Transitioning To Civilian Life - 5 Financial Recommendations

RDML Brian Luther — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 09:19:56 -0400

Transitioning from the military to civilian life is a huge life change that involves critical financial considerations. We’ve put together a list of financial recommendations for you take into account prior to separating.

1. Put together a transition fund. Whether or not you have a job lined up after you leave the military, it’s a good idea, if possible, to set up a fund with enough money to cover at least six months of your expenses. Take the time to add up how much you spend on average in a month. Keep in mind that leaving the military will likely mean additional expenses to take into consideration. For example, once you separate you will no longer receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and will need to cover your own housing expenses. Even if you are not able to save six months’ worth, remember that having some savings is better than none. Civilian careers have less stability than the military; having a transition fund will provide you with better financial security as you embark into this next chapter of your life.

2. Know your future tax situation. As a civilian, you will be expected to file and pay your federal taxes by April 15th; state tax rates and regulation vary significantly. Familiarize yourself with the tax rate in the state where you will reside after leaving the military to avoid unpleasant surprises when you next file. If you’re retiring from the military, know that there are multiple states that don’t tax military retirement income, be sure to find out if your state is one of them.

3. Learn your coverage options.
a. Health insurance – Health insurance is critical. If you have a civilian job lined up already, make sure to understand all benefits offered and the employee’s share of any premium cost associated with different benefit levels. If you are retiring from the military after 20 years of active duty service, you are eligible for insurance through TRICARE. If you are separating but not retiring, you may qualify for temporary coverage through the Continued Health Care Benefit Program. TRICARE’s website has more information on temporary coverage. Some veterans may be eligible for VA health care; check the VA’s website for eligibility information. You can also check your state’s healthcare market place to see what options they offer. Be sure to factor any health insurance costs into your new expenses for budgeting purposes. A medical issue without health insurance could drastically hurt your financial situation, so be sure you are covered when you separate.
b. Life insurance – Life insurance is key to the strength of your family’s financial future and stability. After 120 days from the end of active service, you will no longer have $400,000 worth of life insurance coverage from Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance. You can apply for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) up to 240 days after leaving the service without a medical exam. Keep in mind, though, that because no medical exam is required, premiums for VGLI may be higher than necessary for a person who is in average or better health. To learn more about the differences between VGLI and individual Level Term, download our life insurance guide by visiting NavyMutual.org.
c. SBP - The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is a government-backed, monthly income annuity provided to enrolled beneficiaries when a servicemember dies. Military retirees forego a small (6.5%) pre-tax percentage of monthly pension income to protect up to 55% of their pension benefit that may receive a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for a survivor’s entire lifetime. SBP offers a very subsidized way to preserve part of that monthly income for an eligible beneficiary. While on active duty, SBP is a free automatic benefit of service, but participation for a retiree’s beneficiary is a voluntary decision that should not be taken lightly since the election in most circumstances is irreversible. Retirees are required to make an SBP election by their last day on active duty or are otherwise enrolled at the maximum possible SBP protection level, so confirm with your administrative office when your paperwork should be submitted. The SBP election is made on form DD-2656 or CG4700 for USCG, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and USPHS. You may elect SBP based on your gross retired pay or a smaller base amount (from $300/month to full retired pay). If you elect SBP, you must designate your beneficiary at that time. For more information and useful benefit calculators, check the Navy Mutual website.

4. Consider your retirement plan. Do you contribute to a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)? Carefully consider whether or not to rollover the account into an IRA or 401K. Investment management fees in a TSP account are much lower than any other retirement account alternative, meaning you would be spending less to keep the money there than in a different account, resulting in greater potential growth over many years. Remember that once you leave the military you will not be able to open another TSP account if you close your existing account (unless you are employed by the federal government). While you can no longer make regular contributions to your TSP after you separate, you may be able to rollover other qualified retirement accounts to reduce administration fees for more of your retirement savings. Speak with a financial planner familiar with TSP and military retirement prior to making any significant changes to your TSP account.

5. Understand your veteran benefits.
The VA has numerous resources and benefits for veterans that you may be eligible for. Find out more information on the items below by visiting the VA’s website:
a. Post 9/11 GI Bill
b. VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
c. Free educational and career counseling
d. Disability
e. Housing assistance
f. Veterans Crisis Line
Additionally, Navy Mutual is the nation’s oldest federally recognized Veteran Service Organization (VSO), to learn more about the veteran services we provide, visit our veteran services center at NavyMutual.org.
Separating from the military is a major life change that requires many decisions to be made. Give yourself time to make informed financial decisions so that you can start your civilian life in the best position possible. Navy Mutual is here to help.

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Response by SPC John Tacetta made Jul 8 at 2020 1:16 PM

SPC John Tacetta — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 13:16:20 -0400

Get to the nearest VA hospital upon ETS and get a card regardless of your status! I'm sure you didn't make enough to be turned away while in the service. It's a backstop at worst and meets the (now suspended) ACA requirement for health care coverage so you'll never be penalized in that manner no matter what happens. It will also generate more revenue for that facility as their funding is partially based on the number of vets they sign up.

I got mine 20 years after ETS during a tough patch and thank God have never had to use it, but it's there, just in case.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Jul 8 at 2020 4:30 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 16:30:41 -0400

Plan for success. This is outstanding information. Get the first job you can, then, work from there to better your situation. In some industries, military experience does not count [it can't be verified], while in the military, get the civilian certification of you military job. Remember, you have serviced your country, take advantage of the benefits provided to you. The best of luck.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jul 17 at 2020 11:17 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 11:17:06 -0400

The better you plan the more successful you will be!

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Jul 17 at 2020 9:25 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 21:25:26 -0400

Thank you!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2020 1:52 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 13:52:21 -0400

Awesome information! Thanks for sharing I am definitely taking notes!!

Response by SPC Steve Bright made Mar 18 at 2021 9:08 AM

SPC Steve Bright — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 09:08:53 -0400

Pretty good w the exception of the TSP. I have spent 15+ years as a research analyst at the large firms (as a sell side analyst and buy side (managing funds)). TSP is the worst 401k I have ever seen. It lacks diversification options at the expense of over simplifying investment choices.

Think of it this way. You have a slow killing disease. Say cancer. Do you go to the cheap doc in the box with the only option of providing you pain killers or go to the doc that will extend your life yet requires you to be involved in the decisions?

If you can... transfer the tsp and work w a good firm to allocate assets.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 18 at 2021 10:45 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 10:45:50 -0400

Some things to also consider is military buy back when you work for certain government agencies. This can increase your retirement benefit, as well as benefits at work. This is not just federal but also with some state and local government jobs.