Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

65 Clothing and Apparel Stores that Offer Military Discounts

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Military orders send us across the country and around the world, but that’s no excuse for not looking our best.

Military exchanges offer great deals on name-brand clothing and apparel, but many clothing retailers are happy to offer military discounts to service members, veterans and their families. It never hurts to ask for a military discount, so don’t be shy, just be prepared to flash your valid military ID.

If you’re looking for a solid, no-fuss military discount, shop at these great retailers. Who knows, a fabulous pair of boots or your new favorite pair of jeans might be in your future.

In-Store Military Discount

Some in-store discounts may vary by location and you will be asked to present a valid military ID. When in doubt, just ask! Also, keep in mind that many chain stores are independently owned and discount amounts and dates may vary by location.

  • Abercrombie & Fitch: 10-15%, at manager’s discretion
  • Adidas Shoes: 10%
  • Aeropostale: 10-20%
  • Alfred Angelo: 30% off bridal gowns
  • American Eagle Outfitters: 10-15% off, at manager’s discretion
  • Anchor Blue: 10%
  • Ashley Stewart: 10%
  • Banana Republic: 15% off on full price items
  • Bass Pro Shops: 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month
  • Boscov’s: 15%
  • Cabela’s: 5%
  • Christopher & Banks: 10%
  • Claire’s: 20%
  • Dress Barn: Discount and participation varies by location
  • Eddie Bauer: 15% discount (some promotions excluded)
  • Express Clothing Store: 10% discount, can be combined with other coupons
  • Extreme Outfitters: Up to 20% off military gear
  • Forever 21: 10%
  • Gander Mountain: 5%
  • Gap: 10% discount on the first of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
  • Hanes Outlet Store: 10%
  • Hot Topic: 10-20%
  • Jockey: 10%
  • Jones New York Outlet Store: 10%
  • Kohl’s: 15% military discount at select stores nationwide
  • L.L.Bean: 10% discount at select stores nationwide
  • Loehmann’s: 10%
  • Maurices: 10%
  • New York & Company: 15%
  • Old Navy: 10% military discount (may vary by location; in-store only)
  • Pac Sun: Discount varies by location
  • Payless: 10%
  • Rackroom Shoes: 10% (varies by location)
  • Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Stores: 15%
  • Rockport: 15%
  • Steve Madden: 10%
  • Stride Rite: 10%
  • Timberland: 20%
  • Tommy Hilfiger: 10%
  • Under Armour Outlet Store: 10%
  • Wet Seal: 10%

Clothing Stores that Offer Military Discounts Online

Some retailers offer the best of both worlds – in-store and online discounts! When shopping online, you will need to verify your military affiliation through ID.me or Troop ID. It only takes a few minutes and the discount is well worth the effort.

  • Allen Edmonds: 25%
  • Bonobos: 15% discount for up to 5 orders per year
  • Converse: 10%
  • Alter’d State: 15% discount on regularly priced merchandise
  • Carhartt: 10%
  • Frank & Oak: 20%
  • Lady Foot Locker: 20% discount with Veterans Advantage card
  • Nike: 10%
  • Orvis: 10% discount with the Veterans Advantage Card
  • Overstock: Free Club O membership for military personnel
  • Pirate’s Yacht Club: 15% off using code Military15
  • The Limited: 10%
  • Torrid: 10% discount in Torrid stores or by calling to place an order with a Torrid Personal Shopper
  • Wilson’s Leather: 10% off in-store with military ID or call 1-866-305-4704
  • CafePress MILPRIDE20* Save 20% off orders from CafePress.com; MILPRIDE25* Save 25% off orders from CafePress.com (September 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017)

Military Discount Available When Shopping Online Only

Forget the hassle of hunting for parking and dealing with the crowds. Put your feet up and let your fingers do the shopping with these online-only discounts.  Just make sure you take the time to verify your military affiliation before checkout. A few clicks and you’re done. The hardest part is waiting for the delivery guy.

Which of your favorite clothing stores offer military discounts? Tell us in the comments section.

How to Score a Military Discount on Your Hotel Room

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Military discounts are wonderful when traveling during the holiday season. Whether you’re taking a road trip with friends, flying in to see family or heading to a resort for a weekend getaway, don’t forget to ask for a military discount when booking your hotel room.

Here are 10 hotels and resorts that offer military discounts.

Best Western offers 10% off their best price for active and retired military and their families. You can book your hotel over the phone, through their website or in person. You need to show your military ID at check-in.

Choice Hotels guarantees discounts on both one- and two-person rates at more than 2,700 of their hotels. Active duty and retired military personnel can use the discount as well as their dependents.

Hilton Hotels and Resorts offers a military discount at more than 540 hotels and resorts in 78 countries. These are available to active duty service members as well as retirees and their families. You can access military rates here.

Hampton by Hilton offers a military discount to active duty, reserve, retirees and family members. You can find a participating hotel here. You will need your military ID at check-in.

La Quinta gives 12% off to military families and also offers a free hot breakfast. Dogs stay for free as well.  La Quinta has a special military program called La Quinta Returns Military Rewards™  that give military families extra benefits including 2 free nights a year.

La Quinta is also part of Hotels for Heroes, where individuals can donate their rewards points and the company will match it. These points are given to Fisher House Foundation which in turn is able to provide free accommodations for families of injured service members who are receiving treatment at medical centers where there isn’t a Fisher House nearby.

Hotels for Heroes also partners with these hotels: AmericInn, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Hilton, Marriott and Wyndham.

InterContinental Hotels Group includes InterContinental Hotels and Resorts as well as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and Candlewood Suites to name a few.

There are 39 IHG Army Hotels on Army posts across America as well. They all offer military discounts to active and retired military as well as family members. You simply need to show your ID at check in.

Marriott has more than 4,000 locations around the world. Military families are eligible for a special discount; all you have to do is show your ID when you check in.

Wyndham offers up to 20% off the best available rate to all service members, veterans and their families. If making a reservation online, you need to click the verify with troop ID button to confirm that you are affiliated with the military. Then you will be redirected to the Wyndham site that has the military discount code. From there you can make your reservations.

Starwood Hotels offers a military discount to anyone with a valid military ID. You can make reservations over the phone or online.

Receiving a military discount on your hotel room may be as simple as asking for one. By choosing one of the hotels noted above, you know you are going to get a good military discount.

If you find a different hotel that doesn’t specifically list a military discount, call the hotel and ask for a military discount. They might not offer one, but it doesn’t hurt to ask and asking might just save you a few dollars.

Did we miss any hotels that offer a military discount? Please let us know about their discount and who can use it in the comments section.

Military Discounts for When Your Service Member Is Deployed

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Have you looked into military discounts and freebies for deployment items? I love free and discounted things. As yet another deployment looms shortly ahead for my service member, I, at least, have some of these military discounts to look forward to.

Here is a list of 11 military discounts and freebies you should consider while your spouse is deployed.

Create a Free Welcome Home Sign with Build a Sign

Build a Sign offers the option of 1 free welcome home vinyl banner, jumbo card or yard sign to present to your loved one at the end of their deployment. You only have to pay for shipping.

They suggest ordering 8 weeks before you need it, but you can choose a quicker shipping option. Expedited shipping costs more.

Free Lawn Care and Snow Removal for Military Spouses

Project EverGreen offers free lawn and landscape services and snow and ice removal for military spouses while their service member is on deployment.

I signed up for this service when my husband deployed after moving to an area where it snows. Being from the South, I’ve never shoveled snow. I was relieved to find local people and lawn care companies registered with the EverGreen Project to help me while my service member was on deployment.

Smile for a Free Family Portrait with HeartsApart

HeartsApart.org brings photographers from around the country together to provide service members with photography sessions, free of charge, with their families prior to deployment. The service member receives a portrait that is printed on a waterproof bi-folded card that can fit in his or her uniform pocket. Their family receives a DVD with the photos from the entire session with reproduction rights.

The program has recently increased to provide photos of newborn babies that are born when their father is on deployment.

Operation Love Reunited Captures Your Homecoming Kiss

Operation Love Reunited offers free photo sessions for military families worldwide when the service member will be on deployment for 4 months or more. Options include pre-deployment and mid-deployment sessions, homecoming photos and fallen loved ones sessions.

Two photo sessions are allowed per deployment. Pre-deployment photo sessions require the service member to be photographed in uniform. Fifteen prints will be shipped directly overseas.

Homecoming photos are taken at the time the military spouse and service member are reunited to capture the raw emotion of being reunited. Fifteen photos will be provided digitally.

Daddy Dolls Offers Comfort to Military Children During Deployments

Daddy Dolls started as comfort pillows for children with fathers on deployment. The front of the pillow is a picture of the service member. What makes Daddy Dolls unique is that the pillow is shaped like a person and the photo is full size to the pillow.

Many of my friends had them for their children and recommended Daddy Dolls to me. I bought one for our son during the last deployment and he has carried it all over town with him.

While there isn’t a specific military discount for these now, you can find discount codes online. They have also expanded their product selection and now offer items with similar sentiment.

Record a Bedtime Story with A Story Before Bed

A Story Before Bed is a wonderful website that allows deployed, or soon to be deployed, service members record a children’s book online with audio and video for free. A wonderful element to this is children can listen to the recording repeatedly on iPad, iPhone, Mac or PC.

Our Military Kids Pays Activity Costs for National Guard Children

This is a nonprofit organization that helps children between kindergarten and 12th grade that have at least one parent in the National Guard and Reserves on deployment. They offer grants to cover the cost of activities that could help children facing stress while their parent is away. The grants cover the cost of athletic fees, fine arts and tutoring programs. It is not available to children of active-duty parents.

Ask for a Military Discount on Your Auto Insurance

Active-duty service members can receive military discounts on auto insurance during deployment. USAA offers up to 60 percent off auto insurance if you choose to store your vehicle during deployment.

GEICO offers up to 15 percent military discount. Check with your insurance carrier to see if it offers a military discount during your service member’s deployment.

Interest Rates May Be Lowered to 6 Percent

Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, you can request all interest rates and fees that you have paid on credit cards, mortgages, student loans and other loans be lowered to 6 percent per year.

Freeze Your Service Member’s Cell Phone Account

Many cell phone companies will lover your bill or even freeze your account for the period that a service member is deployed and not using the phone. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, those with at least 90-day orders to an area that does not have cell phone service can cancel their contract without penalty.

Ask Your Bank to Waive Fees

Many banks will lower or even completely waive fees while on deployment. USAA does not charge fees on credit card balance transfers or on convenience checks. Check with your bank to see if they will lower the APR on transactions.

Did we miss any military discounts on deployment items? Please tell us in the comments section.

Our Giant List of Veterans Day Deals

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Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor the men and women who have served in our military at any time. It has also become a day full of discounts and freebies for veterans.

More so, Veterans Day has turned in to an entire month dedicated to military appreciation. Many businesses don’t simply offer specials on Veterans Day, but also offer them throughout the month of November.

Our Giant List of Veterans Day Deals

Do you take advantage of these free deals offered on Veterans Day?

Here is our giant list of Veterans Day deals for 2016.

IHOP is giving out free Red, White and Blue pancakes. Some franchises will make it a combo plate including eggs, bacon and hash browns.

Bob Evans gives veterans and active military personnel the choice of a free breakfast item from a select menu, including a stack of hotcakes, the sunrise breakfast and mini sampler breakfast to name a few.

Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut and coffee and does not require an ID.

Lamar’s Donuts is also offering a free donut and a 12oz coffee for all veterans.

Cracker Barrel is offering veterans a free Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake dessert.

Denny’s has a fantastic deal of all-you-can-eat pancakes for all active, inactive and retired military, or they can choose any build your own grand slam breakfast.

Applebee’s has a very popular freebie. Both veterans and active duty military get a free meal from a limited menu for Veterans Day. Military ID is required.

Hooters is providing a free meal to veterans and service members on November 11.

Arby’s offers 1 free roast beef sandwich on Veterans Day but only in certain areas including:
Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming.

Bonefish Grill offers free Bang Bang Shrimp to all active and retired service members with a valid military ID.

Black Angus Steakhouse celebrates Veterans Day by giving all veterans and active duty a free steakhouse cheeseburger & fries.

Country Cookin is getting veterans in a day early by offering a free meal on the day before Veterans Day.

Buffalo Wild Wings celebrates Veterans Day by giving veterans and active duty military personnel one free order of small traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries.

California Pizza Kitchen will give all veterans and active duty military one free item from a special Veterans Day menu. This includes pizza, salads and pasta.

Golden Corral is calling their free meal a “thank you” dinner for veterans, retirees, and active duty members.

Carrabba’s is giving one free appetizer to veterans and active duty on November 11.

Cheeseburger in Paradise requires veterans and active duty to purchase a beverage in order to receive a complimentary Veteran’s Burger with fries and they must dine in.

IKEA is a great place to stop at for a free entrée.

Chili’s is providing a free meal to veterans and active duty military from a special Veterans Day menu.

The Honey Baked Ham Company is giving uniformed service members or those with a valid military ID a free sandwich, chips, cookie and drink.

Coffee Beanery is giving veterans and active duty a free tall cup of coffee with proper ID.

Country Buffet is giving active duty, reservists and retired military one free lunch when they dine in.

The Green Turtle is also offering a free meal on Veterans Day.

Friendly’s is offering a free breakfast, lunch or dinner from select menus on Veterans Day.

Krystal is giving veterans a free chicken or sausage biscuit.

Little Caesars is giving veterans a free crazy $5 hot-n ready lunch combo from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Logan’s Roadhouse offers a 10% discount all year to anyone with a military ID. On Veterans Day, they will also offer a free dessert to veterans.

The list of restaurants giving freebies on Veterans Day is much longer than this so check online with your favorite place for their deal if it isn’t listed here.

Free meals are not the extent of Veterans Day freebies. They also extend to hotels, retail stores, and services such as car washes, haircuts and more. Some examples of these are below.

Car washes are offered for free though multiple car wash businesses through the non-profit organization, Grace for Vets.

Salons and barbers around the country will offer free haircuts to veterans on November 11.

Free oil changes are available though most oil change car care locations for veterans such as Jiffy Lube.

AARP is giving a 20% discount on membership for veterans and their families.

Amazon will give 20% off certain patriotic apparel on Veterans Day.

Do you take advantage of these free deals offered on Veterans Day? Why or why not?

4 Tips for Finding Military Discounts

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Military discounts save military spouses and service members money. Who doesn’t want to save money? Everyone. We are all looking for a deal or a discount as a way to spend a little less when dining or shopping off base.

But let’s say that you recently moved to a new location. When you find yourself living in a new city, you are often unaware of which businesses offer military discounts.

What is a savvy money-saving military spouse to do?

Here are 4 tips for finding military discounts at your new location, wherever that may be.

4 Tips for Finding Military Discounts

Are you wondering which local restaurants offer a military discount?

Download military discounts apps on your smartphone.

Downloading a military discount app on your smartphone is the easiest way to find the local restaurants and stores that offer military discounts. There are several different apps available for military families.

I use the SCOUT military discount app. This app, which is free on both Google Play and iOS, is a comprehensive app for identifying military discounts near me. When using the app, I can easily see which businesses offer a discount through the map view.

For example, if I’m shopping at the outlet mall, I can see the red flags on the map and know which retail stores offer a military discount. (Thank you Express!) I can also see how much the discount is.

I like that I can easily add a military discount to the SCOUT military discount app. It takes less than 5 minutes and I feel like I’m helping out other military spouses when I add in my military discount tip. They really need to know about the local coffee shop that offers free coffee for military service members in uniform on Tuesdays. Don’t you agree?

Ask about military discounts in your local spouses Facebook group.

When you’re new to a city, you have a lot of questions. You are looking for the best Chinese take-out place and most affordable hairdresser who will get your color just right.

Where do you turn to for these answers? It’s your local spouses Facebook group.

Every military installation has an “unofficial” spouses Facebook group where you can post your questions and other military spouses will answer it. When you’re asking for recommendations for a vet for your pet or best romantic restaurant to celebrate your anniversary, don’t forget to ask if those businesses offer military discounts.

Follow websites that showcase military discounts.

Information about military discounts is always within your fingertips. Websites, like MilitaryShoppers, are dedicated to sharing military discounts with you. The information is out there, so take advantage of it. Sign up for the MilitaryShoppers newsletter or like us on Facebook so that you know everything there is to know about military discounts. Click here to sign up for the MilitaryShoppers newsletter today!

Ask for a military discount at your favorite restaurants and stores.

For years I simply forgot to ask for a military discount. Don’t be like me.

Whenever you are paying, make it a habit to sweetly ask “do you offer a military discount?” and have your military ID card ready to show the cashier. It never hurts to ask.

What are your tips for finding military discounts in your new city? Share them in the comments section.

Military Discounts for 17 Tech Products, Services

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

Military Discounts for 15 Tech Products, Services

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

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

Military Discounts for 17 Tech Products, Services

Military Discounts on Computers

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

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

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

Military Discounts on Cell Phone Services

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

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

Almost every major wireless provider offers a military discount.

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

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

Military Discounts on Gadgets and Gizmos

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

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

Military Discounts on Home Security Services

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

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

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

MLB Offers Discounted Tickets for Military

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Swing, batter batter, swing!

You and your family could soon be cheering on your favorite team at the ballpark. Many major league teams are offering discounted baseball tickets for the 2016 MLB season.

MLB Offers Discounted Tickets, Appreciation Days for Military

Check out this list of discounted tickets for a baseball team close to your duty station.

If you live near Fort Bragg, you might be able to see 2 powerhouse teams play exclusively for the military community! The Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins will face off July 3 at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast on national TV, live from the military base. Tickets are restricted to military ID cardholders. This will be the first time that an active military base will host a regular season game for Major League Baseball.

If you aren’t in the Fort Bragg area or don’t snag one of the estimated 12,500 seats, you can still catch a foul ball on the cheap this season.

Check out this list of discounted tickets below for your hometown favorites or a baseball team close to your current duty station.

American League

Baltimore Orioles: Your family could visit Camden Yards for $3 off the regular ticket price. However, you might be able to find bigger discounts by visiting your local ITT/MWR offices in the greater Baltimore/D.C. area. Plus, flash your active duty ID at home games for a free O’s hat!

Boston Red Sox: Discounted tickets are available to military service members in select seats and games. Tickets are available for purchase online, as well as at the ball park on game day. Fenway franks are still full price.

Chicago White Sox: Active members of the military can receive 1 free ticket, based on availability, at the U.S. Cellular Field Box Office on the day of the game by presenting their I.D. This offer excludes Opening Day, Cubs series, Red Sox series, Yankees series and Elvis Night.

Cleveland Indians: If you are on active duty, retired or part of the National Guard/Reserve you can watch the Tribe for free! Bringing family along for the game? Up to 4 family members can purchase tickets at the group rate.

Detroit Tigers: Service members and veterans are eligible to purchase half-price tickets to Monday-Thursday regular season home games excluding August 18. Tickets must be purchased at the Comerica Park Box Office and a valid military ID or Veteran ID must be presented at time of purchase. Service members and veterans may purchase a maximum of 4 tickets per customer, per game.

Houston Astros: Everything is bigger in Texas! This might hold true for the discount the Astros give to active duty military and veterans. Discounted tickets are available for most Monday through Thursday baseball games (excludes the July 25-27 Yankees series). ID cardholders can purchase up to 8 tickets at the discounted rate.

Kansas City Royals: With half-price seats in select sections (excluding Marquee games), the Royals sure know how to treat active and retired military personnel. Service members or veterans may purchase up to 4 tickets at this price per game.

Minnesota Twins: Military personnel and veterans, plus up to 4 guests, can receive half-price tickets to select games throughout the regular season. These tickets are located in Home Plate View seating areas, guaranteeing you a great show.

New York Yankees: The Yankees are offering military members 1 free ticket to the grandstand or bleachers. You also can purchase one half-price ticket to other seating areas in their brand new stadium. This complimentary ticket is only available at Yankee Stadium on the day of the game.

Seattle Mariners: Tickets to home games are 10 percent off for military members. You can purchase up to 4 tickets at this price and belt out “Louie, Louie” during the seventh inning stretch.

Tampa Bay Rays: For all active-duty military, retired and honorably discharged veterans, the Rays will offer 2 free tickets for all Monday home games and 8 additional bonus dates throughout the season. This discount is also available to military spouses with a valid dependent ID.

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks: Spend Sunday with the Snake Pit when tickets are 50 percent off! All active, veteran, retired and reserve military personnel can purchase up to 4 tickets at this price for Sunday home games.

Atlanta Braves: Enjoy 50 percent off Upper Box or Outfield tickets for regular season home games at Turner Field. This offer is available to active duty, retired, reserve and veterans.

Chicago Cubs: This Windy City Team will have specially priced tickets for the Terrace Reserved Outfield seating fro service members during its Military Appreciation Night on August 31. Each ticket includes a Cubs military cap.

Cincinnati Reds: Active duty service members will receive 1 complimentary View Level Ticket for Monday-Thursday home games. This ticket is available on the day of the game only.  This ticket is available at the ticket window labeled “Advance Ticket Windows” located at Crosley Terrace at Great American Ball Park.

Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers offer special pricing for military personnel at 1, 2, 3 and 4-star games during the regular season. The discounted tickets are $5 off for Loge MVP, Reserve MVP and Right Field Pavilion seats. Up to 4 tickets to “Blue Heaven on Earth” can be purchased per ID on game day only.

Miami Marlins: All military personnel, veterans and their families receive up to 4 complimentary tickets to Monday night home games.

Philadelphia Phillies: Military Phanatics can receive a $10 discount on Sunday home games in select seating sections. Discounts are also available on August 16, August 31 and September 12. Eligible tickets are priced at or below $41/$47 in select seating areas.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Active duty, reserve, military spouses and DoD employees can receive a $10 discount per ticket for Outfield Box seats for all Sunday-Friday games. The discount is $6 per ticket for Grandstand section seats.

San Diego Padres: The Padres are the hometown team for many SoCal Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps families. This season, Sundays are 50 percent off for all retired, active, Reserve/Guard and veteran personnel, and their families.

St. Louis Cardinals: Military personnel with their friends and family could experience an all-inclusive game in the heart of RedBird Nation. The package, starting at $60, includes a buffet and complimentary beer and soda. This offer is only available on five select games this season.

Washington Nationals: Watching the Presidents race is an awesomely funny summer tradition. To get your discounts, place your order through the official Nats website. Military personnel and families can also visit ITT/MWR offices at one of the area bases or at the Pentagon.

Not near an MLB team? Check out minor league teams near you for military discounted tickets and promotions!

13 Corporations that Give Back to Our Military

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Charity is a wonderful thing. For those that give back, it offers a sense of involvement. For those that receive, it offers a sense of comfort.

You can ultimately choose who and what you donate to as well. If you find yourself with a few extra bucks or time to spend, it’s common for a lot of people to give back to a cause that is near and dear to them.

I am a strong advocate for helping the military community. I volunteer with local organizations that help families in and around my current duty station. I also do what I can for those that need it outside my area.

As a result, I usually patronize companies and brands that give back to our military and veteran community. There are so many different ones out there that it’s difficult to pinpoint them all!

Here are 13 brands and corporations that stand out to me:

Corporations and Brands that Give Back to Our Military and Veteran Community

Here are a few brands and corporations that give back to service members, military spouses and veterans.

Food, Beverage and Household Goods

  • Frito Lay
  • Purina
  • Kimberly Clark
  • Nestle Waters

In celebration of the grand opening of a new commissary in Jacksonville, Fla., these companies have joined forces to give back to the military community by planning to give away more than 300 prizes. If you’re in the Jacksonville area, be sure to stop by the grand opening scheduled for the last week in July!

When you purchase the military match set from Community Coffee Company they give back that same product to service members that are serving overseas. It’s called their Military Match Program and so far, they have donated 4.2 million cups of coffee.

Did you know that Coca-Cola was a founding partner with the USO? This year, the USO celebrates 75 years of unwavering commitment to the military community. I am continually amazed at the ongoing efforts and support via the USO and it’s great to know that a company as big as Coca-Cola gives back to the military community.

Retail

I discovered Macy’s corporate giving campaign for military veterans while shopping at a local store a couple years back. It was a great surprise to know of their partnership with Got Your 6, an organization that is aimed to empower veterans. Mark your calendars because from May 13-15 when you donate $3 while shopping in-store, you’ll receive 25% off your total purchase.

The company gives back to an amazing organization that helps expecting military mothers called Operation Shower. Since 2012, Babies “R” Us has donated must-have items for expecting mothers from all branches stationed around the country.

Brands

10% of all Sword & Plough sales go back to military service organizations. Sword & Plough is a veteran-owned company that has the mission to bring awareness to veteran employment and bridge the military-civilian divide.

According to their website, this apparel company “exists to support” the Oscar Mike Foundation. Every purchase gives back to the veteran community, particularly those that have been injured during military service.

Starbucks gives back to the military and veteran communities in more ways than one, but their commitment to employ veterans and military spouses is beyond amazing. I’m happy to say it’s becoming a trend in the corporate world and you could check out more companies in the line with Starbucks’ commitment to hiring veterans and military spouses by checking out the Hiring Our Heroes website.

They have donated $11 million to military charities since 1987, including the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Fisher House, USO and many more! When I was reading their long history of military support, it’s actually fascinating what support was like in the 1940s. I encourage you to read more about it here.

Institutions

CSU has a “Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship” that gives back to the military spouses and children of active duty service members.

There are so many other companies out there that give back to military-affiliated organizations. Next time you’re shopping, take a closer eye on the store walls or packaging.

Are you more likely to buy a product from a business that gives back to a military or veteran organization? Why or why not?

4 Ways to Save on Your Cell Phone Bill

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As a military family, you are probably looking for different ways to save money each month. One way to do so is with your cell phone plan.

4 Ways Military Families Can Spend Less on Their Cell Phone Bill

Are you shocked by your monthly cell phone bill? Are you looking for ways to reduce it?

We all need cell phones especially since the service member can be away from their family so often. Cell phones are how we communicate and we need them to work well but do we need them to cost so much?

The good news is that there are ways to lower your bill and all military families should look into the different ways to do that.

Here are 4 ways that you can save on your cell phone bill and add a little bit more money back into your budget:

1. Ask for a military discount. With any cell phone company, you will want to ask for a military discount. All of the major carriers; AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile give a 15 percent discount.

If you are with a smaller company, make sure to ask and find out what they offer the military because they might offer a discount too. You will have to show proof that you are a military spouse or service member and usually that is done by submitting your military ID card or even your LES statement. Find out what the company needs you to do so you can be sure to save that money off of your cell phone bill.

2. Compare plans. One of the best things you can do to lower your cell phone bill is by comparing plans. You should do this with the different cell phone companies but also within the same carrier. You might be surprised at how different the prices can be.

Make sure you are only paying for what you need and use and not a lot of extras.

The easiest way to lower your cell phone bill is by making sure you have not added too many of the extras the cell phone companies want you to buy. Think about if you really benefit from paying the insurance every month.

3. Go the pay-as-you-go route. One option to lower your cell phone bill is to switch to the pay-as-you-go method. This means you would buy a phone and then would add minutes and data to the phone as needed.

You could add the amount that you needed on a month-to-month basis instead of being locked into a contract. You could quit using the phone when you wanted to just by not buying the data or minutes for that month.

An example of this would be the Go Phone by AT&T. In the end, you would save a lot of money using these types of phones as you would not be locked into a regular contract.

4. Use less data. One way to lower your cell phone bill is to use less data. Think about how much data you really need. If you and your spouse are only using about 4GB then make sure you are not paying for 10GB each month.

You might be able to lower your cell phone bill by switching to a plan that makes more sense for your cell phone usage.

Use WiFi as often as you can to see if you can lower the amount of data you really need. Although having extra data can be a good thing if your spouse is traveling a lot, think about how often you really need to use that data and see if you can lower your cell phone bill by lowering the amount that you use each month.

How do you save money on your cell phone bill? Share your tips in the comments section!

4 Military Discounts You Need to Know About When Buying a New Car

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When my husband left for an unaccompanied overseas tour, he left his old car with my family. At the time, he thought he had a couple more years left until he needed to buy a new one. Our ideal plan was to milk whatever years his two-door convertible had left because we wanted to buy a new vehicle for ourselves later.

However, things happened a little bit differently.

During his year away, his car started going downhill (that’s saying it nicely). There were lots of little mechanical issues that added up to a lot of money (i.e. the convertible top wouldn’t seal all the way, the window wouldn’t open and close, among other things). Plus, the engine was acting funky. I took it in to get assessed and found out that it would cost more to fix the car than what it was worth.

That’s when we decided that if we can wiggle it, we should both get new cars. The next step was working out a budget and car choices that fit our needs.

In our research, we found that there are a lot of military discounts and savings out there!

Ultimately, we utilized 2 different programs to purchase our brand-new cars that helped us save thousands. Are you shopping for a new car? Here are the military discounts and savings you need to know about.

4 Military Discounts You Need to Know About When Buying a New Car

Before you buy a new car, take time to research which car dealerships and manufacturers offer military discounts.

Buying Overseas

Military AutoSource. My dad was the one that brought this military discount program to my attention. It turns out that my own family utilized an overseas car buying program in the ‘90s to buy our tried-and-true Ford Aerostar. Purchasing your car overseas has lots of great benefits if you’re interested in a Ford or Chrysler vehicle.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is typically lower and the dealerships are accommodating to match other stateside deals. These military discounts are only offered to military members overseas, so it’s something to consider when the time lines up for you. We were lucky to have the time work for us to use the military discount!

Buying Stateside

You don’t have to be overseas to bank on an amazing military discount. There are a lot of different stateside opportunities that you should explore! I’ve split up the 3 main groups that offer unique ways to save.

Car Dealerships. I was actually led to a dealership that offered deductions off my dream car’s MSRP via USAA’s car buying program. Not all dealerships participate, so start your search on USAA’s member platform to figure out which ones are included. Once I found a dealership that was within my needs, I went ahead and worked with them to buy my car.

If you don’t have USAA, dealerships may separately offer deductions for service members. It doesn’t hurt to call around and ask about military discounts. Whether you are looking for a new or used car, dealerships can work with you to get the most out of your budget.

Car Manufacturers. If you’re buying a new car, most car manufacturers offer a military appreciation bonus or military discount. The best way to research a military discount for your dream car is to go directly to their website.

Since a lot of dealerships are single car manufacturer focused, check to see if you could apply a military discount or military appreciation bonus with any other dealership discounts they offer too. Think of it this way, they want to sell you a car and use it to their advantage!

Bank Financing. Lastly, I was able to score a rebate with financing with my car manufacturer. It wasn’t actually a military discount, but it did add onto our military deals. It wasn’t my intent to finance with them, but when I sat down with the advisor, we broke down the numbers and if I planned it right I would be able to save thousands more. They offered a zero percent introductory APR and I would be able to refinance after a year.

That’s ultimately what I did, so I could use the additional discount. I was able to go with my ideal car loan with a lower APR. It would also allow me to pay off my car in a shorter amount of time.  Of course, you could utilize military friendly banks to finance from the beginning if there aren’t any particular deals to utilize at the time of purchase.

Did you get a military discount when buying your car?