Military Retirement Blog

Expert advice for transitioning service members

Ready to Calculate Your Civilian Salary?

See what you need to earn based on your retirement pay and VA benefits

NEW 📅 January 8, 2026 • 25 min read

The 20-Year vs 30-Year Decision: Complete Financial Analysis of Staying Past 20

Should you retire at 20 years or stay to 30? Comprehensive 2026 financial analysis with corrected pay data, pension calculations, TSP growth projections, opportunity costs, break-even analysis, and decision framework. Includes visual infographics and real-world case studies.

Read more → Career Planning Financial Analysis 2026 Data

📅 January 6, 2026 • 18 min read

TSP Roth Conversions + CZTE: Build $1M+ in Tax-Free Retirement Wealth

Starting Jan 28, 2026, TSP allows Roth in-plan conversions. Combined with Combat Zone Tax Exclusion, service members can build $80k+ in tax-free accounts in one deployment year—potentially growing to $1.3M+ over 30 years. Complete strategy guide with infographics.

Read more → TSP Strategy Deployment Finance Tax-Free Wealth

📅 January 5, 2026 • 12 min read

Free ChatGPT Plus for Veterans: How to Use AI to Ace Your Military-to-Civilian Transition

Transitioning servicemembers get ChatGPT Plus free for 1 year ($240 value). Learn exactly how to use AI for resume writing, interview prep, VA benefits navigation, and landing your dream civilian job with real examples.

Read more → Transition Free Resource Career

📅 January 4, 2026 • 8 min read

2026 Military Retirement & VA Disability Rates: Complete Guide with COLA Increases

Complete breakdown of 2026 military retirement pay (3.8% increase) and VA disability rates (2.8% COLA). See real examples of how much more you'll earn in 2026, plus state tax impacts on your retirement income.

Understanding Your Military Retirement Pay: High-3 vs BRS

Learn the key differences between the High-3 and Blended Retirement System (BRS) and how to maximize your military pension benefits.

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