Introduction: The Value of Being Financially Prepared

	A Note to Veterans
	While this publication was written for servicemembers on active duty, the need to be financially prepared doesn’t end when active duty ends—veterans need to prepare for life changes as well. The rights and benefits that serve veterans’ financial well-being are well documented. Please visit these organizations to get information on financial education tools, financial rights and benefits for veterans: Wounded Warrior Project U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans of Foreign Wars

A life in the military means a life of change—including changes in duty stations and deployments around the world. This life of moves can be a positive experience—for you and for your spouse and children. Moves can provide unique opportunities for a broadening of perspectives as well as career and personal enrichment. Deployments, too, can be positive. Many servicemembers view deployment as a meaningful way to fulfill their duty to the nation.

Of course, a life of moves also can be stressful. “Pulling up roots” isn’t easy and it can be expensive. The difference between a painful move and a positive one often depends on your family’s level of readiness—especially financial readiness.

To help you and your family financially prepare for moves or deployments, the National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®), the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, and the National Military Family Association have joined forces to bring you a new version of this popular publication, updated to reflect the military’s changing mission. Its purpose is to help you “bank” on a life of changes—because, so often, what we have in the bank and in investments will determine whether change is met with welcome or with dread.

Much of this publication is written for active duty servicemembers, married or single, with children. The first chapter contains information for active duty servicemembers on deployment and for National Guard and Reserve members called to active duty. The final chapter on investing may be helpful to all servicemembers. If you are married, we urge you to share this publication with your spouse and discuss the financial steps you can take—together or separately—to prepare for deployment or to move to the next permanent change of station. We also urge you to include your children in some of the age-appropriate financial discussions and decision making. Talking openly with them about money will provide valuable information they can use throughout their lives.

The National Endowment for Financial Education, the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, and the National Military Family Association are honored to make this publication available to you. We understand that your commitment to our nation’s defense is not based on financial motives. Knowing your family’s financial needs have been addressed can eliminate worry and enable you to focus on your mission. In short, your financial preparedness has an affect on military readiness—and can lay a solid groundwork for your future.