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

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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.

 

15 Military Discounts for Music Lovers

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Music lovers rejoice; military discounts are available for items ranging from concert tickets and radio subscriptions to instruments and gear.

15 Military Discounts for Music Lovers

Who needs a military discount when you can get a concert ticket for free?

We’ve gathered 15 musical military discounts for you to explore. Try some of these today and let us know what your favorites are.

15 Military Discounts for Music Lovers

Music & Arts started in Bethesda, Md., as a small music store. Today it is a national music store chain. If you are in the market for music gear, Music & Arts is a wonderful place to look. They have more than 140 stores as well as over 50,000 products on MusicArts.com. They offer a 10% military discount for online purchases.

GovX has exclusive discounted tickets for veterans and their families. You can get great deals on concert tickets with GovX.

SiriusXM lets you take great music anywhere you go. Why settle for what’s on the radio, when SiriusXM offers a 25% military discount for the life of any subscription.

The Exchange has an exceptional selection of music. Don’t forget that you can shop in store or online. Online shopping will be open to all veterans starting Veterans Day 2017.

The exchange price matches, so if you find a better price out in town bring the ad in to the exchange and show them. They will match that price and you will save on sales tax since the exchange is tax free.

Overstock.com has a program just for military families called Club O Military and it is free to join. Military families get free shipping, earn 5% rewards dollars, and receive exclusive emails and early access to sales.

You can stock up on all your favorite music in different formats with Overstock.com.

Learning a new instrument? You’ll find everything from a ukulele to drums available for sale as well.

Veterans Advantage offers a military discount on many things including concert tickets. Simply register to get access to the great deals.

At Ticket Club, military members can sign up for free membership, which will save you $50. Ticket Club has fabulous rates for concert tickets.

Vet Tix is an easy way to find tickets to events. The Armed Services YMCA has partnered with Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), which is a national nonprofit organization that gives free event tickets to service members and veterans.

Who needs a military discount when you can get a concert ticket for free?

Next time there’s a concert coming to town, check with Vet Tix.

Tidal offers a 40% off military discount for either of its programs that provide access to your favorite music. With Tidal, you can listen to music anywhere with great quality.

Carnegie Hall is a famous place to take the family. All service members can enjoy a military discount of 30% off ticket prices. Tickets must be purchased in person at the box office and there is a limit of 2 tickets per person.

Music for All is a national music education organization that provides educational experiences through performance events. You can share your love of music with the family at the Bands of America Championship. Music for All has a military discount of $5 off any type of ticket.

San Diego Symphony offers a military discount of $3 off tickets. If you don’t live near San Diego, check with your local symphony. Many offer military discounts.

Country Music Hall of Fame welcomes military families with a military discount on admission. Bring your family to this Nashville museum to learn more about country music’s history.

Tampa’s Straz Center is the largest performing arts center in the southeast. You’ll enjoy fantastic musical performances as well as a nice military discount.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, offers a military discount. Tickets must be purchased in person and a photo ID is required.

These are just a few great music military discounts. There are many more to be found if you take the time to look.

Are you a music lover who also loves a military discount? Tell us about your favorite military discount in the comments section.

How to Get Through an Emergency While Your Spouse Is Deployed

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Without fail, if something is going to go wrong it will happen while your spouse is on deployment. It is the Murphy’s Law of the military and many military spouses say you haven’t been through a deployment until something has gone wrong.

How to Get Through an Emergency While Your Spouse Is Deployed

Have you handled an emergency situation while your service member was on deployment?

Here are 6 emergency situations military spouses may face during a deployment and how to get through them.

Natural Disaster

No matter where you are stationed, there is always a possibility of a natural disaster. This could include flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, mud slides, tsunami and more.

What plans do you have in place in case of a natural disaster while your spouse is on deployment?

Before deployment, create a disaster kit together. This should include 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 days, a 3-day supply of nonperishable food, a battery powered radio and spare batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit and cellphone chargers.

If you are required to evacuate, having a plan is extremely helpful. Before deployment, make sure your spouse provides an emergency contact list for you. This should have contact information for his or her command as well as the key spouse such as the ombudsman. Know who you should contact first in an emergency. Plan where you will go if you need to evacuate and bring your emergency contact list with you.

Fire and Loss of Home

Losing your home to a fire would be devastating.

One thing on my husband’s to-do list before deployment is to change the smoke detector batteries.

Sit down with your family and determine what you will do in case of a fire. Everyone needs to get out of the house and have a designated meeting area. Choose an area far enough away from the house, such as the mailbox or the street light across the street.

After you’ve ensured everyone is safe and have called emergency services, you will want to contact your spouse’s command. They can notify your husband or wife about the situation and provide support.

Call your family and friends to let them know you are OK and find a place for your family to go. You’ll want to contact your insurance company and have your house evaluated quickly so repairs can be made.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society can help with replacing items lost to the fire as well as with grants or interest-free loans for home repairs.

Gas Leak

I had a gas leak while my husband was on deployment. If your house runs on gas make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors.

If you smell gas or your CO detectors go off, get out of the house immediately. Call 911 and the gas company.

Contact the command to let them know so they can alert your spouse as well. If you or your children feel sick at all, go to the emergency room. Gas poisoning symptoms present like the flu. You may need to find a place to stay that night as well.

Serious Illness or Pregnancy Complication

When a serious illness strikes an immediate family member during deployment, the possibility of going home to help is there. Immediate family includes:

  • father
  • mother
  • sibling
  • spouse
  • spouse’s parents
  • children

If you are having a pregnancy complication that puts your life or the child’s life in danger, you can seek help this way as well. First contact the service member’s command to let them know what is going on and ask about having your spouse sent home.

You can also contact the American Red Cross Hero Care Center either by phone at 1-877-272-7337 or online.

Serious Accident and Hospitalization

If you or your family members are in a serious accident make sure you contact the command to let them know. They will get word to the service member and he or she may be able to come home.

It is important to have a plan in place in case something happens to you. Before your spouse left for deployment, they likely made a will.

  • Do you have a living will?
  • Who will take your children immediately if you are seriously injured in an accident?

Make an appointment or stop by the legal assistance office at your military installation. They can provide a will worksheet for you to fill out to begin the process of creating a will. It answers many common questions people have about wills.

Once you have completed it, a lawyer needs to review it and make it legal. If you have children, in the will you can designate who they go to if you are unable to care for them. Before you designate a person or family, make sure you discuss it with them.

Consider who will take your children immediately if you are sent to the hospital unexpectedly. Ask a local friend if they would be willing to look after your children short term.

Death in the Family

If someone in the service member’s immediate family passes away during deployment, his or her command and the Red Cross may be able to get them home. Discuss with your spouse before deployment what your family wants to do in such a situation.

  • Will the service member be able to or want to come home for the funeral?
  • Who will take your children and how will you get to the service?

Disaster can strike at any time, but for some reason it tends to happen when a loved one is on deployment. Having a plan in place for each of these instances can save you time and grief.

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Talk with your spouse, family and friends and determine which path you will take if an emergency arises while your spouse is on deployment.

Have you faced an emergency during a deployment? What advice would you give military spouses to help them plan for emergencies and natural disasters?

The Hidden Costs of Your PCS

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Money. You need it, often we feel we don’t have enough of it, and it requires almost constant management. Stir in a PCS and relocation and you’ve got the recipe for some of the unique challenges only members of our community will understand. But like many other things, a shared commiseration gives us the opportunity to share and learn from each other.

Having been through more PCSes than I can count on 2 hands, I’ve learned the best tool we have at our disposal is pre-planning. Good old Uncle Sam pays the movers to come and box everything up and move it, but there are lots of hidden costs that can put a strain on a family budget. Here are 3 hidden costs and strategies for overcoming them.

THE PROBLEM: EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES

You can’t move liquids (with the rare exception), chemicals, and open food items. This often means that just before a PCS, we’re tossing all kinds of cleaning supplies and emptying the refrigerator of things like ketchup, mustard and salad dressings.

Talk about feeling like you are literally throwing money in the garbage.

And once we arrive, those items must be replaced in a hurry.

SOLUTION: Plan ahead if you can. If you know you are due for a PCS, even if you don’t have orders, try to anticipate. Plan meals that will use up the last of that bottle of ranch dressing and buy smaller bottles of household cleaners. Yes, it might cost a little bit more than buying the family size, but in the end, you won’t end up having to throw away half a bottle.

Once you arrive, try to shop sales and buy in bulk to lower costs. Also consider easing into replacement items. A solid multi-purpose cleaner can hold you over for a few months to help spread out costs and a little meal planning helps to do the same for those refrigerator staples.

Also, as you get ready to PCS, consider selling items you don’t need or want. Use that extra money to help offset some of these hidden relocation costs.

THE PROBLEM: HOME SALE/RENTAL DEPOSIT

You’ve got to put a down payment or deposit down on your new home, but you haven’t closed on a sale or received your last deposit back.

SOLUTION: This one is a little trickier, but again, the key is to plan ahead if you can. Anticipate the overlap in timing by putting a little money in your savings account each month leading up to a PCS. It is much better to have extra money saved then to be caught between paychecks without the funds you need.

You may want to consider taking a pay advance to help cover those large ticket costs, just make sure you plan your follow-on budget appropriately until the advance is paid back.

THE PROBLEM: THE FURNITURE DOESN’T FIT

You did the research, waited for a sale, and landed the perfect couch or set of curtains. Enter a set of PCS orders and a new temporary home. And of course, nothing fits in your new house.

Solution: We learned this lesson the hard way, so my advice? Buy modular furniture as much as possible.

That doesn’t mean you have to buy cheap, just buy smart. Also, before you pack up all that furniture, take some good measurements. Then when you are checking out potential new digs, take some quick measurements to see if what you have will work.

I’m not saying to pick a house to fit your furniture, but if what you have won’t work at all (ask me about the on-post house that wouldn’t allow for us to get a queen-sized bed upstairs!), the cost of replacing furniture might be worth some consideration.

Don’t be afraid to check out consignment and thrift stores, especially those around military housing areas. You’re not the only one struggling to make that new house feel like a home and chances are you can secure some gently used pieces at a killer price.

What other PCS costs have you experienced? What tips can you offer to help offset those relocation costs?

How the Resident Energy Conservation Program Is Hitting Military Families Hard

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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?

What the Military Community Wants from Washington

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Dear Washington,

Election season has passed, and a new administration is getting ready to take office. That means it’s time for you to take stock of our military capabilities, troops and their families. Yes, the U.S. military is a huge organization and encompasses so much.

However, please take a minute to listen to us, to me, to find out what we want and need from you, right now and for the next 4 or so years.

First, take a hard look at the budget.

Actually look at it with a critical, non-partisan eye. Is there a place where we could trim a little bit of fat without reducing force readiness and family support?

We know that this department has become a huge and growing part of the annual budget. And we also know that something probably needs to change. Please try to do this judiciously, cutting or reducing funding for the (many) redundant portions of the budget while preserving those parts that serve a major purpose in our lives.

We don’t want military funding at the expense of other services we depend on, like education and other programs that serve the general population.

We use these, too. We want them funded and functional.

Next, we need more than lip service about your support.

It’s all well and good to “support the troops” in your speeches and press conferences, but will you actually follow through? A great first step is making sure that our equipment is funded for proper maintenance. With this, include money for adequate training on the equipment. If you want troops ready at a moment’s notice, then they need to be able to access perfectly running equipment AND know how to use it.

Cutting corners here can lead to deadly accidents.

Our fighting force is now a family. That means spouses and kids who depend on the military for both financial and lifestyle stability. If you cut programs that help support military families, you will quickly draw our ire and disdain. This includes medical care, employment programs, child care facilities, commissaries and family readiness programs.

If you want the troops to be ready to go, the whole family needs to be prepared and supported. When those on the homefront feel unstable, that deployed service member can’t do his or her job well.

Don’t forget the veterans, either.

For years now, we have watched the endless saga of corruption and mismanagement at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Hospitals and VA health care facilities have endless waits, leaving many in the lurch. These waits have added extra stress to those suffering from mental and physical health conditions.

Take this department to task and shape it up. Get rid of practices or personnel that are costing lives every day and streamline the process to receive care.

Veterans wrote a blank check to our nation and were willing to sacrifice their very lives to protect ours. The very least we owe them is top-notch medical and mental health care when they leave service.

Help us connect with the other 99%.

About 1% of our country serves in the military. That leaves most Americans without a connection to our troops and their families.

In years past, the entire country banded together to support our troops through war bonds, rations and taxes. Right now, it seems that most Americans just don’t understand what it means to serve our country. Help us to show everyone else what it means to live this life.

Highlight our sacrifices, beyond just the feel-good stories about homecomings and the devastating stories of loss. Help people understand that we have been at war for over 15 years. This war isn’t funding itself.

Pay us what we are worth.

Have you checked on the salaries for our service members from top to bottom lately? Without the “luxuries” of the commissary and military health care, many families wouldn’t be making it financially. Even with these benefits, there are too many military families who qualify for WIC, welfare programs and food stamps. That’s unacceptable.

In addition, due to operational tempo and frequent moves, many military families are trying to make it on just one salary.

Pay our troops what they are worth, based on the work that they do for our country. And pay them without factoring in the “benefits” we all count on just to make it from payday to payday.

These are just a few thoughts, Washington. If you need more ideas, just ask.

MilitaryShoppers readers, what do you want from Washington?

From the Mountains to the Oceans, Your Favorite Military Bases

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Our team of writers shared their list of their favorite military bases and now it’s your turn. So many of you commented on that article and shared with us your favorite places that you’ve been stationed at that we wanted to write a second article about the best military bases around the world.

We’ve collected the highlights and would love to get even more feedback from our readers on this topic.

Your 7 Favorite Military Bases

Joint Base Lewis-McChord

With Army base Fort Lewis and McChord Air Base located so close together, consolidating was a great choice. By joining forces, both services are better able to serve everyone. Roberta Castile loved living there!

“You have a choice where to shop,” she commented.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is located in Lakewood, Wash., on the Puget Sound and near Mount Rainier. With easy access to Olympia and Tacoma, military families stationed here have access to both the great outdoors and city life!

Travis Air Force Base

If you enjoy being in the center of the action, this might be the military base for you! Travis AFB is located in the greater San Francisco Bay area and close to Napa and Sonoma valleys.

Residents can experience the culture of San Francisco close at hand. Napa and Sonoma are some of the premier wine destinations in the United States and the world.

In addition, Travis is a passenger travel hub with Space-A transit available to many other locations around the world.

“(The) food is awesome and the sights are too numerous to mention,” commented reader Eric. “If you ride motorcycles like I do, they have some of the best backroads anywhere in the world!”

MacDill Air Force Base

Located near Tampa, Fla., MacDill is a beautiful place to spend a few years, or to retire! The base itself is located on land right in the middle of Tampa Bay, with access to the water.

This is also a center for Cuban culture and cuisine. If you like a little more adventure, theme parks are also close by. Outdoorsy types can play on the water and land, with almost endless options to stretch their muscles.

MacDill is also close to St. Petersburg, which is a top tourist destination. The sub-tropical climate means that you will never be too chilly. With an average of 361 sunny days per year, this is the perfect place to soak up some rays.

Yokota Air Force Base

Traveling overseas is a great opportunity for military families and Yokota AFB is the perfect military base to explore Asia. Starting close to home, military members can visit Tokyo and mainland Japan, including Tokyo Disney. There is so much to see, do and taste here! From eating traditional sushi and ramen noodles to learning about the culture of geisha to visiting ancient castles, your duty station bucket list will always be full.

If you want to go farther afield, it’s fairly easy to visit South Korea, Hong Kong and other Asian countries.

Fort Bliss

Fort Bliss, located in El Paso, Texas, is a hub of military activity on the edge of the United States. The US-Mexico border is only a hop, skip and a jump away! That means that you have access to amazing Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine and culture.

Ciudad Juarez is right across the border in Chihuahua, Mexico and offers lots of great places to eat and places to explore. El Paso also has its own exciting locations to visit, like outstanding regional wineries and a world-class zoo.

Plus, the base has undergone renovations in recent years.

“The Freedom Village and the expansion of the base has made a big impact with the military and civilian community, offering a variety not found on other major installations,” commented Celio Quinones.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

For those that like it chilly, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson should be on your short list. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, this is a great place to connect with your adventurous roots.

Mount Denali is within traveling distance, as is Chugach National Forest. JBER is also located close to the water, although this bay will definitely be chillier than Tampa!

As an added bonus, living in Alaska counts as being stationed OCONUS, which means you get all the OCONUS perks, without really leaving the United States!

Patrick Air Force Base

Do you have a thing for space travel? Patrick Air Force Base south of Orlando, Fla., is perfect! This base operates Cape Canaveral, which supports space launches from the Kennedy Space Center.

As a bonus, Patrick AFB is located in southeastern Florida, within easy reach of the theme park center of Orlando. Plus, there are all the beaches and vacation destinations that will be super close to your new home!

Did we mention YOUR favorite military base? If we missed it, please let us know in the comments! Tell us where you loved being stationed and why.

Why Your Family Should Make Family Goals for 2017

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“Don’t count the time, make the time count.”

As a military spouse, I often feel like I’m constantly counting time. I count down the months until we move to Hawaii. I count down the weeks until my husband comes home from deployment. I count down the minutes until bedtime.

When I’m counting down the time instead of making the time count, I miss the highlights of life. I’m stuck in the day-to-day task list. Did we make any memories as a family in the past year? Or were we so focused on homework, ballet recitals and work deadlines that we didn’t take the time to enjoy life?

Making a family goal for the new year helps me slow down and remember what’s most important in my life.

Here are 12 goals that your family may want to embrace in the new year. These 12 ideas are a starting point for your family’s discussion about choosing a goal for 2017. Don’t try to do all 12 goals. Pick one that you can do together throughout the 12 months.

Note: Whatever goal your family makes, write down your goal in the present tense. This goal isn’t a hope or a wish. With a realistic action plan, your family can achieve your goal.  

In 2017 my family is an active family. Everyone in my house benefits from fresh air, sunshine and physical activity. We know that. Yet we are tempted to stay inside and watch a movie when our bodies really need a bike ride.

In this goal, schedule a weekly family outdoor activity.

In 2017 my family is a curious family. When we moved to Mississippi 2 years ago, I made a bucket list of the local attractions that I wanted to visit.

Can you guess how many we’ve crossed off the list?

Exactly 3.

I tend to return to familiar places instead of exploring new ones. I need to push myself to be curious and go outside my comfort zone.

In this goal, plan a weekly curious day where your family finds a new park, visits a local museum or eats dinner at a new restaurant.

In 2017 my family is a face-to-face family. Limiting screen time is like eating vegetables in my house. We know we should do it, but we don’t do it as much as we probably should.

In this goal, turn school nights into no-screens nights. You will be surprised how easy a blanket policy like this can work for small children.

In 2017 my family is an “outside the box” family. After a long day, making a homemade meal is the last thing I want to do.

I want to order pizza. For the second time this week.

But with proper meal planning, we can eat healthy and balanced meals nightly. And honestly eating healthy doesn’t have to be time consuming. Check out these quick and healthy recipes from DeCA’s dietitian.

In this goal, set aside an afternoon for meal planning. Depending on your child’s age, he or she may be able to help with meal prep.

In 2017 my family is a responsible family. I once had a deployment goal of teaching my kids to be responsible for their own belongings. This meant hanging up their backpacks when they came home from school, putting their shoes by the front door and clearing their dishes when they finished eating breakfast. Rocket science, right? Teaching responsibility for personal items is no easy task. But with constant and consistent reminders, my kids will do it.

In this goal, set a nightly 7-minute timer where every family member picks up and puts away their personal items that may be scattered throughout the house.

In 2017 my family is a green family. Making smart environmental choices isn’t difficult. For my family, it means bringing reusable grocery bags to the commissary, turning off the lights when we leave a room and purchasing food items with less packaging. Many habits that are good for the environment are also good for your bank account.

In this goal, pick one non-negotiable green policy that your family will embrace in 2017.

In 2017 my family is a patriotic family. My children know that their father serves in the military. But do they know that their grandpa and uncle were both in the Army? Probably not. I want my children to value military service and to be grateful to veterans for their service and sacrifice.

In this goal, volunteer with a veterans organization or simply teach your children to tell a veteran “thank you” when they meet one.

In 2017 my family is a less-is-more family. My house is crowded and it’s not with people. It stuffed with stuff.

In this goal, commit to making thoughtful purchases in the new year. For example, stick to your shopping list at the store and wait 24 hours before buying an item online. Those late-night impulsive purchases are the worst.

In 2017 my family is a giving family. We know that it’s better to give than to receive, but how often do we give? Giving is on my radar during the high-demand holiday season but I forget about it during the rest of year.

In this goal, your family volunteers regularly with a nonprofit organization.

Pro-tip: You can make a donation to your favorite charity through the Combined Federal Campaign.

In 2017 my family is a frugal family. Spending less and saving more money is a constant goal of mine. Do you feel the same way? Like all habits, spending less isn’t going to happen naturally. I need to put forth the effort to examine our spending habits and make a spending plan. It isn’t fun but it’s so important.

In this goal, sit down with your spouse to make a spending plan for the next year. Break it down into weekly spending plans to help you achieve your financial goals in the new year.

Pro-tip: Sign up for MilitaryShoppers newsletter to have tips on saving money, military discounts and commissary specials delivered to your inbox.

In 2017 my family is a reading family. It’s only 20 minutes. But sometimes prioritizing those 20 minutes of nightly reading is more like 17 minutes of nagging to read and 3 minutes of actual reading.

In this goal, set a reminder on your phone to “alert” you when it’s time to read together before bed.

In 2017 my family is a “no” family. Does anyone else feel overwhelmed and over-scheduled? Our weekends are filled with birthday parties and military social events. I like the weekends to be a time to recharge our batteries, not drain them completely.

I have the control to do that and the power is found in one small word: no. I plan to practice saying “no thank you” a lot more in 2017.

In this goal, thoughtfully consider one event or activity that you can decline to attend every month.

Does your family make goals for the new year? What is your family goal for 2017?

11 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Kids

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Sparkly dresses, champagne toasts at midnight and partying until the ball drops might be a thing of the past for parents. Unless you are ready to pay a hefty babysitter fee.

Luckily, you can still party like it’s 1999 with your kids! Well, maybe not quite that much fun, but pretty close.

Here are 11 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your children.

Host a Kid-Friendly Soiree

Call up your other parent friends and invite them over for a fancy dress party. Serve finger foods like chicken nuggets and mini hot dogs, with champagne for the grown-ups and apple juice for the little ones.

Make Mocktails All Night Long

Older kids, and many adults, want to celebrate with fancy drinks but not the day-after results. Create fun mocktails with seltzer water, soda, fruit juice and garnishes. Make a mocktail of the hour and bust it out every 60 minutes. Check out these suggestions!

Celebrate a Different Midnight Ball Drop

The new year arrives at different times around the globe, which means that you don’t need to wait for midnight EST. Pick another location that matches your kiddo’s bedtime and roll with it! Live stream their celebrations, set the clocks ahead to match their time zone and blow your horns when the clock strikes midnight, over there. Kids get the fun of celebrating 2017, without staying up all night long.

Launch Sky Lanterns

Recreate the classic scene from the Disney movie “Tangled.” Sky lanterns symbolize hope and good wishes. They are perfect to ring in a new year! Have your kids write down their resolutions, wishes or prayers for 2017 and include them with the lantern. Then launch your lanterns as the sky is growing dark or just before bedtime. Make sure you are in a safe location and away from fire hazards. Check with your local fire department just in case.

Roast Marshmallows at a Christmas Tree Bonfire

What better way to get rid of a very dry Christmas tree than to have a bonfire! Gather up sticks and branches from the last winter storm or buy a few cords of wood. Invite your friends over to cook hot dogs and roast marshmallows over the flames. As a bonus, you’ll be nice and toasty while you enjoy some fresh air as 2016 ticks away. Just make sure you are following fire safety guidelines for your area!

Have an Epic Game Night

Bring out ALL the board games for one night of endless playtime. Make it a family affair or invite friends and neighbors over to play with you. Start with the classics and end with modern favorites or play games that you loved as a child. It’s a great chance to share memories and practice winning (and losing) with grace.

Invite Friends to Eat Around the World

New Year’s Eve at home is a great opportunity to try out all those Pinterest recipes you’ve been saving all year! Start early, with fun appetizers, and end with dessert just before bed. In between, try out recipes, tapas style, from around the world. Sushi from Japan, hummus and pita bread from the Middle East, bangers and mash from England, or poutine from Quebec.

To keep your New Year’s Eve menu kid-friendly, try serving Candy “Sushi” Fruit Roll Ups.

Go where your taste buds take you! If you’re really ambitious, you could attempt to coordinate a new food with when midnight arrives in that country or region.

If you’re not ambitious, you could order take-out from a variety of restaurants.

Snuggle on the Couch with a Classic Movie Night

Go with classic movies from the golden age of cinema or your favorite Disney movies as a kid or really any combination of movies you love. Snuggle up on the couch with popcorn, candy and pizza, then push play.

Celebrate Hannukah

The Jewish festival of lights ends on January 1, 2017. Celebrate hope and faith by lighting your own candles, menorah or sparklers. Play dreidel and eat delicious latkes or sufganiyot, a deep-fried doughnut filled with jelly or custard. Then initiate your children to the glory that is the “Hannukah Song” by Adam Sandler. Maybe edit out some of the more risque bits though.

Organize a Living Room Slumber Party

Set up sleeping bags, or make a tent out of blankets. Watch movies, play games and eat junk food until the kids fall asleep! Then you and your spouse can keep the party going, quietly, or can join your children in dreamland.

Make a Fancy First Breakfast

After all the celebrating the night before, refuel with a delicious breakfast on New Year’s Day! Go all out with pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast and juice (or mimosas). While you eat, ask your family to talk about goals for the new year or remember their favorite parts of 2016.

How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve with your kids?

Military Savings at the Movies

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Between tickets, drinks and snacks, a night at the movies can really add up!

In some locations, tickets to first-run or special movies, like 3D or IMAX, can be upwards of $15 per person. A small popcorn is usually closer to $10 than to $5 and drinks are both giant in size and cost.

Military Savings at the Movies

What are your tips for military savings at the movies?

Luckily there are military savings to help you cut costs and still enjoy a fun day at the movie theater with your family.

Military Savings on Movie Tickets

The 4 major cinemas all offer military discounts. Don’t forget to show your military ID card when asking for a military discount.

  • Cinemark offers military discounts at several theaters. For specifics on discount times and amounts, contact the cinema closest to you.
  • Regal also offers a military discount. The discount amount and times that the discount is offered vary by location. It is recommended that you contact your local theater.
  • There is also a military discount at AMC theaters. The discount varies based on location and is only available after 4 p.m.
  • Showcase Cinemas has military tickets available at many locations starting at $7.50 for general admission and $5.50 for matinee and children’s tickets.

Military Savings on Movie Tickets Purchased at ITT

Beyond amazing trip packages and tickets to the big game, your on-base ITT (Information, Tickets and Travel) office also stocks discounted movie tickets. Like the cinema-run discounts, these military savings will vary by location.

Most bases offer passes that can be exchanged at the theater for tickets. There may be a few deal breakers, though. These passes might only be valid during certain times, for certain types of movies (regular vs 3D) and you might not be able to be used these discounted tickets on opening night or weekend.

So before you set your plans in stone, check the fine print!

Watch Movies at Your On-Post Theater

Watch a movie on base and save beaucoup bucks. Military theaters are located on most major installations.

Some locations have special screenings of popular films that have been previously released. Often these showings are free or very, very cheap.

Other locations show first-run movies around the same time they are released nationally. Tickets are heavily discounted (compared with a civilian movie theater) and so are the snacks.

When you see a movie on base, be prepared for things to be a little bit, shall we say, different. Before the movie starts, get ready to stand while the National Anthem is played. You might also want to bring a cushion. The seating tends to be on the uncomfortable side.

Showings and runs of films are very limited. If you find a time for a movie you want to see, you should go. It might not be playing next week or even tomorrow!

Check your local base theater’s schedule for show times and special events.

Sign Up for a Theater Loyalty Program

Another great option is to sign up for theater loyalty programs. These work like other retail shopping cards: the more you go, the more points you earn and the more freebies you get. Different theater chains offer different perks, but items can include free snacks or drinks and even cheaper movie tickets.

While some theater chains only offer discounts for evening shows, other theaters might be willing to combine discounts. By going to a matinee showing in the late morning or afternoon, you might be able to save even more. For theaters that don’t double dip the discount, these early showings are usually several dollars cheaper. That makes it a smart budget choice.

No matter where you live or what movie you want to see tonight, there is probably a military discount available to you! Be sure to check around before you head out the door so that you get the best deal.

What are your tips for military savings at the movies?