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Need Money for Food? You May Qualify for FSSA

08/25/2014 By Kimber Green

FSSA applicants must submit accurate paperwork annually.

The Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) is a financial support program that few active duty military families utilized or know about. This Department of Defense program is designed to help service members reach financial stability so that they will no longer be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) , formerly known as food stamps.

Eligibility for FSSA is based on the family’s income and household size. There must be at least 1 dependent living in the home to qualify. If the household income is not 130% above the poverty line then the family may meet the requirements. There is an online worksheet that can be used to determine eligibility. Note that you do not have to qualify for or be utilizing SNAP at the time of application for FSSA.

In order to prove your income level the sponsor must provide a copy of his or her LES, pay stubs for other working family members, current bank statements and previous tax returns. To verify your household size you need the service member’s Page 2, a list of dependents as shown in DEERS and social security numbers. Once the application is completed online and the service member has their commanding officer sign off on it, the amount of FSSA will be determined and paid. This amount will be no more than $1,100 a month and therefore, there are other things to consider when accepting this financial support.

Enjoy family time and worry less about money.

While this allowance is non-taxable, it can change your eligibility for other financial support programs such as subsidized school lunches, WIC (Women, Infant and Children nutritional support program) as well as earned income tax credit.

The purpose behind FSSA is to provide military families with enough financial stability that they will no longer need SNAP specifically, but hopefully this will also help families alleviate the need for some of these other programs.

Each command is required to have a FSSA Coordinator so if you have questions or simply prefer filling out paperwork in person rather than using the online worksheet, they are available. You can also get detailed information on FSSA at the Fleet and Family Support Center, Army Community Services, or Marine Corps Community Services.

Re-certification must take place 30 days after a change in household income or family size as well as when there is a change of duty station. It may be more convenient to use the online worksheet if you find your family situation changing frequently. The loss or addition of a spouse’s job for example will change your income level as will advance in pay grade for the active duty member. At minimum, each year the family will need to be re-certified.

Payments will not automatically stop due to a change of duty station or situation; it is the member’s responsibility to inform the FSSA Coordinator of this change. A change of as small as $100 in income must be reported within 30 days. If this or any other change is found and not reported there are repercussions such as disciplinary action and wage garnishment.

A Department of Defense official recently said that 668 full-time active-duty members and activated guardsmen and reservists are receiving FSSA.

All of these facts are not meant to scare or deter military families from applying. The application process and re-certification are quite simple. This is simply an explanation of the program in detail so that families know about the program and how to apply for it.

How would you feel checking out at the commissary without your SNAP card? Relief? Less anxiety?

How do you feel about the FSSA program? Have you used it?

Add a Little Spice to Your Meal

08/22/2014 By Jessica Aycock

Salt. It’s one of those condiments that you probably use every day.If you eat out a lot or grab a lot of fast food, you may find yourself adding salt more often at home than eating out at restaurant. That’s because processed food is loaded with salt in order to give it flavor.

Herbs and spices can add a lot of flavor to your meals without adding calories or fat.

Too much salt can leave you feeling bloated and lead to weight gain. It can also raise your blood pressure and put you at risk of stroke.

Now, if you don’t eat a lot of processed food, you probably don’t need to worry about getting too much salt. But, either way, there is a better way to make your meals more palatable-

herbs and spices.

Herbs and spices can add a lot of flavor to your meals without added fat or calories. Not only that, but they can even be beneficial to your health in other ways. The most common reason people don’t use herbs is because they don’t know how.

Let’s look at 9 herbs and spices and give you ideas on how to incorporate them into your meals.

Basil

Basil is an amazing antibacterial and helps your body protect against cellular damage. In addition, it’s been studied for it’s anti-inflammatory properties. The oils in basil actually work the same as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Try This Recipe: Easy Tomato Basil Bruschetta

Cilantro

Cilantro is one of those herbs that people either love or hate. Don’t feel bad if you hate it – there’s a scientific reason for it. If you love it, though, know that it’s high in Vitamin K and will help promote healthy bones and helps your blood clot.

Try This Recipe: Mexican Lasagna

Cinnamon

This spice has been linked to lowering blood sugar levels for Type 2 diabetics. In addition to that, the warming aspect of cinnamon can satisfy your craving for sweets without adding a lot of calories.

Try This Recipe: Banana Cinnamon Bread

Ginger

Most famous for it’s anti-nausea properties, research has shown links between ginger and pain management, too. It may also protect against colon cancer and kill off ovarian cancer cells. Side benefit: It has immune-boosting properties, too.

Try This Recipe: Beef with Broccoli Stir Fry

Mint

Mint is great for treating digestive issues. Peppermint, especially, is anti-microbial (stops the growth of bacteria) and can help stop the growth of certain types of cancer. As if that’s not enough, it can help ease asthma symptoms, too.

Try This Recipe: Citrus Mint Cooler

9 Herbs and Spices You Should Add to Your Diet

Fresh or dried, oregano can help protect you from food poisoning.

Oregano

This little herb is a strong antifungal and antibacterial which could help protect you from unwanted food-borne illnesses.

Try This Recipe: Quick Cajun Rice Skillet

Rosemary

Rosemary is excellent for reducing inflammation, promoting circulation and boosting your immune system. It’s anti-inflammatory properties may even help with severe asthma.

Try This Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Acorn Squash with Shallots and Rosemary

Thyme

This herb is full of antioxidants that will help fight inflammation, signs of aging and even can help prevent cancer.

Try This Recipe: Rosemary and Thyme Chicken

Turmeric

This is probably the most exotic spice on the list and it’s a relative of ginger and one of the main ingredients in curries. It also packs a whollop of health benefits. It’s been linked to helping ease depression and arthritis symptoms.

Try This Recipe: Chickpea Curry

Looking for more recipes? Search the Military Shoppers Recipe contest for new treats. Want to know more about healthy foods? Visit The World’s Healthiest Foods.

Do you have a winning recipe that uses one of these 9 herbs or spices? Enter your recipe in the MilitaryShoppers Recipe Contest. Everybody who posts a recipe will have a chance to win a $50 commissary shopping spree.

Military Savings

08/20/2014 By Military Shoppers

When the military community needs a good military discount they look to MilitaryShoppers.com. Military Shoppers knows that the military community deserves additional military savings for their sacrifice to their country and its citizens. Military savings are important to the military community and Military Shoppers makes it their priority to deliver military savings to the military community. With military benefits being revoked each year, the military community relies heavily on military savings and military discounts. When it comes to grocery items, the military community turns to the commissary for special military savings. The commissary sells products to authorized military patrons at cost plus 5% and accepts applicable commissary and manufacturer coupons, providing the military community additional military savings. When shopping the commissary, commissary shoppers can expect to save an average of 30% on their purchases compared to commercial prices. The commissary also offers customer appreciation case lot sales throughout the year. These are special sales that offer discounts on large quantities of product. The military savings at case lot sales are unmatched. In addition to the already low pricing at the commissary, Military Shoppers’ commissary specials flyer presents commissary patrons with additional military savings on selected items available only in the commissary for a limited time. The extra special low commissary prices can be found in the commissary specials flyer. The commissary specials flyer with additional military savings can be seen online, on facebook, on pinterest or delivered directly to your inbox by signing up. Sign up for free and take advantage of the military savings available today! Don’t forget your commissary coupons and Commissary Rewards Card for additional military savings. Commissary coupons are accepted and allow military shoppers to maximize military savings. If you haven’t started following Military Shoppers yet, do it now for insight on all of your military savings needs.

Commissary Rewards Card

08/20/2014 By Military Shoppers

Utilizing your commissary benefit is an easy and quick way to save money on groceries each month. There is however, another way to compound those commissary savings by utilizing an awesome program now available at your local commissary. The commissary rewards card provides additional means for extra savings at the commissary on base. Saving money on your groceries has never been easier for military personnel and their families.

The commissary rewards card is a free, easy way to maximize commissary savings and use coupons at commissaries worldwide. Starting your commissary rewards card savings is easy!

Here’s how:

Visit your local commissary and pick up your free commissary rewards card.
Register your card and use the commissary rewards login to load coupons for your favorite products on to your commissary rewards card online.
Once the coupons are loaded onto your commissary rewards card, start shopping! Scan your commissary rewards card at checkout and the savings has begun!

Commissary Rewards Card

Don’t forget…

Commissary rewards card coupons are convenient, however like regular coupons, they have stipulations that must be followed for redemption, as well as expiration dates.

The commissary rewards card may include additional features in the future. Follow MilitaryShoppers.com for any new updates and information pertaining to the commissary rewards card.

We just love the savings offered at your local commissary and you will too, especially when you employ your Commissary Rewards Card and printable coupons available now.

Pick up your Commissary Rewards Card, register and login to start your Commissary savings today!

Military Spouse Says ‘No One Hires Someone Like Me’

08/20/2014 By Julie Provost

Dear MilitaryShoppers,

I’m a wife to an E7. Who might get QSP’d soon. I have dedicated my life, as many others, to my family and husband. Now, we are faced with him losing his job. I haven’t worked in a long time. No one hires someone like me. I need a degree. Please, any info?

–Supportive Military Spouse

Dear Military Spouse,

I am sorry to hear that your husband will be facing Qualitative Service Program or QSP. No one expects to face involuntary early separation, but it is a reality in the downsizing of today’s military. This transition to the civilian world will be hard.

I think the first thing you need to do is take some time to figure out what you would want to do after he gets out. Will you guys be moving to a different location than you currently live? What’s the job market there? What’s the cost of living? Do you already own a home there?

But before the early separation, you need to put together your resume. Include all your volunteer work with the military through the years and any jobs you might have had. Do not think that no one will hire you because you do not have a degree. You do have something to offer, it is just a matter of putting things together so that you can start applying for the right jobs. You should be able to go to the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) on post to receive assistance with your resume and to find some professional guidance.

Once you have completed your resume, create a LinkedIn profile. Start with the information on your resume and add it to your profile. Start connecting via LinkedIn and even Facebook with potential job leads. Practice your elevation pitch. Let your friends and family members know that you are actively seeking employment.

You can start looking for jobs online at sites such as Indeed.com or Craigslist. Check the listings everyday and apply to any of them that you think would be a good fit. Research military friendly employers and plan to apply for jobs with these companies. Attend a local job fair along with job fairs for veterans and military spouses. Again, be ready to talk about your work experience.

Another option would be to start your own business. This option is not for everyone but it is something to think about. What are your talents? What are your abilities? Some military spouses have started businesses and are then able to be the family breadwinner after the service member gets out of the military.

Losing the security that the active duty Army brings can be very scary but there are options. Even though you haven’t worked in a long time, it is still possible for you to find a job. It might take some time but you should be able to find something eventually. Stay positive.

7 Ways Pets Make You Happier, Healthier

08/18/2014 By Jessica Aycock

While owning pets can be a big responsibility, you get way more out of it than you put into it.

Having a pet can be a lot of responsibility. They’re little beings that need love, shelter, food and care. It may seem like a lot of work, but what pets give back to you can be exponential.

It doesn’t matter which type of pet you fancy, either. Dog, cat, guinea pig, mouse, fish or snake. We connect with them on a level close to that with other humans.

Studies have been circulating for years linking emotional and physical well-being to pet ownership. Lonely and depressed people are urged to get a pet or to volunteer at a shelter where they can have interactions with animals in an effort to boost their social functioning.

While some may balk at the idea that stroking a puppy could make you more social, many swear that having a pet makes them happier, more productive people.

It’s not so difficult to see why when you break it down:

1) A sense of security. This can be key for children with special needs, though we all benefit from a sense of security. Pets can help ease separation anxiety and teach children how to calm themselves in stressful situations. As adults, it can be comforting to know you aren’t going home to an empty house.

2) No more lonely nights. The days of coming home and vegging out on your couch feeling sorry for yourself are long gone. OK, you will probably still veg on the couch if you’re a cat person, but at least you won’t be alone. Pets fill your space with energy and life.

In essence, animals fulfill a basic human need– touch.

3) Get fit. If you have a dog, chances are they’ll need some exercise which means getting up and getting out and walking yourself. Dog owners routinely say a side effect of getting a pup is getting into better shape. Now, that’s not to say you can’t walk a cat– I’ve seen it done– but you probably won’t. This is one area where dogs definitely rule.

4) Zap stress. While pets come with their own stressors as anyone who’s come home to a chewed shoe or accident can attest, they do a heck of a lot to reduce your overall stress. Some studies have shown that petting an animal can ease depression symptoms and even your heart rate, making you feel relaxed. This is why animals are used in hospitals for therapy.

5) A true confidant. Because animals can’t talk, many find it easier to spill the beans to a pet. Service animals are often used in this capacity and provide a safe place for people to talk out their problems. Animals are often used in treatment for traumatic stress for just this reason. Plus, just having someone to talk to who won’t talk back can be pretty sweet.

Pets make you more compassionate and considerate.

6) Live longer. Pet owners live longer than those without pets. Probably because they’re not as stressed out (see No. 4), are more active (see No. 3) and have something that adds meaning to their lives. Older adults with pets have 30% fewer doctor visits than their counterparts.

7) You’re just a better person. Pets can bring out the best in people. Pet owners tend to show more empathy and compassion to other people. They may be more generous and care more about others. When I was dating, I always knew a guy was decent if he had a pet.

In essence, animals fulfill a basic human need– touch. Pets love unconditionally and add a lot to the lives of their owners.

Take a look around at pet owners you know (or yourself) and see how pets have changed them.

What characteristics do you notice?

Use Food to Boost Your Mood

08/15/2014 By Jessica Aycock

We know that our food choices are influenced by our mood.

The right kind of carbs can elevate your mood.

When we’re stressed out– and really, when are military spouses NOT stressed?– we feel a little run down and turn to sugar, caffeine and carbs to give us a much-needed boost.

But this is a vicious cycle because what we eat will determine our mood. How many times have you scarfed down something fast, cheap and easy for a quick boost and then felt guilty or depressed later on?

Don’t beat yourself up. It happens to the best of us. But there are other options.

Here’s what you need to know about food and how it affects your mood:

Omega 3s Fight Mood Swings

The University of Maryland Medical Center lists several health benefits for Omega 3s. Some studies have shown that fish oil helps reduce mood swings in those diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Others have shown that it may reduce depression symptoms. In addition, Omega 3s also fight inflammation, diabetes and ADHD symptoms.

Things to eat: salmon, walnuts, flax seeds (Grind first. Their tough exterior makes flax seeds impossible to digest whole.)

Fish oil may help to reduce mood swings.

Protein Promotes an Even Energy Level

Eating high-quality protein, especially in the morning, will set you up for a productive day. Protein allows your blood-sugar level to rise and fall gently instead of spiking sharply and then plummeting when you eat carbs.

Things to eat: organic eggs, almonds, greek yogurt

B Vitamins Keep Depression at Bay

Weill Cornell Medical College created a pamphlet based on the connection between low levels of B vitamins and depression. B6 and B12 both are essential to the creation of dopamine and serotonin, the two neurotransmitters that affect your mood.

Things to eat: chickpeas, bananas, spinach, clams

The Right Carbs Elevate Your Mood

Skip the donut, but don’t go completely carb-free. Healthy carbs are good for you. They keep your energy level even (like protein), and also increase your serotonin (like B vitamins).

Things to eat: whole grains, fruit, vegetables, beans

Skip the sugary food and guilt when you need a mood boost.

Eat Regularly

Skipping meals makes you more apt to binge on unhealthy items. We’ve all been there and it’s bound to happen. Once it does, vow to get back on track. If you have a busy day, plan ahead and keep some of these healthy “fast” foods on hand for when you need a snack.

Things to pack: almonds, walnuts, fruit, yogurt

What are your tips for resisting the junk food urge when stressed?

**If you’re doing all the right things and still feel down, make an appointment to see your doctor. A variety of things may be happening and medication or supplements may be needed. Don’t feel ashamed or scared to ask for help.**

Bill Gives Veterans Using GI Bill In-State Tuition

08/13/2014 By Kimber Green

Bill approved by Congress provides in-state tuition for veterans.

All public universities will be required to offer veterans and their families in-state tuition regardless of their home of record.

Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed into law last week the Veterans Access, Choice And Accountability Act of 2014. This bill grants veterans and their families the right to in-state tuition at public colleges and universities regardless of where the service or family member is currently living. But only if, they are using GI Bill money.

The law goes into effect July 1, 2015.

Under the current law public schools are not mandated to offer in-state tuition if the veteran does not reside in the school’s state when classes begin. Currently, 24 states already have some form of a state residency waiver for veterans.

Other colleges require veterans to prove their intent on remaining in the state after their education is completed in order to receive in-state tuition. For example University of California, San Diego requires proof of your intent to become a California resident in order to receive in-state tuition. Not only do you need to prove your physical residence, but you must also “demonstrate your intention to make California your home by severing your residential ties with your former state of residence and establishing those ties with California.” You can prove your intent by acquiring a California driver’s license, opening a bank account or showing your housing contract.

Meeting these requirements, while tedious, is well worth it as the tuition difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition is staggering. The University of Alabama, for example, charges in-state students $9,200 in tuition and fees for the 2013-14 year, while the out-of-state students are assessed fees and tuition of $22,950.

Related: 3 Ways to Stretch Your Tuition Dollars

In-state vs. out-of-state tuition for veterans will all change in July 2015 when the new law goes into effect. All public schools will be required to bill veterans and their families at an in-state tuition rate. If the school does not comply, the VA has the right to disapprove their courses.

This bill will not change veterans and families status when applying for school loans and scholarships. The GI Bill is not considered Federal Financial Aid and thus federal loans are still an available option. There are 5 main loans and grants:

Stafford (subsidized)
Stafford (unsubsidized)
Perkins Loan
Pell Grant
Federal Student Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Eligibility for most federal student aid is based on financial need along with several other factors. It is well worth it to look into these options as well as scholarships. MyCAA is a tuition assistance for military spouses for example. It has limitations based on the active duty sponsor’s rank however. It is only open to “spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, O1-O2 including the spouses of activated Guard and Reserve members within those ranks.”

In-state tuition available for all veterans starting July 1, 2015.

In-state vs. out-of-state tuition for veterans will be irrelevant starting July 1, 2015.

There are many scholarship opportunities for military spouses. A second notable one is the National Military Family Association scholarship. This is open to all military spouses regardless of the veteran’s rank.

With the passing of this new bill, financial aid availability and scholarships, military families have more opportunities to make earning a college degree more of a possibility.

How will this bill affect your family? Will you be more likely to earn a college degree?

Tips on Tipping Your Commissary Bagger

08/11/2014 By Julie Provost

The question often comes up in military circles about how much you should tip your bagger. I remember when we moved to our first duty station in Germany, the standard seemed to be about $2 to $3, maybe a little more if it was raining or around Christmas.

If you are not familiar with the commissary, the baggers that pack up your groceries and take them to your car do not get an hourly wage. They make their money based on tips. It is expected that you tip your baggers because otherwise they will not be getting paid. Although you are not required to do this, most everyone who shops there does.

But back to the main question: What’s a fair tip for a commissary bagger?

I decided to ask a few military spouses how much they typically tip the baggers at their military commissary. A lot of them said they usually tip $5, maybe a little more or less depending on the size of their cart. A lot of them also said they tip $2 if the bagger only bags the groceries and does not take them out.

You might assume that the baggers are working for a very high hourly wage, and they probably are. $3 for 5 to 10 minutes of work is about $18+an hour. BUT, they also are probably not taking cart after cart out. A lot of times we see baggers waiting around until it is their turn to take out a cart. I think this means that overall they are not making all that much. It would depend on how many others are working and how busy it is at the commissary that day.

Also, most of the baggers are not there for 8 hours a day. Most of them only work a few hours at a time.

How much should you tip your bagger? What is the right amount?

I think it is safe to say that $3 is the average. If you are worried about it and tip $3, I think you should be fine.

That being said, I don’t think it would be wrong to tip a higher amount if you can afford to do so. You might just make a bagger’s day!

And if you don’t want to tip, head to the self check out line.

How much do you tip the baggers at your military commissary?

10 Ways to Spend Less on School Supplies

08/08/2014 By Julie Provost

10 Ways to Save Money When Buying School Supplies

The cost of school supplies can be shocking for military families, especially if they are buying for more than 1 child.

It’s August and school is due to start again. With a new school year brings the need to buy new school supplies. A lot of schools will provide the school supply list ahead of time. The supplies are based on grade level to make it easy for you to know what you need to buy for your student. The cost of school supplies can be shocking for military families, especially if they are buying for more than 1 child.

Here are 10 ways to save money when shopping for school supplies:

Compare prices. This might seem obvious but make sure you check and see which stores have the best prices. It might be worth your time to find the best deal.
Use coupons. Look and see if you can find any coupons for school supplies. This will save you a little bit of cash.
Tax free weekend. Some states will do this right before school starts. You can save money on taxes by shopping during this time.
Stock up year-round. If you can know what the school supplies are ahead of time, shop year-round for them when you spot a deal. Even if you don’t find a deal you will be able to spread what you need to spend over months instead of having to spend it all on a single shopping trip.
Check the dollar store. You should be able to get some of your supplies for a lot cheaper there.
Shop your home. You probably have at least some scissors, Kleenex and maybe even crayons sitting around your house that you can use for the following school year. When it comes to backpacks, don’t buy a new one unless it needs to be replaced.
Wait until school starts. This is a hard one for me. I want to be prepared but year after year the teacher requests something a little different from the general list that the school gives out. By doing this you will only buy what is needed and won’t waste money on something that isn’t required by the teacher.
Don’t go for the fancy stuff. While we were shopping I noticed a big difference in price from a regular blue notebook and one with a character on it. To save money it is best to stay away from trademarked items.
Register for contests. There will be school supply giveaways either locally or online. Enter as many as you can. You never know, you might just be the winner and won’t have to pay for anything this year.
Buy in bulk and split them up. Most likely some of your kids are going to require buying the same items. Check and see if buying a 6-pack of highlighters is cheaper and 2- or 3-packs. We have also done this with pencils and glue sticks.

10 Ways to Save Money When Shopping for Back to School

Buy school supply staples, like pencils and crayons, year-round to save money.

School supply shopping can be hard on your budget but hopefully this list will give you a few ideas to make it a little easier for you and your budget.

What are your tips for saving money when shopping for school supplies?

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