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13 Military-Themed DIY Gifts for Friends and Family

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Before there were shopping malls, Amazon, Etsy or warehouse stores, the holidays were filled with homemade gifts designed to show those you cared about how much they meant to you.

13 Military-Themed DIY Gifts for Friends and Family

Do you make homemade gifts for your friends and family?

In that spirit and in the fact that many DIY gifts are much easier on the wallet than a midnight run to a big box store, here are 13 ideas to inspire you to get your holiday craft on – military style.

13 Military-Themed DIY Gifts for Friends and Family

Ornaments

The ideas are practically endless when it comes to ornaments. One of the cutest and easiest I have seen uses Scrabble tiles to create military service acronyms.

Top with a unit insignia or pin on rank or wings and you’ve got a great ornament for your own tree or the perfect new addition for your extended family and friends.

You can order letters in bulk from Amazon and other craft retailers. Make sure you use wood glue and don’t forget to add a note of holiday cheer and the year to the back.

Oh The Places We Have Gone – Map Art

Travel and relocation are just part of the military lifestyle. And they can make for a great gift too! If you’ve got a friend who is missing home, try mounting a cut out of their home city or state and having it framed.

A reminder of home can make being so far away feel a little less lonely.

Or try taking small cut-outs of places you know a friend has been stationed or maybe all the places you’ve been stationed together and glue them to flat glass marbles for magnets. This is the kind of gift that will let them think of you with every shopping list or school calendar they tack to the fridge.

Money Origami

Okay, so money isn’t the most personal of gifts, but if you’re gonna give it, try a little origami to make it more memorable. You can make it look like anything from an F-18 to a tank.

Stencil Anything

Military-style stencils are readily available and with a good brush, paint and a background, you can create gifts that are one of a kind. Try using the military alphabet to spell out a favorite word or someone’s last name on canvas or some reclaimed wood.

Love becomes Lima Oscar Victor Echo and a fun piece of art to hang on the wall.

Related: 9 Military Discounts for Those Who Love to Craft

Use Old Uniforms

If you’re good with a sewing machine, try turning old uniforms into teddy bears for your favorite military kid or repurpose them into an apron for a military spouse.  You could also make a tote, a quilt, a wreath or even a stocking!

Cookies

Cookies aren’t strictly military, but giving cookies is a long-standing holiday tradition. Give them a twist using fun military-themed cookie cutters like these.

If baking isn’t your thing or you are strapped for time, consider putting together some cookies-in-a-jar gifts and attaching a fun camo gift tag and tying on a military-themed cookie cutter.

Coasters

This is a great idea if you are looking to make gifts for a whole bunch of people.

Plus the process is really easy. All you need is a print-out of your unit patch or insignia, some modge podge, a sponge brush and a ceramic tile. Make sure you let them dry completely, then add a holiday note and the date to the back.

Here’s an example of how great they look when you are finished. Here are instructions on how to do it. You can also glue 4 flat glass marbles to the back and your coaster becomes a trivet for the kitchen.

Do you make homemade gifts for your friends and family members? Share your best DIY gifts in the  comments section.

The Myth of the Perfect Military Spouse

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It was one of those days.

You know, the days when nothing seemed to go right? My oldest had dumped a gigantic bag of beads in the middle of the living room floor for the second time that day. My youngest was way past nap time. I was dressed in my usual jeans and seen-better-days T-shirt, my hair was a mess, and I had less than 30 minutes until my husband was due to walk in the door.

My plan to be dressed, pressed, and waiting to sit down to a delicious home-cooked meal had gone out the door hours ago.

And it wasn’t the first time my list of to-dos or taking care of my children had eaten up my entire day.

I so wanted to be that military spouse who had the house cleaned and dinner neatly prepared when my soldier walked through the door.

The same daydream had me perfectly coiffed and dressed to impress. And every time I didn’t hit that goal of “perfect” spouse, I felt like a failure.

The Myth of the Perfect Military Spouse

If I couldn’t do it all when he was able to come home every night, what did that say about my abilities when he was deployed?

After all, he was doing all the hard work, putting on the uniform and training to be of service to our country. He needed a spouse capable of taking care of everything at home. If I couldn’t do it all when he was able to come home every night, what did that say about my abilities when he was deployed?

After a particularly stressful afternoon that had all of my kids recovering from temper tantrums and me in tears, a close friend stopped by for coffee. She was everything I wanted to be. She always looked great. Her house was always immaculate. And I’d never seen her stress about anything.

After confessing my feelings of inadequacy, she changed my entire world with just one sentence.

There is no such thing as a perfect military spouse.

What? How could that be? There were those, just like her, who always had it together. The spouse next door who always had his kids ready and at the bus stop on time. The commander’s wife who always made hosting company events look easy.

She repeated herself.

There’s no such thing as a perfect military spouse.

The look on my face must have confessed my disbelief. Over the next few minutes she confessed to a few cracks in what I thought was her perfect façade. I felt a little better, but I still wasn’t wholly convinced.

I begged her to share her secrets with me. How did she make it all look so easy? She just laughed and challenged me to change my way of thinking.

“So what if your house isn’t perfect? So what if macaroni and cheese is the best dinner you can muster? Those things are not required to make you worthy of love and respect. We each have our strengths. Be your best you and that’s good enough.”

I sat quietly and tried to take those words in. Was it possible to be the best me without being perfect? Could I be the strong, capable military spouse my soldier needed and not be good at everything?

The answer is yes.

My belief in that idea didn’t happen overnight. It took a lot of work and introspection. It took time to learn to quiet that inner voice that told me I was a failure and give the stage to the part of me that got up every day and did my best.

I am incredibly thankful I had a friend to intervene and set me straight.

And I hope, should you ever find yourself in a similar mindset that you remember:

There is no such thing as a perfect military spouse.

No matter who you are, where you are from or what you are struggling with, you are worthy of love and respect.

Even if it means that the dusting or vacuuming should have been done yesterday.

Even if it means that PB&J is what’s on the menu tonight.

Live every day with the intent to be the best possible you that you can.  The best you is more than good enough.

Are you trying to be the perfect military spouse?

Spread Some Cheer with These Holiday Card Alternatives

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If desperation is the mother of invention, I’m pretty sure procrastination is a second cousin. And I’m suffering from both.

It’s already the end of November and I still haven’t made up my mind if I’m going to send holiday cards or not.

You know, with 3 teenagers vying for their gotta-have-it gifts and plans to travel out of town, our budget is already stretched a little thin. And can we talk about how few hours there seems to be in the day at this time of year?

To make this holiday card thing happen I’ll need to:

  1. Coordinate clothes and beg/threaten/bribe my better half and kiddos to smile for a photo.
  2. Spend hours selecting the perfect holiday greeting, font and layout.
  3. Compile a list of all those who must and should receive a holiday card.
  4. Get the right number of cards printed, plus extras, because I’ll always remember a handful of extra should-be-on-my-list-ers after I print my cards.
  5. Buy stamps.
  6. Sign and stuff ‘em.
  7. Drop them off at the post office and hope that I haven’t forgotten anyone, I got the postage right and that they all get there in time to express my sincere holiday sentiments.

I know it’s not a particularly hard list, but the cost and time alone just adds another layer of stress to an already strapped-for-time season. There has to be an easier way! This year, try spreading a little cheer that is both budget-conscious and time-friendly.

7 Holiday Cards and Creative Alternatives

Do you send holiday cards? Why or why not?

7 Holiday Cards and Creative Alternatives

Use a Mailing Service

Many online photo companies offer mailing services at a price that can save you both time and money.  This option doesn’t allow you to hand-sign or include a personal note, so if you chose this option, consider following up with a quick phone call during the holidays or after the first of the year.

Send Post Cards

If including a handwritten note is more your style, and you’ve got a lengthy list, consider sending post cards instead of the traditional holiday cards.

Postage for postcards is a full 15 cents cheaper than a holiday card sent first-class mail. Sites like Vistaprint offer 50 full-color glossy postcards for $10!

Make a Video

Instead of holiday cards, consider recording a video of your family wishing those you love a happy holiday season. Sing a favorite Christmas carol, read a story, tell jokes or just express your heart-felt sentiment. So much more personal than a card and fun to make too!

You could make one video and share it with everyone or create shorter personalized messages for your close family and friends.

Make a Donation

This time of year is a great time to give back to your community or pay it forward.

Instead of spending money on holiday cards and postage, consider making a donation to a good cause on behalf of each person on your list.

Some nonprofits will even send out a thank you to those for whom you have donated. But if you chose this option, consider following up with a quick email to let those on your list know how much they mean to you. Be sure to include a link to the cause.

Just Call Them!

I like getting things in the mail, but honestly, a phone call and the opportunity to catch up and laugh with those I love is so much better.

Skip the stamps and spend a few minutes being present and in the moment with each person on your list.

Wait Until After the New Year

Often we all find we have more time (and money) after the first of the year. And there is nothing that says a holiday card must come in December! Give yourself some time,  shop the great late-season sales for some beautiful winter cards and use your cards to extend your good wishes for the New Year!

Next Year…Start Early!

Some of the best sales on pre-made cards and online photo cards often come at the beginning of fall. Put a reminder in your phone or on your calendar to start earlier next year.

It won’t necessarily help us out this year, but it might make next year a little less stressful!

Do you send holiday cards? Why or why not?

5 Tips for Shopping at the Commissary During the Holidays

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The holidays are upon us and that means it’s time to shop. Not only do you have gifts to buy, but you also have meals to plan.

It isn’t just retail stores that will be crowded; the commissary will be too. Follow these 5 tips to keep your cool while shopping at the commissary for your holiday needs.

5 Tips for Shopping at the Commissary During the Holidays

Plan Your Meals

Instead of browsing the aisles of the commissary, make a plan. Before heading to the commissary you should make a menu and from there create your grocery list.

Get a head count of how many friends and family members will be at your house for each meal. Make sure to include snacks as well.

Also consider how many holiday parties you will be attending and what you want to make for each one. Don’t forget to include cookie swaps in your planning.

When planning your meals, take into consideration the ingredients you’ll need. Will there be excess product unused? If you only need a cup of chicken stock but you buy a 16-ounce container, you’ll have some left over.

Don’t waste it if you don’t have to. Look at your menu. Is there anything else you can use the leftover item for? You’ll save money at the commissary if you can use a product fully.

Also, consider if there will be leftovers. Will anyone want to eat them at the next meal? If there is a substantial amount leftover, you might not need to plan for the next meal.

Load Your Commissary Rewards Card with Coupons

Have you heard of the commissary rewards card? Do you have one? If you don’t have one, now is the time to get one and if you already have a commissary rewards card, it’s time to load it with great savings.

What is a commissary rewards card and how do you get one? A commissary rewards card is available at the checkout at any commissary.

This card is a money-saving tool. Once you get this free card, you simply register it online and it’s activated.

You won’t need to clip coupons once you have the commissary rewards card. You can look through a list of digital coupons and check the ones you want to use. You can do this on your PC or through the mobile app.

When you check out at the commissary, simply show the barcode to the cashier and with one simple scan your coupons will be applied.

Why spend time searching for coupons through the newspaper or online when you can get them in one spot?

Eat Before You Go to the Commissary

While this sounds mundane, it is important.

You shouldn’t shop on an empty stomach.

If you go grocery shopping while you are hungry, you’ll likely end up buying more than you need. You are also more likely to buy junk food if you are hungry as well.

Have a good meal before heading to the commissary and perhaps bring a snack with you.

Shop Kid Free, if Possible

Are you a parent? You’re probably laughing at this. Taking your children shopping is an adventure.

If you can get someone to watch them, your shopping trip will likely be much faster and hassle-free.

If however, you are unable to secure help with child care, be prepared to shop with the kids. Keep children content with snacks and entertainment so they are not asking for junk food or unneeded items. Make sure they eat a filling meal before heading to the commissary as well.

If you can’t keep them entertained or if you simply want them to participate in the shopping experience, getting kids involved can be helpful. You can have them be in charge of the grocery list, you can give them specific items to go get or you can let them choose some items.

Shop Early

Start your holiday shopping early. Once you have your meals planned and your shopping list made, have a look at what is nonperishable. Purchase those items early to save you the time looking for them when it is closer to the holidays.

The commissary will get crowded as the day goes on as well as near payday and in the days leading up to the holidays.

Look at what time your commissary opens and plan to be there as close to that time as possible. The commissary usually has less people in the mornings. Less people means quicker shopping and speedier checkout.

Make sure you pay attention to the date as well. The commissary is busy on and near payday, which is the 1st and 15th for service members.

Finally, don’t wait until the last minute. Shop as early as you can to avoid stress.

What tips do you have to add to this list?

21 Delicious Recipes to Try This Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. Are you prepared?

Soon friends and family will be gathered around your table ready to feast on delicious food, chat with loved ones and make holiday memories.

For those of us in the kitchen, Thanksgiving can be a time of stress. There are so many wonderful items that make up a Thanksgiving dinner. You simply have to choose which ones you want to make.

We gathered 21 of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes to help you make your holiday meal decisions this year.

Some of these great recipes come from readers and can be found on MilitaryShoppers.com. Did you know MilitaryShoppers has a monthly recipe contest? You can add your favorite recipes and be entered to win a $50 gift card.

21 Delicious Recipes to Try This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving guests are usually divided between pumpkin and pecan pie. Which one is your favorite?

Our Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes From MilitaryShoppers

Appetizers

Start your Thanksgiving off right with some delicious appetizers. The holiday salsa will spice up your evening for sure. If you’re looking for a more traditional start though, go for the deviled eggs. I wouldn’t pass up a chance to try the mouth-watering stuffed mushrooms or slow cooker cranberry BBQ meatballs.

All 4 of these dishes are sure to please a hungry crowd while your Thanksgiving meal is being prepared.

Deviled Eggs

Mouth-Watering Stuffed Mushrooms

Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

Holiday Salsa 

Main Dishes

The center of every Thanksgiving dinner is the turkey and for some, it is also a juicy ham. My family serves both, although we have a cold ham.

This recipe below for a juicy Thanksgiving turkey is a no fail way to get everyone at the table asking for more.

If your family also enjoys a ham, this old-fashioned holiday glazed ham is well worth a try. The sweetness of pineapple is offset by cloves to make a perfect pairing.

Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey

Old-Fashioned Holiday Glazed Ham

Related: How to Host a Friendsgiving

Side Dishes

There are some sides that you just can’t have a Thanksgiving meal without. For me, it’s the stuffing. A good moist stuffing really makes a difference. My in-laws however are all about a Thanksgiving dressing.

The cranberry, sausage and apple stuffing recipe below sounds wonderful. I will be trying it this year. Which recipes below would you like to try?

Cornbread

Sweet Potato Casserole

Creamy Crock Pot Mac n Cheese

Cranraisin Croissant Stuffing

Orange Cranberry Sauce

Related: More than Turkey Sandwiches: 5 Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Cranberry Wobble Gobble

Cranberry, Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Green Bean Casserole

Unbelievable Rolls

Simple is the Best Dressing

Desserts

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a wonderful dessert. The table is usually divided between pumpkin and pecan pie. Which way do you lean? I’m a pumpkin pie person hands down. Our readers submitted some fantastic dessert recipes that you should try.

This year I am going to attempt the pumpkin roll recipe listed below.

Dee Dee Pecan Pie Recipe

Pecan Pie Cupcakes

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Pumpkin Roll

Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie

Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving recipe? Enter it in MilitaryShoppers recipe contest and you may be this month’s winner. Click here for more details.

How to Survive Black Friday Shopping

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Black Friday shopping can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. The crowds are huge and so is the pressure. You may feel compelled to go shopping even if you don’t need anything in particular.

For me, Black Friday shopping has been more of a tradition than a necessity.

I’ve always enjoyed the fun with my mom. Here are my top 5 shopping strategies we use to have fun while getting great deals.

How to Survive Black Friday Shopping

What tips do you have for shopping on Black Friday?

5 Tips for Shopping on Black Friday

Make a List

Black Friday is not the time to browse. The stores will be overly crowded with less than friendly patrons. People can be very competitive pushing their way through the store to grab what they came for.

Know what you want to get in and out of each store quickly.

In order to do that, you should make a list.

I always start with a list of who I want to buy Christmas gifts for. I shop throughout the year as I notice things a friend or family member would like and just put it away.

On this list I write what I have already bought so that I don’t overbuy for one person or not buy as many things for another.

I write next to their names a few gift ideas I have for each person. Once I have completed the list, I consider what gifts are the most important to buy on Black Friday to save money. I put those on a separate list.

Compare Sale Ads

Now that I have a list of what I’m interested in buying, I start to look through the ads.  

Black Friday is the only time of the year I buy the newspaper.

I look through the ads and cut out the ones I’m interested in as well as any coupons. Then I look online to see the sales listed for stores in my area and compare prices. I also note items that are listed as minimum quantity in the fine print, that way I know if it’s likely I will be able to buy that item or if it’s even worth trying for.

In some cases it isn’t worth fighting the crowds for on Black Friday. Cyber Monday may have the same or similar products for better prices or the same. Previews for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are available early on online.

Reading the fine print of the sales is important. I read those and note what the best option is for getting the product I want.

Create a Shopping Strategy

The next step is to create your shopping strategy. Plan the order in which you want to go to the stores.

I also think about what time I should get there to beat the crowd.

You should also consider how you will tackle the crowd to get to what you want.

It is helpful to have a shopping buddy. You can split up to find what you came for. It’s also easier to have someone with you to help carry your purchases. My shopping buddy is my mom. We make a great team.

Fuel Up

Don’t let hunger get in your way on Black Friday. I prefer to go shopping after having a meal so that I am full and not thinking about food. I also bring a snack and water with me.

Keeping fueled up on Black Friday is important. I treat myself to a latte that day. My mom and I have a tradition of going out to eat after our fun shopping trip.

Consider Logistics

Don’t get so carried away with shopping that you don’t have room in your vehicle to get it all back home.

If you know that what you’re going shopping for on Black Friday is a large item such as a TV, make sure you can fit it in your vehicle. This is not the time to drive your compact car if your spouse or shopping buddy has a larger one.

We always take the SUV on Black Friday.

Along the same lines, make sure you know where you are going to store these gifts until Christmas.

Last year I stored a giant teddy bear, which was taller than my 6 foot husband, for a friend. She certainly had nowhere to hide such a large item from her daughter. Make sure you know where you’ll be taking your purchases to once you’re done shopping.

What tips do you have for shopping on Black Friday?

Add Continuity to Your PCS: Tips on How to Work from Home

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by guest contributor Lucy Wyndham

As a military spouse, you spend a lot of time stressing over things every PCS. From finding a new home to meeting new friends, it is extremely hard to settle in every time you move. However, how would you like to have one less thing to worry about? Finding a job is probably one of the biggest struggles for a military spouse. But with 43 percent of Americans spending at least sometime working remotely, the ability to work from home is becoming more possible.

Benefits of Working Remotely

Military spouses have a very unique life that requires a lot of flexibility. A remote job can help improve the flexibility in your life by allowing you to work when you want and where you want. It also allows you to have continuity in your career. You will be able to maintain the same job whenever you have to move.

Top Remote Jobs for Military Spouses

If you’re ready to make the change to a remote work life, check out these jobs that are sure to allow you to make money no matter where you are.

  • Virtual Assistant: More and more companies are outsourcing the role of the admin or assistant to cut on overhead costs. In this role, you can do many jobs from scheduling and bookkeeping to event planning all while in your PJs.
  • Social Media Manager: More than 50 million businesses use Facebook to connect with their customers. Social media is an important aspect of a company’s brand, presence, and marketing. Therefore, there are many jobs in the market related to maintaining social media sites. If you’re savvy with applications like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, this might be a good field for you.
  • Survey Taker: Survey site companies invest billions of dollars into online market research. They pay you to help companies determine product marketability and consumer behavior. All you need is a phone or computer and you can get paid for every survey you complete. Some of the best paid survey sites include Swagbucks, Harris Poll, Inbox Dollars, and MyPoints.
  • Freelance Writer: A freelance writer earns an average of $24.70 an hour from the comfort of their own home. This includes bloggers, ghost writers, and the academic writers. Find something that you love to write about and get your work out there. The best way to get attention is to create a blog. Since you’re a military spouse, one great idea is to provide advice to other spouses or military families. Once you’ve built up your portfolio, start applying to some paid freelance jobs or consider ways to make money directly on your blog.
  • Photographer: One of the great things about moving so much is that you get to see parts of the world that others do not have the opportunity to see. Why not bank on this and start up a career in photography? If you have a good eye, you could sell your pictures online. Simply create your own online portfolio and reach out to potential customers.

With the increase in technology, working from home is a reality for many people. Figure out which of these jobs calls to you  and start your journey towards a new career.

*this article was submitted by guest contributor Lucy Wyndham

What Military Families Need to Know About the Flu Vaccine

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It’s that time of year again, flu season.

Have you and your family gotten the flu vaccine yet?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months gets the flu vaccine.

What Military Families Need to Know About the Flu Vaccine

Don’t let your fear of needles keep you from getting this year’s flu vaccine.

Here are the details you need to know about getting the flu vaccine as a military family.

Tricare pays for the flu vaccine, but they have strict guidelines that you must follow in order for your insurance to cover the cost.

The nasal spray that you or a family member may have gotten last year is not available this year. If you want the flu vaccine, you’ll have to get the injectable treatment. Here are 3 ways to get the flu vaccine and have it covered by Tricare.

How to Get the Flu Vaccine for Free Through Tricare

Visit a military hospital or clinic. You should call ahead and make sure that the flu vaccine is available. Some clinics have certain hours that walk-in vaccinations are done and some require an appointment. Active duty service members have priority so prepare yourself for a possible wait.

Visit an in-network pharmacy. You can search on Tricare’s website to find a local participating network pharmacy or you can call the Tricare line at (877) 363-1303.

Last December the Tricare retail pharmacy network changed so you may not be able to go to the same pharmacy you went to for your flu vaccine previously. Make sure you check if your pharmacy of choice is in network now.

For example, last year you might have gone to the CVS pharmacy in Target. Tricare no longer uses CVS. They switched to Walgreens.

You can also get your flu vaccine at Walmart, Kroger and Rite Aid to name a few.

Before heading to the pharmacy, call first. You’ll need to make sure a pharmacist will be available to give the flu vaccine, as Tricare will only cover the cost if it is given by a pharmacist.

If you get the flu vaccine by someone at an onsite clinic that is not a pharmacist, you may have to pay the full price of the flu vaccine.

Make sure when you talk to them to ask what hours the pharmacist will be available to give shots and if there is an age restriction. Some pharmacy policies do not allow them to give the flu vaccine to children under a certain age.

Visit a Tricare authorized provider. If you don’t have a primary physician, you can find a doctor through Tricare’s website. Note that you will be subject to your Tricare plan when going to see a doctor. This means you might have a copay or cost share for the visit. The shot however will be covered.

Active duty service members that do not want to get their flu vaccine from their primary care provider will need a referral to get one elsewhere.

Naval Hospital Jacksonville is offering the flu vaccine at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville Commissary on November 14 and 15.

If you are hesitant to getting the flu vaccine, remember that getting the shot is the first step you can take to protect yourself from the flu. It is required for all active duty, selected reserves and health care workers.

While everyone over the age of 6 months is recommended to get the flu vaccine, it is particularly recommended for pregnant women and people who suffer from chronic health problems such as diabetes and emphysema.

Don’t let being scared of a shot keep you from getting the flu vaccine. The flu is very contagious being spread by physical contact, coughing and sneezing. If you get the flu, you may have mild to severe sickness that could land you in a hospital. Make sure to wash your hands often to prevent the spread of this illness.

Now that you know how to get the flu vaccine for free, make time to get it done and protect yourself and your family.

What questions do you have about getting your flu shot?

Military Shoppers Offers Free Money-Saving Travel Website to Its Members

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My family loves to travel together. But we have different things that we love to do during our family vacations.

Traveling for me means finding restaurants featuring delicious local cuisine. Traveling for my children means visiting a children’s museum or science center, jumping on the hotel beds and swimming in the hotel pool.

Traveling for my husband means a break from military life. When we’re on vacation, he isn’t thinking about work. He’s focused on spending quality time with his family, far, far away from his military base.

But as much as I love traveling, planning a weekend getaway isn’t easy.

In fact, planning a vacation stresses me out.

And there’s the dreaded family vacation budget to consider.

There are so many cities that I want to visit, but many times I find myself asking “can we afford this vacation?”

According to American Express, the average vacation expense per person in the United States is $1,145 or $4,580 for a family of four. That’s nearly $5,000 for 1 family vacation!

There has to be a better way. I don’t want to cancel our family vacation because of sticker shock.

Free Membership for Military Families in Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards

MilitaryShoppers.com, a community that delivers money-saving tips to military families, is expanding their services. Starting November 2017, MilitaryShoppers’ members are entitled to a free membership in Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards.

Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards lists special discounts that have been arranged exclusively for MilitaryShoppers members.

How does Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards work?

Hotels and resorts often have unsold room nights that they can’t offer to the general public at such low rates but they can do it as a special military discount through MilitaryShoppers Travel & Rewards.

These incredibly low rates are not available on any other travel booking website. Members are encouraged to compare the Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards discounted rates with other public websites and military travel “clubs.” Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards said “you’ll find these are the lowest hotel and resort rates available anywhere!”

Since the cost of our hotel room is the most expensive part of our family vacations, I’m excited to book a discounted rate for a quality hotel. Knowing that we’re saving money on our hotel room encourages me to plan more family vacations in the future.

Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards members have access to a wide range of benefits and services that are designed to save military families money. Members earn points that they can use for extra discounts and fun activities.

Every free blue membership is preloaded with $100 in points that members can use immediately.

What’s the cost to join Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards?

This money-saving travel website for members of the military community is free. Members won’t pay an annual membership fee or be required to buy anything.

Using Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards is similar to using a travel website to book your hotel room. It offers the same convenience, except with Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards members will book their hotel rooms at much lower rates.

How do I sign up?

Members can sign up for free access to their benefits online at MilitaryShoppersTravel.com.

If you are already a member of the MilitaryShoppers’ community, check your email. You automatically received access through that membership. In your email, it will explain how to log in to MilitaryShoppersTravel.com.

As I said earlier, I love traveling. I love the adventure of it. I love retelling the stories of our adventures to our neighbors, family members and friends. But most of all, I love traveling as a family. Family vacations are when memories are made.

The only thing I love more than a family vacation is a family vacation where we enjoy ourselves without spending all the money in our savings account.

You don’t have to choose between your family vacation and monthly budget. You can have both with Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards. Sign up today!

7 Tips from a Military Spouse to Her Younger Self

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I won’t say I’m old, but if there was a miracle pill to knock a couple of years off, I’d be interested.

For all of my fears and frustrations about getting older, I know I have earned every gray hair, every fine line. They tell the story of a life that, while it’s had its ups and downs, I really can’t complain about it too much.

But as I watch my oldest child begin to figure out her place in the world and prepare to move out on her own, it got me thinking about myself at her age.

If given the chance what would I want my younger military spouse self to know? What imparting wisdom could I dish out to help make my future just a bit better?

Here’s what I came up with:

7 Tips from a Military Spouse to Her Younger Self

If given the chance what would I want my younger military spouse self to know?

7 Tips from a Military Spouse to Her Younger Self

Attend College

Less than half of American adults have a college degree. I was part of the majority without one until just a couple of years ago.

While a college degree won’t solve every problem, it can open doors and help with career advancement and employment.

Many military spouses already have a degree or some form of formal training before they become military spouses, which is amazing!  But don’t stop learning. If you’re like me and on the 20+ year plan or you are looking for a second or advanced degree, utilize the resources the military community has to offer.

Programs like MyCAA can help junior enlisted and officer spouses to obtain or continue pursuit of a degree. There are scholarships only available to military dependents and there are a great many programs and universities who offer discounted rates to military spouses.

Get your college degree – it will pay off in so many ways.

Find Your Passion

As you move from place to place, a passion or hobby can make wherever you are stationed feel like home.

A passion gives you something to occupy your time when your spouse is fighting in parts unknown.

A passion gives you something to look forward to when those horrible-terrible-no-good-very-bad days rear their ugly heads.

And your passion just might be the icebreaker you need to make new friends who share a similar interest or who are interested in learning.

Learn to Budget/Schedule/Plan

Mind-numbing waiting at the doctor’s office, empty bank accounts and frantic searches for missing berets or boots at zero dark-thirty can all be avoided with some forethought.

If creating spending plans (and sticking to them) or developing schedules and plans doesn’t come naturally to you, buy a book, or take a class or print off one of the million or so examples on Pinterest.

Get good at being organized. It will pay off a thousand-fold in both your finances and sanity.

Pick Your Friends Wisely

It is all too easy to latch onto an unhealthy friendship when you feel out of place or lonely. But, sometimes those friendships born of low-hanging fruit can do more harm than good.

Put in the effort to build real friendships that last. Don’t write people off because of appearances or even first impressions.

Hint: real friendships don’t equal drama, drama, drama!

Save for a Rainy Day

Before you know it, you’ll be looking at retirement.

Or the need for a new car.

Or the desire to buy a house.

Or the desire to have a baby (or two or three!).

This lesson isn’t really military spouse specific, but it is one I wish I had learned much sooner.

Always, always, always, pay yourself first. Even if it’s just $10 a paycheck, get into the habit of putting money away. Your future self with thank you, trust me.

Buy Smart and Don’t Buy on Credit

Hand in hand with saving, be smart about your money. If you can at all avoid it, skip using credit cards for anything other than emergencies.

That $500 want-it-now purchase suddenly turns into a $1,000 burden when you add in all the interest.

Be patient and save until you can afford to pay cash for what you need.

At the same time, don’t deprive yourself of things. Go back to the lesson about budgeting and figure out a way to be smart about what you buy.

Enjoy and Experience

Don’t let the experience of being a military spouse pass you by without taking time to enjoy it.

While the challenges are difficult and never-ending, the benefits and experiences this life has to offer are second to none. See the world, taste the food, take pictures. Meet people, try new things, explore.

Learn to laugh at mistakes, empathize with your neighbor and trust that your presence in every place and moment has a purpose and a reason.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Share it in the comment section.