Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

6 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Rehoming Your Pet

By

Even with the best of intentions and a lot of effort, it can happen. Sometimes you really do need to rehome your beloved pets.

6 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Rehoming Your Pet

There are so many life changes and situations that we cannot anticipate. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, it is better for everyone to find a different home for Fido or Fluffy.

After you have made this tough decision, it’s time to explain it all to your children. This can be even harder, especially since they adore your pet even more than you do.

Use these 6 tips for talking to your kids about rehoming your pet.

1. Be Honest

Be upfront about why you need to rehome your dog, cat or other creature. Children can tell when you are hiding something or not telling the truth. It’s better to be honest now, and answer all of their questions, rather than play catch-up later to cover your tracks.

So tell them:

  • if a family member has or has developed an allergy
  • if the cost of pet care was just too much
  • if the cost of moving with the pet is too high
  • if your housing situation doesn’t allow a pet
  • if your house isn’t the best place for your pet (no yard or too small)
  • if life changes (like a new baby, illness or injury) have changed the pet situation
  • if you just don’t have time to devote to your pet
  • if the pet is aggressive with the kids or baby
  • if the pet is too old or ill to move with your family
  • if you are moving overseas and your pet can’t make the trip for any reason

There are so many life changes and situations that we cannot anticipate. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, it is better for everyone to find a different home for Fido or Fluffy.

2. Don’t Blame Your Kids

Kids are kids. They are still learning how to care for themselves. It’s frankly a miracle if they remember to both flush the toilet and wash their hands. Kids, no matter what age, should not be held responsible for all of the pet care.

When you tell them that your pup or kitty is going to a new home, don’t blame the kids.

Instead, explain that as a family, things have changed or happened. As a family, you are no longer able to care for the pet the way it deserves.

3. Do Your Research

Before you even tell the kids, you need to do some research. Yes, there are animal shelters in every community in the United States and abroad. However, many of these shelters are considered “high kill.” In other words, animals surrendered to these places have a ticking clock: either be adopted by a certain date or be euthanized.

If possible, try to find another option like a compassionate animal shelter or another family to adopt your pet. There are many groups online that can help direct you toward loving foster homes, pet adoption agencies or rehoming services.

4. Keep the Kids Involved

If you opt to find another family yourself, keep the kids involved in the search process. Remember, this is a beloved member of your family. You don’t want to give your dog or cat to just anyone!

Let them help make the ads or posters to show off your beautiful pet. Have your kids help you to weed through the people who want your pet. If it’s safe, bring them with you for meet-ups with the potential new owners.

Ask your pet’s new family if they might keep you updated with pictures and stories. Your child will want to know that their pet is still loved!

5. Don’t Make Any Promises

It is so tempting to make promises when you are talking to your kids about rehoming your pet. This is especially true if your current military life circumstances are forcing your hand.

You might be tempted to say:

  • “We’ll get a new pet at our next duty station.”
  • “When the baby is bigger, we can get another pet.”
  • “When we get a house with a yard, we can get a new dog.”
  • “If we get a bigger house, we can get another pet.”
  • “Let’s get a cat/reptile/fish tank instead.”

Before you even sit down with your kids, be really honest with yourself. Why do you need to rehome your pet right now? Really consider these reasons and then don’t promise anything.

6. Let Them Be Sad

Remember, this isn’t just any pet. This is THEIR pet, their best friend and snuggle buddy. He or she will be leaving the family forever and it is sad.

Your kids might have ideas about how to keep your pet. Listen to them. They might have a creative solution that you didn’t consider.

Take time to grieve together as a family. Do some things together to help remember your beloved pet. Take pictures together, go for favorite walks or give special treats.

Talk about your pet after it is in the new home. If the new owners have agreed, let your kids write cards or letters to your pet or the adoptive family.

What tips would you offer to military families who need to rehome their pets? Tell us in the comments.

 

Should Military Spouses Have a Spending Allowance?

By

Not long ago, women were expected to marry, have children, and live a life dedicated to home and husband.

It was what society told women they could and should do. Money, like education, was deemed too complicated for women, despite the fact that managing a home required the ability to budget and plan.

In fact, it wasn’t until the beginning of the 20th century that women were legally seen as independent financial beings, capable of holding property and wealth separate from her father or her husband. It took another 70 years before women could open a credit card account without a husband co-signer.

But for all of this progress and financial independence, some modern-day women find themselves at the whim of their husbands, financially speaking.

When first presented with the idea that some stay-at-home military wives are granted an “allowance” for taking care of the household necessities, I was more than a little dumbfounded.

Should Military Spouses Have an Spending Allowance?

After nearly 20 years of marriage, I will admit that money issues are at the top of the list of things we argue about.

Is this practice a way for controlling husbands to keep their wives on a short spending leash?

Does it imply that these military spouses are incapable of handling money? Or that they are untrustworthy?

Can a healthy military marriage survive this kind of arrangement?

Is a Spending Allowance a Trust Issue?

In Kristine Schellhaas’s book, “15 Years of War,” she recounts her life as a Marine Corps spouse, including her time spent as the leader of the unit spouse organization. During that time, she often counseled young Marines headed out on deployment to ensure their spouses had access to their bank accounts.

Turns out, many of these same Marines said “I do” in a hurry because of the deployment and the idea of giving financial access to someone they hardly knew (wife or not) was a bit daunting.

I certainly can’t begrudge them for their concerns, but like Schellhaas pointed out to these Marines, a great many more problems could arise should a spouse be left without access.

A set allowance hardly provides wiggle room for emergencies or unexpected expenses and in times when a service member isn’t available on a routine basis, it’s not hard to imagine the difficulties a military spouse might face.

But these newly married military spouses aren’t the only ones earning an “allowance.”

The Monetary Worth of a Stay-At-Home Spouse

While a get-hitched-get-deployed kind of marriage might suffer from a few trust issues, it’s hardly the kind of thing one would expect from a couple who married under less time-constrained circumstances. However, a quick search of military spouse forums reveals that many military families operate in this fashion.

Since a stay-at-home spouse doesn’t have an employer, the monetary value of the work they do is often hard to estimate. According to Salary.com if stay-at-home mothers were paid for their work at a similar rate as someone employed full-time, they would earn well into 6 figures.

But it seems in some cases, stay-at-home spouses feel guilty asking for money as they don’t directly contribute financially to a family’s income. They are left feeling less valuable than their paycheck-earning spouse and an allowance, while possibly intended as a way of providing some financial freedom, often ends up feeling like payment for services rendered.

Hardly a healthy outlook for a marriage between 2 competent and loving adults.

A Rose by Any Other Name

Discussion of this issue often calls out the controversy that stems from the use of the word “allowance?” It tends to imply one spouse wielding financial power over another.

But, if it were termed “monthly budget” would so many cringe at the thought? If both spouses were limited to an “allowance” would we find less to critique?

After nearly 20 years of marriage, I will admit that money issues are at the top of the list of things we argue about. I have and often still suffer from feelings of guilt in knowing I am capable of earning as much as my spouse, but my income, due to choices we have made as a family, is dwarfed by my active-duty spouse. And there have been plenty of times when we have limited ourselves to an allowance to ensure we stayed on budget.

What I can’t condone, however are those instances where an allowance is used as a power grab. For me, a healthy marriage means both spouses are equally responsible for the well-being of their family, be it earning a paycheck or managing a household. And as long as couples openly discuss spending expectations, whether you call it an allowance or not is really of little consequence. Communicating openly and honestly about your money to each other benefits your marriage.

Now it’s your turn. What do you think of allowances for military spouses?

What to Do if Your Dentist Isn’t Accepting United Concordia

By

On May 1, 2017, Tricare dental coverage for active duty, Guard and Reserve families will transition from MetLife to United Concordia.

What to Do if Your Dentist Isn't Accepting United Concordia

Do you know if your dentist will be an in-network dentist under United Concordia? Check with Tricare today to find out.

Along with this change comes many great new benefits, but unfortunately not all dentists will be accepting United Concordia. This means you have some choices to make when it comes to your family’s dental care provider. Below are the things you need to know to make an informed decision.

Should You Drop Your Dentist if They Drop Tricare When United Concordia Takes Over?

First of all, this change only affects active duty, Guard and Reserve families. Delta Dental will continue to administer dental coverage for retirees and their families and that program is not changing at this time. For those that are part of the change, an increase in benefits and lower premiums come with the transition to United Concordia. In fact, no benefits are being reduced.

One important addition to United Concordia taking this contract is that the annual maximum benefit, which was previously $1,300 will now increase to $1,500. Under MetLife, sealants required a 20% co-pay. With United Concordia, sealants will be free.

Tricare dental is a voluntary program. You have to enroll your family if you want to use it. Previously, when a child turned 4 that was registered in DEERS, they would automatically be added to the family dental plan if that family had enrolled in one.

Under United Concordia, on the child’s 1st birthday they will be automatically added to the family dental plan. That is an important thing to consider if only a spouse was on the dental plan paying single enrollment. On the child’s 1st birthday that would automatically move the plan to a family enrollment and along with that comes a higher monthly premium.

Premiums are going down under United Concordia. You can view the chart at Tricare.mil. While premiums for some programs are going down a small amount, others will see significant savings. A single enrollment for the dependent of an active duty service member currently pays $11.68 a month, but as of May it will decrease to $11.10. That isn’t much of a savings, but an active duty family plan does have a better rate. That premium drops from $34.68 to $28.87 under United Concordia.

That’s all great, but what if the dentist you visit no longer accepts your insurance once United Concordia takes over in May?

Some dentists will no longer be accepting Tricare dental since reimbursement rates are much lower for them with United Concordia.

Dr. Adams, a dentist in Hampton Roads, Va., sees his share of military families, but says he will be losing money if he continues to do so come May. According to him, the reimbursement from United Concordia will be 15% lower than it was with MetLife.

What should you do if your dentist drops Tricare?

You can visit any dentist you want with Tricare dental, but it might cost you more. There are 330,000 network dentists with United Concordia. You can therefore, stay with your current dentist and pay out of pocket or you can search for a new dentist. You can search for a dentist online or call United Concordia customer service at 1-844-653-4061.

It is important to check if your dentist is in network. If they are not, but accept some payment from United Concordia, they might bill you for the difference in what United Concordia does not cover. Don’t get stuck with a bill. A dentist that is in network cannot bill you for any difference in payment.

Any member of your family can see any dentist; you don’t all have to go to the same practice. If there are multiple providers, you will need to check that the one you are seeing is in network. There can be several dentists in an office, each choosing to accept Tricare or not.

The dentist you choose to see may not know everything that is covered by United Concordia. You can log into your account online to see what is covered before authorizing any procedures. You will not have to file a claim if you see a dentist in network; they will do it for you.

Sticking with a dentist that is in network can save you a lot of money. Call your dentist or check online to see if they will be in the network come May.

If not, ask friends for referrals to other dentists and try someone new. If you are set on staying with your current dentist, make sure you ask how much procedures will cost before you authorize them.

For more information about the United Concordia dental contract, visit Tricare.mil.

Why New Regulations Won’t Solve the Marines United Problem

By

Each of the Armed Services has passed down guidance intended to set expectations for dealing with the kind of despicable behavior brought to light in the Marines United Facebook group scandal.

Why New Regulations Won't Solve the Marines United Problem

Female service members have been secretly fighting to protect themselves from a “boys will be boys” culture for almost 80 years.

But if history is any indication, it’s hard to be convinced it will change a single thing. Regulations already in place should make eliminating this kind of behavior from the ranks easy and yet here we are.

Or should I say, here we are again.

Sadly, the deep-rooted culture of denigrating and disrespecting women who serve hasn’t changed much since women first answered the call to arms.

A  History of Public Humiliation

In 1943 a “slander campaign” sought to undermine the value and service of the Women’s Army Auxillary Corp. It whispered of pregnancy issues and venereal diseases. The campaign impacted recruitment efforts at a time when women’s service was greatly needed. Investigators initially thought the campaign was a form of enemy propaganda, but in the end, it was the actions of high-ranking military officers who believed women had no place in the military.

Fast forward 50 years and the weekend-long Tailhook Naval Conference left 87 women and 7 men sexually assaulted. After an initial cover-up, it took a single victim’s willingness to sacrifice her career and take her story to the press to get the Navy to stop making excuses and start taking action.

Female service members have been fighting to protect our country while secretly fighting to protect themselves from a “boys will be boys” and “locker room talk” culture for almost 80 years.

80 years.

The first service regulations that specifically targeted sexual harassment in the military weren’t even introduced until 1980, nearly 4 decades after women had become fully integrated into the U.S. military.

A Culture of Statistics

In 2014, a survey of female veterans from the Vietnam era to present showed that as many as a quarter of military women have been sexually assaulted and 80% sexually harassed. Another report in 2011 offered this staggering statistic:

“Women in the U.S. military are more likely to be raped by fellow soldiers than they are to be killed in combat.”

Ironically, when women report such crimes and demand the respect they’ve rightfully earned, it is used as an excuse to call them weak and accuse them of distracting their unit from its mission. A 2014 DoD survey found that in the previous year alone, “62% of active service members who reported sexual assault had experienced retaliation, including professional, social and administrative actions or punishments.”

This is the culture female service members face. It is a culture that continues to tell them that their service and their sacrifice is somehow less. That their personal safety isn’t found in trusting the soldier to their right and left, but instead must be found in tolerating illegal and immoral behaviors and staying quiet. It is a culture that demands they give their all and punishes them when their male counterparts decide they don’t like the competition.

Top-Down Change Won’t Work

Regulations and laws currently in place allow for the prosecution of service members involved in the latest scandal, who undoubtedly understood that their behavior was illegal and reprehensible and hence kept it secret and hidden from public view.

Some found safety in their fake-account anonymity; others in the sheer number of other group members who engaged in the same behavior. Sure, the group and the folder full of stolen images have disappeared, but investigators believe the group and its content will congregate and materialize under a new name on a new site. And while there are a few examples of service members suffering the consequences of such actions, there is a staggeringly number of cases where the behavior is dismissed or ignored.

I wish I felt that this renewed awareness would change things. That somehow those who still believe that “hotties don’t belong in the military” would hear the words of their leadership and change.

But the truth is, they haven’t listened in the last 40 years and I doubt they will start now.

This kind of change can’t come from the top down. It must be a grassroots effort within the military community.

The Facebook group in question was 30,000 members strong and it’s unlikely that these members’ attitudes about female service members weren’t apparent to those who knew them in real life. How many of them have been called out, not just by their chain of command, but by their fellow service members or veterans?

If you look at a service member and see gender before the uniform, you’re part of the problem.

If you think the women who were victimized in this case were responsible in any way for what happened to them, you are part of the problem.

If you hear the jokes and innuendo and laugh or ignore it, you are part of the problem.

But if you are willing to call it out, if you are willing to start changing the way you think about this issues, you can be part of the solution.

The question is, will you?

What are your feeling about the Marines United Facebook group photo scandal? Share them in the comments section.

5 Steps You Can Take Today to Make Your PCS Go Smoothly This Summer

By

It’s PCS season and this year your family is one of many that will be moving. Do you have a PCS strategy?

5 Steps You Can Take Today to Make Your PCS Go Smoothly This Summer

What things do you do to make your PCS go smoothly?

Taking time to get organized before the big day can save a lot of time and some big headaches. Don’t wait until the last minute. Follow these 5 steps today to make your PCS go smoothly this summer.

Get Organized

The key to a successful PCS is planning. Sure you can just wing it, but wouldn’t it be nice to not get all stressed out?

Planning and staying organized will make this PCS a smooth one.

It all starts with a list. Organize your thoughts and put them down on paper or in your computer. Ask yourself, what do you need to accomplish and when does it need to be done?

Some of the main things to consider include: where you are going to live, where your children will go to school (if applicable), and if you will move yourself or have the military move you.

Is military housing available and would you want to live there?

If not, do you want to rent or buy a home?

If you have school-age children, what type of school do you want them to go to? You’ll need to decide if you want to look into public school, private school or the school at your military installation (if there is one).

Talk to your spouse and decide if your family wants to do all the work a PCS requires or if you want to get professionals to come help. Once you’ve made these key decisions, you can move on to the next steps.

Make a PCS Binder

Having a PCS binder is a great way to stay organized. Keeping all of the important documents and lists that you’ll need for the move in an easily accessible place is extremely helpful. Your PCS binder could include things such as:

  • Your PCS checklist
  • Important documents: birth certificates, marriage license, insurance information, Social Security cards and passports as well as car titles and military orders
  • Medical and dental records
  • School records
  • Pet records: complete shot records, especially rabies
  • Household goods inventory that includes a list of the serial numbers on electronic devises, the inventory list from the moving company and their contact information with delivery dates
  • Budget section with receipts folder
  • Important contacts: key contacts for the new command, utilities, insurance, schools, etc.

Purge

You’ve been putting it off, but now it’s time to finally purge your house of all the things your family doesn’t need.

The less you have to pack, the less you have to unpack and find a new place for.

Don’t get overwhelmed. Set time aside to do one room at a time.

When deciding what to keep and what to part with, consider the environment you’re moving to. You might not need those snowsuits any longer if you are PCSing to Florida. Decide what you can part with and then label bags for donation and resale as you go through your home. Once you’re done combing through the house you’ll be more organized and have less things to pack.

Prepare for the Movers

We have all heard horror stories about what movers have packed. To avoid having your own horror story, strategically place items together you want to stay together.

Labeling is extremely helpful. You can designate a different color for each room so you can quickly identify which room boxes go in at the next house. This can be done with colored tape attached to each box.

Move things that you don’t want packed to a designated room and label the door “Do Not Pack.” Things that you want to keep out for use before you move should also be labeled “Do Not Pack.”

Consider wrapping delicate items yourself. Wash dishes and empty the dishwasher before the movers arrive. Ask a friend to watch your children while the movers are there so you can give your full attention to the process.

Get to Know Your New Location

Think about the things you do and the places that you go to often. If you are a Starbucks junkie, look up how many are in the area. Does your family like to go to the zoo or aquarium? Look to see if there is one in that town.

Connect with other military spouses at the next command. Making friends in a new town is important and this is a great place to start. Reach out to the Ombudsman or key spouse. They should be able to help you get to know the area. They can also introduce you to other military spouses.

Look into community pages online. You’ll find information on local events and great places to go. You can begin to network as well. The more you get to know the area, the more confidence you’ll have when you PCS.

What steps do you take to make your PCS go smoothly? Share your tips in the comments section.

 

How the Federal Hiring Freeze Impacts Military Families

By

President Donald Trump instituted a federal hiring freeze in January. Now, military families are feeling the effects of this executive order.

How the Federal Hiring Freeze Impacts Military Families

Have you been impacted by the federal hiring freeze?

How the Federal Hiring Freeze Impacts Military Families and Veterans

Impact on Base Services

Recently, 2 memos from different Army child care facilities have been released. The Child Development Centers (CDC) at Fort Knox and the Army garrison in Wiesbaden, Germany, have ended some of their child care programs due to staffing shortages. Both documents specifically cited the federal hiring freeze, combined with typical staff illnesses and normal staff attrition, as the reason behind the program closures.

In other bases around the world, military families are also seeing reduced hours and programs at their CDCs. Families in Okinawa, Japan, were told that hourly care programs will be suspended due to the hiring freeze.

“The CDC has stopped the drop-in child care,” shared Madalyn Sandstrom. “So now I have to look to friends, and hope for the best. The wait list for some age groups for full-time child care at the closest CDC is one year!”

The hiring freeze is affecting the DoD’s ability to conduct business as usual, according to a recent statement released by MCCS Camp LeJeune-New River. This will affect hours of services at this particular base as well as MCCS LeJeune’s ability to hire new staff members. Camp LeJeune is one of the largest Marine Corps installations. This statement could indicate impacts at other Marine Corps’ installations, as well as similar services at other military bases.

Military Spouses Face Hiring Delays

Military spouses are seeing an impact on their job opportunities. BreAnn Constantineau has had to suspend her federal job search indefinitely.

“I had started searching just before the freeze so that I could time my application to try and start a job once my kids start school in fall,” Constantineau commented. “Now with the freeze, I’m stalled. I’m also really concerned that once it’s lifted, the sheer volume of applications is going to put a real drain on the HR departments, causing even more delays.”

Spouses that were already in the application and hiring process have also had complications.

“I applied for the substitute teacher position back in October,” said Veronica Johnessee. “(I) finally got the call for fingerprints and background check the first week of January. (I) went for my fingerprints and the next day I was supposed to get the background check link via email. Instead, the hiring freeze was on the news. So now I wait.”

Johnessee’s hiring delay also impacts the students and teachers in the DoD Education Activity (DoDEA). Teachers may lack coverage to take sick days or attend professional development sessions. This means that teachers at DoDEA schools may feel obligated to work while ill. Due to lack of coverage, some non-core content area classes may be rescheduled or canceled to fill grade level classroom needs.

Military treatment facilities are also feeling the crunch from the hiring freeze. Some medical facilities are unable to hire new staff. Danielle Olmsted was in the interview process for a nursing position at Camp Foster’s Naval Hospital, but her hiring has been put on hold.

“I had an interview and was told at the interview that they wanted to hire me as a nurse,” explained Olmsted. “I knew I would have to wait awhile, since it already takes months to get someone hired and start working. Now, who knows how long it will be? I feel as though I’m in limbo, and I know the hospital can use nurses!”

Impact on Veteran Hires

According to the Washington Post, veterans make up 31% of the total federal workforce. Veterans receive preference for government positions.

With the hiring freeze, federal agencies and departments will now be unable to fill open positions. This could leave many veterans waiting even longer. The federal hiring process can take weeks or months to finalize under normal operating conditions. This is due to extensive background checks and paperwork processing.

Exemptions for DoD Positions

There are some exemptions in place to allow for normal operation in certain DoD positions and departments. Military personnel should not be impacted and child care positions are also supposed to be out of bounds as well. Firefighters and first responders, as well as intelligence personnel and positions having a direct impact on military missions, are also exempt.

However, there is not an exemption in place to hire people into the human resources department of the DoD. This could impact the speed of the hiring process for exempted positions and departments. As noted above, this could create backlogs for those who have already received job offers.

Have you been impacted by the federal hiring freeze? Tell us your story in the comments section.

Home-Buying Tips and Tools for Military Families

By

As a military family, the decision to buy a home is both exciting and wrought with uncertainty. It means putting down semi-permanent roots and committing to a home for longer than 1 to 2 years.

And the home-buying process can be more than a little overwhelming.

Don’t worry. Breath. You’ve already done the hardest part in committing to the goal of purchasing a new home. Now you just need to get smart about the process. You’ll be unpacking boxes and putting your feet up in your new home before you know it.

Home-Buying Tips and Tools for Military Families

A VA-backed loan is often the go-to for service members and retirees looking to buy a house.

Your Home-Buying Checklist: Get Up-Close and Personal with Your Finances

Most of us have a good idea of how much we have in savings and how much our bills are each month, but preparing to buy a house goes much deeper than that.

Get Your Credit Score

  • Order your credit report directly from all 3 credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) or try a site like annualcreditreport.com.
  • Dispute any discrepancies and be prepared to show problems have been resolved or were the result of mitigating circumstances.

Pay Down Debt

  • Improve your credit score and show lenders you are credit worthy by paying down your debt.
  • Make an appointment with a financial planner. Most military installations offer this service through on-post family support agencies like Fleet and Family Support Centers or Army Community Services.
  • Calculate your debt-to-income ratio and estimate how much you can afford to spend on your new home.

Save for Your Home’s Down Payment

While it is possible to purchase a home without a down payment, some of the most competitive loan programs require a 10 to 20% down payment. Start saving as soon as you decide you want to buy a home.

Your Home-Buying Checklist: Mortgage Research Is a Must

There is no shortage of mortgage options, but do your due diligence before signing anything. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Ask Friends and Family Members for Referrals

Ask friends and family members about lending institutions or programs they have used. Learn from their mistakes and successes. If you get a recommendation, take a few minutes to do additional research or call the lending institution and ask for more information.

Get Smart About Terminology

While most loans are fairly standard in their fees and process, there are still plenty of non-traditional options out there. Understanding the difference between a 30-year vs a 15-year mortgage and the pros and cons of an ARM loan is important.

Consider working with a mortgage counselor. They can help you understand the entire mortgage process and often are available for free.

Shop Around for the Best Rates

Don’t just shop one type of loan. A VA-backed loan is often the go-to for service members and retirees, but it is not the only option.

Depending on where you are buying, the amount of your loan, and the type of property, local or regional lending institutions may have programs that offer you a better interest rate. Tools like LendingTree can help do some of the legwork.

Your Home-Buying Checklist: Location, Location, Location

You’ve got your finances in order and have a down payment in the works, now it’s time to start scoping out a location.

As you begin to narrow down where you want to live, ask yourself:

  • What is a reasonable commute time?
  • Is being close to shopping a necessity?
  • Is the size of the neighborhood or its amenities important to me?
  • Do I want to buy a newly-constructed home or something in a more established neighborhood?

Then do research on these topics:

  • Area schools
  • Water, sewer, waste and power/gas rates
  • Local tax rates, emergency service costs, and any front or homeowners association fees
  • Local crime rates  and the sex offenders’ registry statistics
  • Traffic and public transportation options

Your Home-Buying Checklist: Wants and Needs

Now the fun part — figuring out what you want in your new home. It’s totally OK to dream, but make sure you prioritize your requirements. Start by identifying those things you absolutely must have in order for your new home to be functional. Start by making a list:

  • How many bedrooms do you need?
  • How many bathrooms?
  • Are there any other special requirements, like single-story or two-car garage?
  • What about an open floor plan or home office space?

Now review the list of things you wish you could have and prioritize.

Your Home-Buying Checklist: Hire a Professional Realtor

Ask for recommendations or search local BBB reviews for a licensed Realtor. Look for agents with experience working with military families, like Millie. The information a real estate agent can provide about homes coming onto the market, neighborhoods and the home-buying process is priceless.

What tips would you add to this home-buying checklist? Share them in the comments section.

How the Resident Energy Conservation Program Is Hitting Military Families Hard

By

The Resident Energy Conservation Program (RECP) was created to make residents of military housing more aware of their energy use and to therefore reduce consumption. The goal is to lower energy use for environmental reasons and to save the government money.

So far the government is the only one seeing any savings as hundreds of military families find huge bills in their mailbox for energy they say was not justly charged or actually used.

The pilot for the Resident Energy Conservation Program took place in Hawaii between 2011 and 2012. In that initial test phase, the government saw a 9% reduction in use, which ultimately saved them $1.3 million according to Commander, Navy Installations Command. The reality for military families however was quite the opposite.

Compiled complaints show that military families consistently were charged $200 to $600 a month in electricity bills for over use. Many people claim that they did not use the equivalent amount of energy to justify such steep bills. Military housing says the bills are correct and have not done much to sway these families from feeling unjustly charged.

The pilot for the Resident Energy Conservation Program was considered by the government to be a success and over the last few years has been rolled out to all Marine Corps and Navy housing. It isn’t a bad program. In an effort to persuade residents to conserve energy, the program includes a reward element. The government’s research showed that when families embraced the Resident Energy Conservation Program that consumption fell 20%. To motivate families to achieve this, the Resident Energy Conservation Program was equipped with a credit or reimbursement for families that saved energy.

How does the Resident Energy Conservation Program determine use?

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is meant to cover the normal use of electricity or gas and water and sewer as compared to families with similar homes out in town.

To determine average use on base, the Resident Energy Conservation Program uses Like-Type Groups (LTGs). These are homes in the same neighborhood that are in the same condition and age. These could include homes with similar square footage and number of bedrooms as well as the type of home and the type of energy, gas versus electricity.

It does not account for the number of people in a household just as BAH is not adjusted for the number of family members. From this, a monthly Normal Usage Band is created.

The Normal Usage Band gives a leeway of 10% over and under, providing room for consumption. For residents that use 10% less than the norm, they are given a credit or rebate. Military families that go over the 10% rate are charged for the overage.

This makes the Resident Energy Conservation Program sound fair, but residents are receiving bills far beyond what they consider reasonable. When military families question the housing office, they say that is what was used and that is what is owed.

A number of military families have been able to have their meters tested for accuracy however. Some have found their meter was actually connected to a street light or a neighbor’s home. Military housing originally was not designed with individual homes running on meters. Specialists had to go in and set up meters. In some instances, those individuals merely guessed which lines went to which houses.

What can you do if you think your utility bill is wrong?

If you are living in military housing and believe your bill is not accurate contact the resident services manager or housing office. You can request a home evaluation to make sure all appliances are using energy efficiently as well. The manager can sit down with your family and help you understand ways to conserve energy. In the meantime, you still have to pay your bill. If you do not, you may find an eviction letter in your mailbox next.

There are waivers available for wounded warriors and families registered with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). If your family uses excess electricity due to medical reasons, you can request a waiver from the Resident Energy Conservation Program. You can submit a request through the EFMP office or through the Wounded Warrior Bn.

If you are still unsatisfied, you can reach out to your chain of command. NCIS is conducting its own investigation in some areas so you can also contact them. Lastly, you can submit a claim to the Inspector General.

Do you think that military families are being scammed by the Resident Energy Conservation Program? What problems have you had with your bill when you lived in on-base housing?

How a New State Residency Bill Benefits Military Spouses

By

Military spouses may soon find filing taxes a little less confusing if H.R. 5428, the Military Residency Choice Act, is signed into law. The bill aims to make establishing and maintaining state residency much easier. Currently, the law can be very confusing and many families may be filing their taxes incorrectly without knowing it.

Under the Service Members Civil Relief Act, military service members can keep their residency in one state no matter where the military sends them. For the purposes of filing taxes, that means that if a service member enlisted in the Navy in Alabama and is currently stationed in Virginia they only pay income tax to Alabama, not Virginia.

It isn’t that simple for military spouses however. Prior to 2009, military spouses had to change their residency every time they moved to a different state with their service member. This made filing taxes and voting difficult. It prevented many military spouses from finding employment after each move.

In 2009, the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) made maintaining residency in one state possible for military spouses. A military spouse simply had to establish residency in one state and was then able to keep that no matter what state the military sent them to next. The MSRRA does not allow military spouses to claim the residency of their service member however unless that was their state of residency when they were married. It also does not allow military spouses to randomly decide which state they will claim residency in.

Under the proposed Military Residency Choice Act military spouses will be able to use the same state of residence as their service member even if they have not lived in that state.

They will also be able to vote through absentee ballot for that state as well. This does not let military spouses keep their driver’s license from that state though; that is a state by state case.

H.R. 5428 specifically states:

The  spouse  of  a  service member may  elect  to  use  the  same  residence  for  purposes  of  taxation as the service member regardless of the date on which the  marriage  of  the  spouse  and  the  service member  occurred.

This bill is only in the early stages of the process of becoming law. It was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. If it does pass, it will go into effect 90 days after the enactment. That doesn’t help military spouses for this tax season, but perhaps by next year it will have passed.

In the meantime, ask yourself what the most beneficial option will be for your family.

Is your spouse’s state of residency one with harsher tax laws? Is it worth it to change your residency?

Seven states do not have personal income tax including: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. New Hampshire and Tennessee also do not have income tax, but they do have tax interest and dividends.

If you earn an income and your current residency is in Florida and your military service member maintains Alabama as their residence, it could be beneficial to maintain a Florida residency where there is no income tax. While the MSRRA and the proposed Military Residency Choice Act are intended to make taxes easier for military spouses, it may be wise to consult a tax specialist if you have questions.

Remember, you cannot choose a random state to be your state of residency. You must establish residence by living in that state and maintaining sufficient contacts in that state. That can include owning property in the state, holding professional licenses in that state and voting there as well.

What do you think of the proposed Military Residency Choice Act?

Should BAH Be Excluded from Food Stamp Eligibility?

By

In 2015, more than $80 million in food stamp benefits were spent at military commissaries. That is an astonishing figure and that amount does not cover every family that needs financial help to feed their family. There are many more military families that would benefit from food stamps, now known as SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Congresswoman Susan Davis, the Ranking Member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, introduced the Military Hunger Prevention Act. Its purpose is to exempt the military’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) in the determination of a military family’s eligibility for particular federal benefits. This bill is specifically aimed at making it easier for military families to qualify for SNAP.

While BAH varies based on region, pay grade and dependency, in many cases it still is not enough to cover housing. This leaves families using other components of their pay to cover rent or mortgage that would otherwise go to food. Because of this, many military families are forced to use emergency food relief. Investigators at Camp Pendleton reported last year that 400 to 500 military families used one of the food pantries on base. That is just the statistic of one of the 4 food pantries on Camp Pendleton.

Rep. Davis introduced this bill after learning that numerous families in the San Diego area, specifically Camp Pendleton, were unable to meet the basic need to feed their families.

By removing BAH from the annual income of military families, more will qualify for food stamps. This shift may provide relief to the overwhelmed food banks.

The bill has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Armed Services as well as the Committee on Agriculture for further review.

In the meantime, military families will continue to stand in line at 7 a.m. to receive meals from food pantries on base as well as off base. To beat the stigma of getting help, a program was introduced in schools where children receive a backpack of food to help them get through the weekend when free breakfast and free lunch are not available. Sadly, nearly a quarter of the children in on-base schools receive free meals. This means thousands of children potentially do not have access to food at home, particularly over the weekend when free meals are not available.

While receiving SNAP benefits might sound like the answer to this problem, it isn’t a lot of money.

States vary on the amount of money that is allocated per person based on certain criteria. In 2015, California’s program paid on average $1.58 per person per meal a day. Last year Alabama paid on average $1.40 per meal per day.

Imagine how much you spend on your meals. Would this amount cover it?

In 2013 a Census Bureau study showed that about 2% of active duty families used SNAP. That is roughly 23,000 military families.

Six percent of those that responded to the Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey said they had to use emergency food relief last year. Military families are struggling to feed their families.

The Department of Defense tried a program in 2001 known as the Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) to help military families. This program was meant to provide up to a $1,100 a month supplement to put service members over the requirement for SNAP. The program was terminated in September 2016 because not enough families qualified for it.

If the Military Hunger Prevention Act passes, will being able to qualify for SNAP be the answer to thousands of military families’ hunger problem or is there a better solution for those facing food insecurity?

What do you think of this proposal to exclude BAH from food stamp eligibility?