in Hawaii

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Army Emergency Relief and Air Force Aid Society are providing grants.

6 weeks ago

Money for Afghan refugees but not military pay boost in latest federal budget plan

The budget plan would avoid a partial government shutdown set for Friday night.

7 weeks ago

Military health care deadlines looming

Dec. 13 is the deadline for Tricare and FEDVIP enrollment and changes.

8 weeks ago

Here’s how the selection of a single contractor to arrange PCS moves might help

Troops can expect to see improvements in every part of the moving process, from scheduling to filing a claim for lost or damaged goods, says the chief executive officer of HomeSafe Alliance.

2 months ago

Rising costs for troops’ pay and benefits could hurt military readiness, experts warn

Former defense officials say military leaders and lawmakers need to start discussing changes now to see financial benefits in coming years.

2 months ago

Feds allege pawnshops ‘cheated’ and ‘gouged’ military families

These pawnshops allegedly charged active-duty members and families an annual interest rate of more than 200%.

2 months ago

Advocates call for ‘urgent’ action to end military, veteran food insecurity

Questions remain about the extent of hunger in military and veteran families.

2 months ago

Tricare open enrollment begins — and your costs may go up

If you want to make changes to your Tricare coverage, or enroll in a plan, you must do it by the open season deadline.

2 months ago

From free Ferris wheel rides to car washes, pizzas and pancakes, Veterans Day deals are waiting

From a free breakfast to a late night spin on a ferris wheel, plan your day around these deals.

3 months ago

$6.2 billion contract aims (again) to reform household goods moves for troops, families

A single move manager will provide complete door-to-door global household goods services for military families — and bring accountability to the system.

3 months ago

CVS returns to the military Tricare pharmacy network. Walmart’s out

Walmart officials, who signed an agreement with Express Scripts Sept. 30 to continue in the network, were surprised by the news they're out.

3 months ago

Coming soon: Commissary groceries delivered to your doorstep

It's a first for commissary customers, and it's all about convenience and access to the benefit.

3 months ago

Despite drug shortages, military has mostly been able to find alternative supplies

National supply chain issues are causing more drug shortages, according to reports. But the military appears okay for now.

3 months ago

50,000 military families in 38 privatized housing communities see new ownership

"We put some very, very harsh downward pressure on Clark, because they were a failing partner," said Army Gen. Edward Daly, head of Army Materiel Command.

3 months ago

Bigger military pay raise on lawmakers’ agenda for 2022

Troops are scheduled to receive a 2.7 percent boost in their salaries starting in January.

3 months ago

First lady says more money needed to fight hunger in military families

The House version of the defense policy bill would create a “basic needs allowance” to supplement troops with a household income of less than 130 percent of the federal poverty line.

3 months ago

Military exchanges, battling supply chain issues, urge customers not to wait on holiday shopping

Exchange officials: 'Do not wait to buy — if you see it buy it!'

3 months ago

Military moves: The ‘trail of misery’ continues with long delays, families say

Shipping snarls cause some military families to wait an extra four months or longer for their household goods shipments.

4 months ago

Here’s how to get your holiday goodies to troops overseas in time, but it will cost more

The grinch has been at work on some mailing costs.

4 months ago

No money to pay troops if debt ceiling deal doesn’t happen, defense secretary warns

The U.S. is due to run out of cash reserves on Oct. 18.

4 months ago

VA resumes collection of debts from benefits overpayments, medical co-pays

About 600,000 veterans owe money to the department.

4 months ago

Pharmacy costs increasing Jan. 1 for active-duty families, retirees and others

After holding the line on cost of meds for 2021, Tricare officials are increasing the cost anywhere from $1 to $8 for 2022.

4 months ago

New White House report seeks employment, quality of life improvements for military families

A major priority of the Joining Forces is reducing spousal unemployment, which has remained at 22 percent for nearly a decade.

4 months ago