Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Bill Gives Veterans Using GI Bill In-State Tuition

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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:

  1. Stafford (subsidized)
  2. Stafford (unsubsidized)
  3. Perkins Loan
  4. Pell Grant
  5. 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

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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

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Use coupons. Look and see if you can find any coupons for school supplies. This will save you a little bit of cash.
  3. Tax free weekend. Some states will do this right before school starts. You can save money on taxes by shopping during this time.
  4. 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.
  5. Check the dollar store. You should be able to get some of your supplies for a lot cheaper there.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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?

Boost Your Child’s Immune System for Back to School

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This week my oldest daughter started kindergarten. While she was cool as a cucumber about her first academic milestone, I was fretting over every detail in preparation for the first day of school. On Thursday, I reviewed her school supply checklist for the 16th time. On Friday, I scrutinized the nutritional value of her school’s lunch program. On Saturday, my daughter and I timed her walk to school, a whopping 6 blocks north of our house. On Sunday, I drilled into her the importance of washing her hands. On Monday morning, instead of enjoying this moment with her I had a panic attack over the fact that her immune system is going to be exposed to all kinds of germs and viruses… starting with the first day of school.

immune boosting breakfast

Did you know that school-age children average 5 to 6 colds a year? Parents must make a concentrated effort to boost their child’s immune system.

Want to know the easiest way to stay healthy this school year? Eat an immune-boosting breakfast.

What’s an immune-boosting breakfast? It starts with a glass of orange juice. One serving of Simply Orange Pulp Free with Calcium and Vitamin D provides 100 percent of my daughter’s daily recommended vitamin C. Vitamin C is a natural way to prevent colds and ear infections. Simply Orange juice tastes freshly squeezed and gets 2 thumbs-up from my daughter. That means less yelling “drink your orange juice” in the morning.

Win an iPad Mini through Kelloggs and Minute Maid

This immune-boosting breakfast is more than a glass of OJ. We need carbs and protein to keep her energy levels up from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. But as a work-from-home mother, I don’t have time to make a homemade breakfast and I know that anything sugary leads to a crash and burn during morning recess. So instead of spending my precious morning time whipping up a homemade breakfast, I do the next best thing. I serve my daughter fresh-from-the freezer Kellogg’s Eggo Homestyle waffles. With 190 calories and only 2 grams of sugar per serving, when these waffles pop up in our toaster my daughter knows it’s time to start her day. I swear she can hear that toaster better than her alarm clock.

I pair 2 round waffles with a convenient protein, like MorningStar Farms Maple Flavored Veggie Sausage Patties for a complete breakfast. With 3 grams of total fat per serving, these savory veggie patties contain 79 percent less fat than cooked pork sausage. This breakfast isn’t only good for my kindergartner. It’s a good way for me to start my day.

MorningStar Farms Maple Flavored Veggie Sausage Patties, Kellogg’s Eggo waffles and Simply Orange juice are all on sale this month at your military commissary. Besides boosting your immune system, these savings will also boost your money-saving happiness.

 

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Kellogg’s and Minute Maid.

Break the Habit of Lying to Your Doctor

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Remember to take your Sundown Naturals vitamins daily.

Stop lying to your doctor. Add a daily multivitamin to your diet.

I always hate lying to my doctor. In my heart, I want tell her the truth. No, I don’t walk for the recommended 20 minutes three times a week. No, I don’t drink red wine; I drink beer. No, I don’t take a daily multivitamin.

After my annual exam, I feel shameful about the deception. Obviously she knows I’m lying, right? A WebMD survey found that 45 percent of patients lie to their doctors. I’m that 45 percent. The shame.

Wouldn’t it be nice if for once – just once – I could honestly answer that I take my multivitamins daily. Imagine how confidently I could answer her questions. How I wouldn’t have to avert my eyes when she looks at me. Best of all, I would enjoy the health benefits of taking a multivitamin.

But which multivitamin is the right one for me? I could ask my doctor for a recommendation … nah, I don’t want to admit to her that I lied and staring at the choices at the commissary is overwhelming.

Then I discovered the Sundown Naturals Gummy Match.

In less than 2 minutes and a mere 8 questions later, I found a gummy vitamin that was trustworthy and genuine. The perfect match for me is Sundown Naturals Vitamin C Gummies. This naturally orange flavor vitamin will give my immune system the boost it needs to fight off the constant attack of germs dragged home by my daughters from daycare. The Vitamin C is also essential to collagen formation that will slow down the aging of my skin, bones and joints. While I was reassured from this quiz that Sundown Naturals Vitamin C Gummies are the best choice for me, the deal was sealed when I received a $2 coupon in my inbox. I wasted no time redeeming that coupon at my military commissary.

Now that I have this great tasting gummy vitamin, how will I ever remember to take it? In the day-to-day grind of unloading the dishwasher, refereeing toy sharing and tackling the overflowing pile of dirty laundry, taking my vitamin is the last thing on my mind. Does this mean I can tell my doctor that I bought the vitamins, I just couldn’t remember to take them? Lame.

That was my excuse. No more. I downloaded the convenient Sundown V-Minder app. The app provides a digital tap-on-the-shoulder reminder to take my vitamins. Every. Single. Day. The Sundown V-Minder also lets me know when my supply is getting low and conveniently adds vitamins to my shopping list.

Sundown Naturals vitamins are gluten free, nondairy, vegetarian and lactose free. There are no artificial flavors and no words on the label that I can’t pronounce.

Are you curious about Sundown Naturals vitamins? Find a store near you.

Deep down you know that lying to your doctor isn’t a healthy habit. Consider adding a daily Sundown Naturals vitamin to your health routine. Your conscience will thank you.

 

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Sundown Naturals. 

Save on Play Date Snacks at Your Commissary

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August is here! That means a new sales ad for your military commissary. One of the best ways to save money is to shop the sales ads at your favorite stores. You want to make a plan on what to buy based on the sales ad.

In August there are quite a few snack choices. It would be a great idea to stock up on some of them to have around the house for a play date or even for your own children.

Hosting a weekly or monthly play date would be a great way to meet new people. You can get to know them as the kids get to know each other. It also allows some time for moms to hang out with other moms and get some time to talk with other adults.

When planning a play date, you could stock up on the Nature’s Valley granola bars. They come in a few different types and you could even cut them in half to display on a plate. You might also want to pick up some of the Totino’s pizza rolls. These can be made in the oven ahead of time. The moms might really enjoy these to have as a snack while the kids play.

Speaking of the moms, you can buy some of the coffee and tea that is for sale to have on hand. Moms love to talk over coffee or tea and it would be nice to offer that to them even if you don’t drink it yourself.

Don’t forget about the kids and get some of the Hi-C fruit juice boxes to have on hand. Kids love them and they are easy to hand to thirsty children.

If you would rather host a breakfast type play date you can get some of the Eggo waffles, add some berries and whip cream and serve a tasty snack for your friends and their kids. You can pick up some of the Simply Orange Juice to serve with your coffee and tea.

As you can see there are a few ways to use August’s commissary sales ad to save some money on play date snacks.

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Can You Buy Local at Your Commissary?

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“Eating local” is a popular buzz phrase in the media.

Experts suggest that eating locally grown foods is better for the environment, the economy and your health.

Local foods usually have less environmental impact. Foods that are grown locally don’t spend a lot of time in transit, so you’re getting them at their freshest. All those transit costs have to be made up somewhere and that usually means on the consumer end. Not only that, but often local farms are small and do it old school by using less pesticides or chemicals to keep costs down.

Less pesticides & chemicals = better health for you and your family.

Buying locally helps your community. Think of local farmers as local businesses. By giving them your money, you are helping to keep a small business in … well, business. That goes a long way in today’s economy.

One thing is absolutely certain– local food just tastes better. If you have ever eaten cherry tomatoes warm from the vine, you’d agree that they taste different than anything from the stores. Or fresh strawberries in the field.

But, how easy is it to really buy locally? Especially if you do most of your shopping at the commissary?

Not as hard as you’d imagine, actually. Most commissaries (and grocery stores) have begun labeling the origin of fresh fruits and vegetables.

If you’re headed to your local military commissary this month or in August, you may want to check it out on a weekend. Select commissaries are highlighting local food in an outdoor farmers market setting. You’ll be able to pick up any of your favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables.

If you’re lucky enough to live near Fort Meade, Md., Fort Bragg, N.C., Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. and March Air Resrve Base, Calif., you could see a whole new layout to your commissary soon. SpouseBuzz reported the new layout is part of a Healthier Base Initiative that puts healthy options in the limelight.

Do you shop locally at your commissary? How is the selection?

10 Signs You are Frugal to a Fault

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Are you guilty of being frugal to a fault?

10 Frugal Habits that Cost You Money

Is it really worth it to only have single ply tissue?

I love saving money. My proudest moment in savvy shopping was when I haggled with a Navy Exchange salesperson to reduce the price of a patio set by 55% and it wasn’t even on sale. However there have been times when I have to admit, I’ve been guilty of being frugal to a fault.

Here are 10 ways you think you’re saving money, but are actually spending more.  (Yes I am guilty too.)

  1. Clipping ALL Coupons: We all love coupons, but if you buy something you don’t need just because there’s a coupon, you are wasting money. The flyer when you walk into the commissary is full of coupons but do you really need everything offered or do you just feel the need to buy them because there is a coupon? Don’t buy the bottle of mouthwash just to save 50 cents.
  2. Buying Sale Items: You see that big red sale sign and are drawn to it. Though you know you don’t need it, you no doubt instantly come up with a reason you should buy it. Read sale signs carefully. Target has red clearance signs that make you think you’re getting a great deal, but quite often it’s only a few cents difference. Seriously, numerous times I have almost picked something up only to read the fine print that it’s only 5 cents off the regular price.
  3. Creating Upcycled Crafts: Turning something into a craft project sounds good and fun, but how much money did you just spend buying all the other things you’ll need to turn that toilet paper roll into something?
  4. Redeeming a Store Credit Card Discount: As you check out of most stores these days the clerk will likely ask if you want to save 15% by opening a store account. You might want to open their little pamphlet and check out the details first. The 29% APR is going to change your mind.

    10 Ways Being Frugal is Costing You Money

    Buying in bulk isn’t always the best way to save money.

  5. Purchasing Warranties: As Consumer Reports points out, it isn’t worth the money in most cases. You might be spending more money than your product is worth and many companies will work with you regardless because they want to keep customer service positive.
  6. Buying in Bulk: Do you really need 5 gallons of mayonnaise? Will it go bad before you can use it all? Before you buy something break down the price per ounce to see if it really is cheaper.
  7. Being a Cash Hound: Saving money for a rainy day is great, but keeping large amounts of cash on hand is actually causing you to lose money. You’re missing out on interest you would be earning through a checking account or other financial endeavor.
  8. Buying More for the Free Shipping: I’m guilty of this one. I just can’t stand the idea of paying more for shipping than I did for the product itself. If shipping will cost the same no matter how much I buy then I feel like I should get more for the money. Similarly, if spending $75 qualifies for free shipping but you’re only up to $60, do you buy more to meet that amount?
  9. Making Your Own (fill in the blank): Pinterest has many wonderful ideas. Is it really worth the money to spend the time to make some of these things (ie. beer, laundry detergent, butter)? Many DIY projects require buying supplies that you’ll only use for one project.
  10. Being Cheap. If you are so over the top frugal that you will only buy what’s at the cheapest price possible you might just be missing out. Is it really worth it to only have single ply tissue? Did you buy something so poorly made that it breaks and you have to buy another? Did you thaw out a chicken breast and not get around to cooking it until 5 days later and make yourself eat it even if it is bad just because you don’t want to waste the money you spent?

    10 Ways Being Frugal is Costing You Money

    Keeping cash on hand is actually causing you to lose money.

Sometimes being frugal just doesn’t add up.

What have you done to save money that ended up costing you more?

Wife Searching for the Spouse Sisterhood

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Dear MilitaryShoppers,Untitled-2

I’m new to the military. My husband joined late (he was 26 years old) and we have 2 kids, ages 5 and 2 years old. We just moved to our first duty station, San Diego. My husband is working all the time and I’m home with the kids. How do I meet people and make friends? I thought the military was one big fraternity of support. Please help.

Signed,

Lonely at Camp Pendleton

 

Dear Lonely at Camp Pendleton,

It can be difficult to meet people and really feel like you have a circle of friends when you first move somewhere. Sometimes it takes months. I tell myself that it can take up to six months to find a group of friends in a new location. You sometimes need time to get used to your new surroundings and to feel comfortable with your new home.

There are some things that you can do to make new friends at your new duty station. You should check and see if they have any activities for kids. At a lot of places they have different playgroups that you can join. These are great places to make some new friends. Go in with a smile, be friendly and you should be able to meet some new people. You can also take your kids to the park and see if you can meet some people there. Usually you will find other moms at the park that you probably have something in common with.

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Make sure to do a search on Facebook for groups out of Camp Pendleton. You can join these groups and find out when they meet up in real life. You might be able to find a group that has to do with one of your hobbies such as fitness or reading.

If you are religious, church is another great way to make some friends. There are also Bible studies you can attend on most military installations.

The key is finding an activity that you or your kids enjoy and finding others who enjoy it too. When you attend these groups, you know going in that you have at least a few things in common with them.

FacebookWeb

Good luck to you as you search out what is available in your community. Before you know it will you be making friends and will have the circle of support you are looking for.

Stop Committing Professional Networking Suicide

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Dating is WAY easier than networking. Once you get married, you are no longer on the hunt for your spouse. You can relax. You are done. When it comes to professional networking, you are never done. Keeping your network alive and vibrant takes persistence and constant involvement, like a healthy marriage. It’s a tango of two people that’s a win-win for both parties.

In today’s professional world, people are either good at networking or terrible at networking. Military spouses who can negotiate the social tightrope of professional networking find themselves jumping from job to job like a trapeze artist. Others try and find that their network is nonexistent. Or worst yet, nonresponsive.networking

Networking is essential for military spouses in the job hunt. Essential. A nonexistent or nonresponsive network will kill your career faster than you can say “We’re moving in 6 months.”

Are you committing professional networking suicide?

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