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10 Tips for New Commissary Shoppers

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One of the biggest and potentially best, perks of military life is the commissary. Land of less costly staples and often unique foreign foods, the commissary can be a pretty great place.

When you are new to military life, the commissary can be a bit intimidating, especially if you are shopping without your service member. It’s a grocery store, but not exactly. There are some written and unwritten rules that run the commissary.

Here are 10 tips to make your commissary shopping experience a pleasant one.

10 Tips for New Commissary Shoppers

1. Always Bring Singles

The very friendly people bagging your groceries work for tips and tips only. Their take-home pay is based on your generosity and goodwill. If you just have a few bags, drop a buck or two in the wooden box or glass jar. If the bagger has packed many bags, takes them to your car and stows them in the trunk, give a bigger tip please!

2. Clip Coupons

The prices at the commissary are already below the out-in-town shops’ prices, but coupons should not be neglected. Grab the flyers at the front of the store and pull out a few before you shop. Or plan in advance with the Sunday coupon inserts or weekly circulars.

Don’t forget to use your Commissary Rewards Card app. You can digitally clip coupons that way or by visiting Coupons.com.

Even if you use coupons occasionally, you can still score big savings on staples like cereal, diapers and snacks.

3. Military Coupons

Throughout all commissaries are special military-only coupons. These deals are often even better than the manufacturer coupons distributed to the general public. Plus, the discount window tends to be longer, giving you more time to stock up.

4. Pay Day

Service members get paid on the same 2 days each month. Like clockwork. If you value your sanity, avoid shopping at your commissary on those days. Go a few days before or a few days after.

The 1st and the 15th are not days you want to “just run in real quick for some milk.”

5. Case Lot Sales

A few times a year, most commissaries will close a section of their parking lots for case lot sales. A case lot sale is the perfect time to stock up on toilet paper, paper towels, canned goods and bulk snack items for hungry kids. Almost everything is even cheaper than normal and there are often coupons that give you an even bigger price cut.

6. Checkout Etiquette

In civilian grocery stores you just find the register with the shortest line and go there. In the commissary there is one giant line that funnels to the registers. It makes sure that each check-out is not overwhelmed with people and that baggers all get equal amounts of work.

On your first trip, don’t be that person who cuts the line. Join the big queue and bring something to entertain the kids (and you) while you wait.

7. Restocking Day

This might vary slightly from base to base. Generally there is 1 day a week that the whole store is restocked. Find out when this day is and shop on that day. By sticking to restocking day for shopping, you will get fresher veggies and produce. You will also get first grab for new items or popular things that go fast at your commissary.

8. Holiday Feasting

If you like a big turkey for your holiday meal, it is better to scope it out early than to wait until the last minute. Since these big ticket items are considerably less than civilian grocery stores, holiday foods tend to go fast. This means that you might not find a turkey the week of Thanksgiving. It’s better to clear some freezer space in late October than to be caught without one later.

9. Item Requests and Suggestions

Food is changing. Americans are eating very different things than they were even 5 years ago. Just look at the explosion of gluten-free and organic products!

If you want to see something on your commissary shelves, ask. Email the manager. Their contact information is always on the receipt and on the commissary specific website.

You can contact the procurement or department manager too. Often, if a regular distributor carries the product you want, it will show up in stores. Then send a thank you note or email.

There are also comment boxes near the management office of every commissary. If someone went above and beyond, or you liked a particular item, write it down and put it in the box. This is the only way that each store knows what is going right and what needs to be corrected.

10. Time to Shop

This varies based on where you are. Many locations, particularly northern Virginia and southern California, have a huge military retiree population with commissary privileges. This group tends to shop in the late mornings on weekdays. If you are OK with moving a little slower and navigating around motorized carts, this might be a good time for you.

Many families with working parents shop on Saturdays or after church on Sundays. The store will be crowded and full of kids. Also, stores don’t restock on weekends, so this is a prime time for something to run out.

The best way to figure this out is to hit your local commissary on a few different days and times. Find out what works best for your shopping style and stick with it.

What commissary shopping tips do you have for new military spouses? Share them in the comments section.

How to Find Military Savings as a Pet Owner

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There is little doubt (and actual scientific evidence) that pets help us live longer, happier lives. The cost of raising a pet can, however, take a chunk out of a family budget.

How to Find Military Savings as a Pet Owner

Adding a pet to your family can be costly. Check out this list of military savings for pet owners.

As a new pet owner myself, exploring ways to save money was at the top of my list. A little research later, and I’ve got an entire list of military savings for pet owners.

How to Find Military Savings as a Pet Owner

Plan Before You Become a Pet Owner

Planning ahead can help to keep pet costs manageable. Before you bring an animal home, take time to do some research.

Some breeds are prone to costly health issues. If the breed you have your heart set on has a propensity for health issues, make sure you plan ahead. Save money each month in an emergency fund or get a pet insurance policy. These policies are inexpensive and readily available. Check with your insurance provider…USAA has a plan!

If you’re thinking about getting a pet, adoption is a great, budget-friendly option. Many shelters and rescue organizations offer free or low-cost adoptions, plus spay/neutering and micro-chipping services at reduced costs.

You might also consider adopting an adult dog. Many adult dogs are already fixed, have all the vaccines younger animals require, and are house-trained.

Don’t forget to consider your military lifestyle when selecting a pet. Long hours away from home, frequent TDYs, pending PCSs and on-post housing restrictions should play a role in the breed, size and age of any animal you decide to add to your family.

Winner, Winner, Fido’s Dinner: Military Savings on Food for Your Pet

Dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, lizards…they all have to eat. But feeding your pet doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Almost every major pet food manufacturer offers a coupon. You can find them on Coupons.com or by using the Commissary Rewards Card app. It only takes a few minutes to print them or sign up for a mailer, so spend the time and save the money.  And don’t miss great deals and contests brought to you by Purina!  Purina has great savings for all of your pet food needs and sponsors a new contest for a $50 Commissary gift card hosted by MilitaryShoppers.com every month.

Pet owners can maximize their military savings by shopping at the commissary and buying dog food in bulk at the case lot sales. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of pet food offered at the commissary. The commissary even has refrigerated organics! Be sure to check the pricing. Sometimes buying multiple smaller bags and boxes is less expensive per ounce than the big bags.

Military Savings on Medicine and Vet Visits

Regular check-ups are essential and ensure any potential issues are found early. Save by using on-post veterinary services when possible.

If no services are available at your military installation, reach out to local shelters or animal control services. They often offer discounted services for things like vaccinations, spay/neutering and emergency care. If neither of these are an option, research reviews of veterinary clinics in your area. Ask for a military discount or new client discount.

Military Savings on Grooming

Grooming is an essential part of pet health and it is something you can master at home. Clippers can be a bit expensive, but properly maintained, they pay for themselves after just a few uses.

And while not all animals enjoy bath time, the cost of shampoo or cleanser, a couple of towels, and some patience is infinitely cheaper than a trip to the groomer.

If you decide to use professional grooming services, don’t forget to shop around and read reviews. Watch the paper and weekly sales mailers for coupons. Ask for a military discount when visiting a professional groomer.

Military Savings on Toys and Accessories

While they love an occasional treat, our pets really love just spending time with us. Instead of buying toys, spend time with your pet, taking them for walks or do whatever rabbits and llamas do for fun.

For non-traditional pets, like lizards or snakes, save the money to invest in a good habitat or warming light so your pet is comfortable and safe.

For cats and dogs, consider making your own toys and scratch posts. There’s no shortage of how-to info online.

Military Savings on Pet Sitting

We hate to leave them, but sometimes it’s just not possible to take our pets everywhere we go. Instead of costly kenneling costs, consider trading pet sitting services with another pet-loving military family or hire a teenage neighbor to care for your pet while you are away.

Be sure to explain specific rules and expectations and let your caretaker know about any allergies or mischievous tendencies.

Are you a pet owner? What tips would you add to this list of military savings for pet owners?

Why a Surprise Military Homecoming Is an Awful Idea

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Deployment is almost over! The countdown is only a few weeks, days or hours. I am ready. Kind of.

I still need to clean the house, corral the kids, hose off the pets and pick out a stunning outfit for the BIG DAY.

Except now, here he is. The house is dirty. The kids are running amok. The dog just got skunked and I’m wearing sweats. I am so not ready for this military homecoming!

My worst nightmare is a surprise military homecoming.

Maybe because I’m an ultra Type-A planner who likes to be moderately in control at most times. To me a surprise military homecoming just seems like a bad idea.

First, the whole surprise thing. It’s a random time of day and the doorbell rings. There’s a person wearing some sort of uniform standing at my front door. For me, it would be heart-stopping shock. Not joy, shock about the potential despair that might be coming. All because there is a uniformed person on my doorstep, without warning.

Part of deployment is the mental prep and gamification of it. The countdown is front and center on the fridge. In my mind, I’m ready for X day. With a surprise military homecoming, the spouse or family might not be mentally ready.

Why a Surprise Military Homecoming Is an Awful Idea

A military homecoming doesn’t need to be a surprise to be special for your family.

Along with the mental prep work to welcome a service member home, comes some deep selfishness.

We have been apart for goodness knows how long, and my bed has been empty. The children have not seen their father in forever it seems. And we need that moment of just us-ness.

But a surprise military homecoming takes away that intimacy. They take away the “us-ness” of the moment by bringing other people into the mix.

It’s sheer logistics. Someone else will see him first, be next to him first, drive him first and arrange his first food.

Call me selfish, but the only humans I want to share those firsts with are my children. The deployment has been a build-up to the moment my spouse steps off the bus, plane or out of formation. I need the closure of that very first kiss.

Beyond just the “first” moments, let’s talk about the whole planning aspect of these surprise military homecoming shenanigans.

The service member has to contact someone at home to arrange everything. Someone has to be there to get her. She has to have food and something to drink, plus provide a change of clothes. The props have to be set up in advance, ready to go. Plus, someone has to move the spouse and kids into the correct position at the proper time.

That is a LOT of work. Chances are that the TV crew members don’t help out every person who wants to pull off one of these surprise military homecomings.

Last, but not least, let’s talk about the lies involved with a surprise military homecoming.

The building blocks of marriage are truth and trust.

After months apart, the service member has decided to keep a HUGE secret from his or her spouse: the time and date of return. Not only has she just not mentioned it, the service member has also likely actively engaged in deception to conceal the return window.

Reintegration following deployments is challenging enough without starting off with a giant lie. Failing to be truthful about when you are returning can be extremely hurtful.

Not to mention, the weeks leading up to reunions are unbelievably busy: cleaning, haircuts, notes to school, arranging child care, more cleaning, meal prep and getting children ready to be back in a 2-parent household again.

Just showing up can put a seriously huge (but happy) wrench into a lot of this prep time. Plus, there might be last-minute “distraction” adventures that families have planned to just get through the final few weeks or days.

I know I hit Disneyland an awful lot the month that a year-long deployment was winding down. What if my husband had picked a spontaneous Disney day to “surprise” me? He’d have been locked out while I rode Space Mountain, that’s what.

So, by all means, go right ahead and do your supposed to be fun and emotional surprise military homecoming stuff.

But please, before you get deep into plans, remember that not everyone likes surprises. Some families on the homefront need the non-surprise reunion to wrap their brains around the whole situation.

Trust me, even without the surprise aspect, every military homecoming is full of love.

Now it’s your turn: How do you feel about a surprise military homecoming?

Disabled Veterans May See Increase in Benefits

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Thanks to Congressman Ralph Abraham of Louisiana, disabled veterans may see an increase in benefits at the end of the year. Dr. Abraham’s HR 5588, the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2016 was signed into law this summer and takes effect on December 1, 2016.

Disabled Veterans May See Increase in Benefits

What do you think of legislation aimed at increasing and expanding benefits for disabled veterans?

The bill quickly made its way through the House and Senate and was signed into law by the president in under a month. The bill itself is quite simple:

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2016, the rates of veterans’ disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

Each such increase shall be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance [OASDI]) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

In short, each year legislation has to be drafted to approve an increase in cost of living allowance (COLA) for disabled veterans. The increase will match that of social security. While social security automatically increases each year as the cost of living does, the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act does not have a stipulation for automatic adjustment.

To me, this seems to be an outdated way of doing things. If social security can automatically increase with the cost of living, then why doesn’t the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act?

Abraham looked at this process and introduced HR 677, the American Heroes COLA Act. This bill would enable the veterans’ COLA adjustments to be automatic each year freeing up the House to work on other bills and saving veterans and their families the frustration of waiting to see what will happen with their pay each year. The House quickly passed this bill, but the Senate has not done anything with it.

For now, disabled veterans can plan their finances for the short term knowing the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2016 was signed into law.

They will have to wait for the politicians in Washington to decide if they will pass the American Heroes COLA Act and make it an automatic adjustment each year.

Note however, while the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2016 has been signed into law, it does not mean that an increase in pay is guaranteed.

The amount that disabled veterans may see as an increase will be the same increase as social security. The last time social security did not increase was in 2000.

It won’t be until the end of the year that the exact amount of an increase will be known. It will only be increased if there is an increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

The compensation programs for disabled veterans were originally put into place to help relieve the financial burden disabled veterans face by not being able to earn wages due to injuries sustained during military service. The amount of benefits disabled veterans receive is based on the degree of disability they qualify for.

Abraham, a veteran of the Army Reserves and National Guard, has been working to get disabled veterans better benefits. These 2 bills are not his only accomplishments in regards to veterans’ issues since being elected to office.

He has also chaired the VA Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. He has worked toward getting disabled veterans the help they need when they need it and at locations convenient to them through the Veterans’ Choice Program. This program would make it easier for veterans who live in remote areas to seek medical treatment from doctors near them, rather than wait for an appointment at a VA facility.

Last year Abraham also cosponsored HR 1994, the VA Accountability Act. This bill passed the House but the Senate has yet to consider it. If the VA Accountability Act were to become law, the VA would become accountable for its actions. They would finally be able to fire or demote employees that have failed to do their job.

Thanks to Abraham, disabled veterans might be getting better benefits in the future.

What do you think of legislation aimed at increasing and expanding benefits for disabled veterans?

3 Things You Need to Know About Military Coupons

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I often think that grocery store shoppers divide into 2 types of people: those who have a coupon for every single item in their shopping carts and those who shrug their shoulders when asked for their coupons.

When you’re standing in line behind the person who has a coupon for every bottle of shampoo, bag of potato chips and container of baby formula, it is impressive to see their total savings. These commissary shoppers are super organized. They know how to get additional savings using military coupons.

What the rest of us – the ones without the coupons – need to know is that we can all be savvy military coupon users at our commissaries. Here’s how to do it.

3 Things You Need to Know About Military Coupons

Using Military Coupons Has Never Been Easier

Gone are the days when you bought your local Sunday newspaper for the stacks of coupons. Put down your scissors, sister. You won’t be needing that.

Today’s commissary shoppers can find military coupons online with user-friendly websites like coupons.com. Within minutes, you can digitally clip and print military coupons to use during your weekly grocery trip. Here’s what DeCA says about coupons from the internet:

Commissaries gladly accept Internet or home-printed coupons provided they meet the following requirements: the coupons must have a typical barcode and Product Identification Number (PIN) or GS1 DataBar. A Dot Scan Barcode may appear below the expiration date, but is only required if stated on the coupon, e.g., “Do not accept without a Dot Scan Barcode below the expiration date.” Internet coupons cannot be accepted for free products, however, “Buy One Get One Free” coupons are acceptable if they meet all other requirements.

To print these military coupons correctly you may need to download the site’s printer software. Once you do that, you will be ready to print your coupons on a regular basis.

Military coupons are also available through the commissary rewards card. I recommend downloading the commissary rewards card app on your smartphone after you register your card. I use these military coupons like other people use Target’s Cartwheel app.

Near the end of my shopping trip (once my cart is full, but before I’ve gotten in line) I use the free Wi-Fi available at my commissary to open the commissary rewards card app. Then I clip the military coupons for items that I’ve already placed in my shopping cart. When the cashier asks for my military ID card, I also hand her my commissary rewards card.

Commissary rewards cards are free. You can pick one up from your cashier that next time you are at the commissary.

If you really miss the sound of scissors slicing through coupon ads, you can always pick up a military coupons ad section at your commissary. These military coupons can be used only at commissaries. Look for these coupon packets either at your commissary’s front lobby (near the shopping baskets) or ask your bagger for one. My bagger will often slip one in my shopping bag.

You Won’t See Double or Triple Coupons Days at the Commissaries

The commissaries aren’t able to have promotions that increase the value of your military coupons. Here is the reason, according to DeCA’s website:

Commercial stores who offer these types of promotions get paid by the coupon issuer only for the face value of a coupon, and have to absorb the costs of “doubling” or “tripling” coupon face value in their pricing and profit structure.

Because commissaries are required by law to sell goods at prices set only high enough to cover the cost of those goods, commissaries make no profit from which to pay the costs associated with “double” coupon promotions.

Additionally, DeCA cannot use funds provided for the operation of commissaries to support such promotions, because law strictly prescribes the uses of these funds, and “promotional support” is not among the allowable uses of these funds.

Then I read this on DeCA’s military coupon policy webpage:

Commissaries do occasionally offer a different type of “double coupon” promotion than described above. For these promotions, manufacturers or other coupon issuers agree that commissaries may accept more than one coupon on the purchase of an item, and usually supply large numbers of coupons to patrons in the commissary in support of such promotions. These “double coupon” promotions involve doubling the number of coupons accepted on the purchase of an item, but DO NOT involve doubling (or otherwise increasing) the face value of a coupon.

I haven’t seen a double coupon promotion offered at my commissary, so I’m very curious about these promotions. If anyone has seen a double coupon promotion at their commissary, tell us how it worked in the comments section.

You Can Use Military Coupons at OCONUS Commissaries

Military spouses living overseas can redeem military coupons at their commissaries. In fact you can use an expired coupon up to 6 months after its expiration date.

My mom thought that this expired coupon policy was delightful when I was living in Okinawa, Japan. She would send me her expired coupons and I would gladly use them every time I shopped at the commissary.

What questions do you have about military coupons? Tell us in the comments section.

Our Favorite Feel-Good Commissary Stories

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The commissary stocks your favorite foods. From fresh deli meats to moist birthday cakes, the commissary carries nearly everything a military family needs to bring the flavors of home to their homes.

These stores are so much more than just the items on their shelves. It’s the people we meet and personal connections we make that keep us going back time and again. We asked our readers to share their favorite feel-good commissary stories with us. Here’s what they said.

Our Favorite Feel-Good Commissary Stories

Always On

When the power went out at the air base in Incirlik, Turkey, this July, all military personnel and their families were left in the dark. The commissary still had full power, thanks to an independent generator. In the middle of the political turmoil, families were unable to charge their cell phones or use the internet to connect with loved ones back home.

So the commissary set out chairs, power cords and shared the store’s Wi-Fi with the community. Service members and families could swing in for pantry staples and get in touch with their families stateside. Plus, the commissary was the only open building with air conditioning!

Paying It Forward

Our budgets are often tight, even with a consistent paycheck coming in. It can make buying essentials, like milk or diapers, challenging for many military families.

Near Fort Bliss in Texas, the local Fox affiliate stopped into the base commissary to surprise military families by picking up their tabs. At the register, they stopped several customers and offered to pay for everything in their shopping carts. Just as a way of saying “Thank you for your service.”

One young mother explained a little bit more about her tight budget. The Fox team sent her back into the commissary to load her cart with diapers and milk for the kids. Then they paid for the whole thing!

Littlest Helpers

It’s the little things that make commissary trips or any shopping trip with kids easier.

Lizann, a military spouse, told me about a special connection between their son and one grocery bagger. On every grocery trip, this military spouse makes sure to be in this bagger’s line. This bagger remembers their little boy and lets him help her bag their groceries. She always greets him by name and often gives him a sticker.

It’s a great reward for helping his parents!

Special Attention

A military spouse on a specific diet in a new place can be a struggle. When one military spouse needed to skip the rice on her sushi, the kind people at the sushi counter were more than ready to help her.

They created special sashimi plates for her, with just fish and no rice. They also shared the nutritional labels for all of their products with her.

And every time she goes in, the sushi staff chats with her about her day!

Food Requests

Speaking of special diets, it can be costly to adhere to an exclusionary meal plan. One spouse was paying very high prices for non-dairy items out in town. And she was having to make multiple trips to different stores to track down specific products, Meg told me.

While grabbing some items in the dairy section one day, she bumped into the section manager. She shared her frustration about the lack of non-dairy yogurt with him.

The manager checked with the suppliers to see if the product was available for stocking. It was!

Less than 2 weeks later, her specially requested non-dairy item was on the shelves! Plus, the department started adding even more dairy-free products.

Touch of Home

On a 6-month tour in Italy, having a commissary with American food items helped one veteran feel more connected to home.

On weekends, he and his friends would go to the commissary and load up on their favorites. Then they would cook and eat together. It helped these troops to feel more connected to home, especially when stationed overseas.

For families with small children, it is also important to have the same foods no matter where they live. Being able to open the pantry and make macaroni and cheese while living in Japan is comforting.

The commissary also makes it easier to take new favorites with you. The diversity and depth of their international foods aisle makes it simpler to create authentic Spanish, Japanese or German meals while living in Kansas.

Recognition

Murphy’s Law struck one military spouse less than 24 hours after her husband left for his deployment.

While buying essentials at the commissary, she discovered that her military dependent ID card was missing. She searched high and low: in the car, in her purse and all around the store. Even retracing her steps in the parking lot. Nothing.

And her groceries were still sitting in the cart. Her face was burning with embarrassment!

Luckily, the commissary manager saw her predicament.

“I know you. You shop here all the time. You’re good!”

With groceries purchased, she finally found the missing ID in the parking lot of her children’s school! And never forgot this act of kindness.

Do you have a feel-good commissary story? Share it in the comments section.

Military Discounts for 17 Tech Products, Services

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Military families live in a high-tech world and I’ll be the first to admit, I love it! Getting my hands on the latest technology isn’t always in my budget, but with military discounts from some of the best tech companies out there, bringing the latest tech gear home is a little easier with a little discount.

Military Discounts for 15 Tech Products, Services

Have you used any of these military discounts? Tell us about your favorite military discounts in the comments section.

Here are 17 military discounts that military spouses and service members don’t want to miss when buying the latest tech products and services.

Military Discounts for 17 Tech Products, Services

Military Discounts on Computers

If you’re anything like me, you have a love/hate relationship with your computer. I’ve been known to completely wear out a laptop. By the time I’m done with it only half of the keys on the keyboard are even readable.

If you are in the market for a new computer (which for me, is pretty much all of the time), here’s where to go to score a great military discount on one.

  • Dell offers a 10% military discount on selected computers and laptops. The discount can be redeemed through the AAFES Exchange website or by verifying your military affiliation through TroopID on the Dell website.(Bonus tip: Sign up for Dell Advantage rewards and you could earn 10% plus get free 2-day shipping!). Get the details here.
  • Apple. Their discount varies by product, but in general it ranges from 5% to 15%. Military discounts are primarily offered on computers, iPads and iPhones. There may be an additional discount offered on a protection plan. You can get the details on Apple’s military discounts here.
  • Lenovo offers up to 40% discounts on PCs, including ThinkPad.
  • Microsoft has a 5% discount on PCs, tablets and accessories, plus a 10% discount on software. Get the details here. Service members can also save 30% on Office365.
  • HP offers a 20% discount to service members as well as free shipping. Sign up here for more details.

Military Discounts on Cell Phone Services

I don’t go anywhere anymore without my cell phone. Do you even remember what life was like before we were connected 24/7?

Whatever you do, don’t pay full price for your cellular service.

Almost every major wireless provider offers a military discount.

Keep in mind that all cell phone service discounts require verification with a DD-214, military pay stub, and/or military ID card. Restrictions apply, so make sure you understand the fine print before agreeing to these military discounts.

  • T-Mobile offers up to 15% off to active duty and veterans. Visit a T-Mobile retail store near you for the details.
  • AT&T Service members and veterans get a 15% discount on qualified monthly services. A DD-214 or military ID card is required for verification. Get all the details here.
  • MetroPCS has promotions throughout the year that target military spouses, veterans and service members. Visit your local MetroPCS store for more information about its discounts.
  • Sprint Wireless. Service members and veterans receive a 15% discount on select rate plans. A verification form is required to qualify for this discount. Get the form here.
  • Cricket Wireless offers a 15% discount to eligible military members and retirees. The discount is only available by visiting your local Cricket Wireless store.
  • Verizon Wireless has a 15% off of monthly wireless service and a 25% discount on select accessories.

Military Discounts on Gadgets and Gizmos

What would technology be good for if we couldn’t occasionally use it to have fun or make our lives easier? Check out these military discounts from companies that fall into the categories of gadgets and gizmos.

  • Gotenna. Gotenna can turn your smartphone into a GPS or text device, even if you don’t have a signal. They offer a 15% military discount with service affiliation verification. Get the details on any product listing on their site.
  • iRobot. Thinking about getting a Roomba? Did you know iRobot offers a 15% military discount? Verification is required through ID.me. Get the details here.
  • BestBuy. The discount varies by amount and location. Ask your local store manager if they offer a military discount.
  • UnderArmor offers a 10% military discount on its fitness gadgets. Verification is required through ID.me. Get the details on their site.
  • Dish For My RV extends exclusive offers for military members. Get the details here.

Military Discounts on Home Security Services

Since service members spend a lot of time away for deployments, field trainings or TDYs, making the investment in a good home security system and service just makes sense. Make your home a little safer thanks to these great military discounts.

  • My Alarm Center offers a discount on the installation and reduced monthly monitoring fees for military service members. All the details are available on their site.
  • ADT Home Security. USAA members can take advantage of a 10% discount on installation and monthly monitoring costs. You can find out more about this discount by clicking here.

Are you looking for more military discounts? Visit our Military Discounts page.

Can Military Spouses Have It All?

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What is “having it all?”

For me, having it all means having a job in my profession with my spouse also working in his field. It means a decent house in a safe neighborhood and reliable child care. Having it all means the ability to take a vacation every year. Having it all means that my marriage, family life, professional life and personal interests are able to work together.

Do You Think Working Military Spouses Can Have It All?

What do you think? Can military spouses have it all?

With the recent release of their study, The Force Behind the Force, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) lays out some troubling statistics.

Essentially, this study tells us what military spouses already know: we are underemployed and unemployed in staggering numbers as an almost direct result of our spouse’s military service.

In his opinion, 2012 Military Spouse of the Year Jeremy Hilton dissects the results and reaches the conclusion that military spouses cannot “have it all” in the traditional work/life/family balance. And he’s not wrong.

The “powers that be” offer solutions: volunteer, work for the government or work remotely. Which is great, for those lucky few who have the skills in the markets that allow those kinds of flexible jobs.

In my time as a military spouse, I have sacrificed almost a decade of professional teaching experience so that my husband can honorably serve this country. Since receiving my master’s degree in 2009, I have taught in a school district for 2 years. I know that my personal job prospects suffer for each year that I am out of the classroom. Even with writing an education blog and being active in professional learning networks online, I am moving out of the loop.

My salary expectations are suffering too. My peers, with similar degrees earned at similar times, are several steps ahead of me. This way of paying teachers is not unlike the military and government method: years of experience and education combine to indicate a salary. With only 2 years on the books, I’m earning at least 4 years – 4 steps – below my peers.

When I have voiced concerns about this in online forums, some military spouses have been dismissive and down right critical.

After all, I knew what I was getting into. I should have expected to shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars every few years to get a new license or maintain a current license.

If not, I should be prepared to walk away from an expensive education and a profession that I am passionate about. Or find a different passion or cobble together some other wage earning position(s). No slack should be cut. I should be happy with what I get, even if it is scraps compared to what my professional peers rate, these critical voices tell me.

Here’s the thing: I have seen how I could have it all.

I had it all for a very brief window. I had my dream job in my dream school. My spouse also had an assignment he loved. We were both being paid competitive wages, with the opportunity to advance. We had reliable and affordable child care.

And then we got PCS orders.

Suddenly, my career was at square one. Child care involved endless waiting lists and it was just easier to stay at home with my child. I gave in. I stopped fighting. I told myself that I couldn’t have it all.

Then we moved again. So I started again.

Now we are expecting another child, which is amazing, except that it means that my career will once again take a back seat. If I wasn’t a military spouse, I would have been in one or two districts over the last 6 years. I would have earned tenure on the faculty. I would have earned Family Medical Leave Allowance. I would have been able to bank sick days for years to compensate for the post-birth time off.

So, can military spouses have it all?

In short, yes. Sometimes.

When all the stars align and the pieces of the puzzles fall into place, for brief periods of time, military spouses can have it all. I have been to that promised land and I have been kicked out again.

Most of the time, military spouses will probably not have it all.

By the time we line up the child care and the best job, orders will be imminent. Or another child will be on the way. Or deployment and training will pop up again.

And we will be back at square one: new location, no job, a few kids and gaps in our paid job experience that no amount of volunteering or blogging will ever hope to fill.

We will be chasing our professional licenses, hunting on the job boards and calling child care places to see if there is any hope of an opening.

We become part of the statistics for unemployed or underemployed military spouses.

What do you think? Can military spouses have it all?

Dear DeCA, Please Expand the Click2Go Program

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If I had the option of going inside my commissary or shopping online for groceries with curbside pickup, I would opt for the convenience of the curbside pickup. Every. Single. Time.

That’s why when the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) announced the pilot program for Click2Go, the commissary’s online shopping and curbside pickup program, I was doing my happy dance inside my kitchen. Sure, DeCA was doing the pilot program at only 3 locations – Fort Lee, Va., Travis Air Force Base, Calif. and Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., but I was convinced that my commissary at Fort Detrick, Md., would be next in line.

Turns out my happy dance was a little premature.

Currently DeCA doesn’t have any plans to expand the Click2Go program, but the agency also doesn’t have any plans to eliminate the program.

I feel like it’s one of those military moments of “It is what it is” logic. It’s good for the people stationed at those 3 locations that offer Click2Go. But for the rest of us, don’t hold your breath.

Yet this optimistic commissary shopper isn’t giving up on her hope for Click2Go. I believe in the success of the Click2Go program and maybe all DeCA needs is a little nudge of positive reinforcement. Well here it is.

3 Reasons Why DeCA Should Consider Expanding the Click2Go Program

Convenience for Commissary Shoppers

I truly want to shop at the commissary, but sometimes pesky excuses get between me and its sliding doors.

Here’s an example of how these mental roadblocks go down inside my head:

I need to go to the commissary but…

  • I don’t have enough time to go and pick up my daughter from school.
  • My baby is napping. I really don’t want to take him out of his car seat.
  • It’s raining.
  • It’s snowing.
  • I don’t have cash to tip the baggers.
  • It’s payday. That place is going to be a zoo.

If I had the option of Click2Go, I would jump over those mental roadblocks with this simple phrase –

I’ll use Click2Go.

Boom. Mic drop. Done. No more excuses not to go the commissary.

Competition with Other Curbside Pickup Options

Click2Go isn’t the only curbside pickup game in town. You, like me, most likely have other curbside pickup options in your city. Many national grocery stores offer this service and many military spouses are taking advantage of this convenience.

That’s money that should be going to the commissary. But it isn’t. Why? People will pay for convenience. If the Click2Go program was expanded to more commissaries, more patrons could have the best of whole worlds –convenience combined with the competitive pricing offered at the commissary.

Listening Earns Loyalty

Every time I see a military spouse posting on Facebook that she’s “in love with the curbside pickup” at another store, it’s a sign that DeCA needs to expand its Click2Go program.

Customers are looking for a curbside pickup option, no matter, where they shop. When MilitaryShoppers asked commissary patrons what types of changes they would like to see at their commissary, they said that they want to see the Click2Go program expanded to more commissaries.

Making changes based on customer feedback earns customer loyalty. We know that the Department of Defense and DeCA are these massive government agencies and 9 times out of 10 we feel like our opinions don’t matter to the leadership. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if DeCA embraced this trend in convenient shopping options and expanded its Click2Go program? They already developed a pilot program. The pilot program is working. The pilot program is continuing at those 3 locations.

Now we just need to see it at 284 locations. Is that too much to ask?

Have you used DeCA’s Click2Go services? Would you use this service if it was available at your commissary? Learn more about Click2Go here.

5 Athletes We Are Cheering for at the Paralympics

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The 2016 Paralympic Games will take place in the same venues as the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The games run from September 7-18. There are 22 different sports featured during the games with para-canoe and paratriathlon each making their debut this year. It will be an exciting time with 160 nations sending more than 4,350 athletes to compete.

How much do you know about the Paralympics and who will you be cheering for? We’ve made it easy to get caught up so you will be ready in time for the opening ceremony.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) organizes the Paralympics with the goal

“To enable Para athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.”

Organizers hope that the courage and determination these athletes show will inspire others and bring equality to all athletes.

5 Athletes We Are Cheering for at the Paralympics

Did you know that there are more than 21 million Americans that have a physical disability?

The IPC has been running the Paralympics since 1989, however the United States Olympic Committee did not start the U.S. Paralympics until 2001. Through the U.S. Paralympics athletes with physical disabilities are able to train at sports facilities across the United States.

The U.S. Paralympics expanded to include the military in 2004. The Paralympic Military Program supports service members and veterans that have been wounded in service. These injuries include amputations, traumatic brain injuries and visual impairments.

Here are 5 veterans we will be cheering on during this year’s Paralympics.

Retired U.S. Navy Lt. Brad Snyder is a Naval Academy graduate and Naval Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician who became blind in 2011 after an improvised explosive device detonated.

Exactly one year after the explosion he competed in the 2012 London Paralympic Games and won a gold medal. He went on to win a total of 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal in swimming events at those games. This year will be an exciting time yet again to watch him compete in the pool.

Shawn Morelli, an Army engineer officer, was on a mission in Afghanistan in 2007 when an improvised explosive device detonated near her. She suffered neck and nerve damage, brain trauma and became blind in her left eye.

Retired now, she is a member of the United Health Care Pro Cycling team. She has qualified for 4 events including two on the velodrome and two road races.

She was also nominated for an ESPY award this year. Morelli recently broke the women’s C4 pursuit world record in Italy. She is the top-ranked female rider in the world in her classification.

Melissa Stockwell was an Army officer in 2004. She lost her left leg after a roadside bomb exploded in Baghdad. She is a three-time Paratriathlon National and World Champion and swam in the 2008 Paralympics.

While she was unfortunately the first female American soldier in history to lose a limb while in active duty combat, she became the first Iraq War veteran to compete in the Paralympic Games as a swimmer in 2008 placing fourth in the 400-meter freestyle.

This year Stockwell will be part of Paralympic history as an athlete in the first paratriathlon.

Staff Sergeant Michael Lukow serves in the Army. He is now part of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program as a Paralympic archer.

He lost his right foot on a mission in Iraq. He became interested in archery during his rehabilitation. Lukow learned once again how to walk, this time with a prosthetics and braces, by retrieving arrows. His love for the sport was instant.

Sergeant Elizabeth Marks is a combat medic and Paralympic swimmer. She is also part of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program. She will compete in the Paralympics in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke. She won 4 gold medals at the 2016 Invictus Games.

She suffered bilateral hip injuries in Iraq in 2010 and came close to death while recovering in the hospital from a respiratory infection.

All of these military veterans deserve our respect and our voice cheering for them in the 2016 Paralympics. Will you be watching and cheering for them?

You can learn more about the Paralympic Military Program by clicking here.