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The blended retirement system: keys to your decision
The Department of Defense is introducing a new system to help service members save for retirement in January 2018. Simply put, the Blended Retirement System (BRS) is a combination of the legacy retirement system (income for life) and defined contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Depending on how long you’ve served, you may have…
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Start the fiscal year with an active office
Boilerplate: This story is presented by VARIDESK, a workspace innovation company with a mission to create and equip their customers with the full office solutions they need to establish an active workspace that encourages creativity, collaboration and entrepreneurship. As a leader in the height-adjustable desk space, VARIDESK allows people to work sitting or standing, which…
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Paying college tuition and tackling student loan debt
A college degree can unlock a world of job opportunities. In fact, many employers look for college-educated workers. But financing a college education and tackling student loan debt is an issue facing many Americans today, including servicemembers and their families. According to the Debt.org, student loan debt is up to $1.4 trillion, which even exceeds…
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Home buying: The mortgage process
If you’re like a lot of people, 2017 may be the year you trade in renting for home ownership. For most of us, buying a home is the largest purchase we’ll ever make. Like any important military mission, if you do your homework and work with the right people, the home-buying process can be a…
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A military leader on why collaboration matters
Collaboration. It’s important ingredient in successful teams: teams on the court, teams in battle, teams in the business world. Collaboration is also a critical ingredient for success in the classroom. If you’re considering a return to school to upgrade your skills for a transition to civilian life, pay close attention to face-to-face networking opportunities, especially…
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6 Days of Saving: Supporting Military Savers
Each year, we recognize Military Saves Week to promote good money management and savings habits for those who serve. It’s our way of helping raise awareness of the importance of paying yourself first. Servicemembers and their families are always hard at work, protecting and serving the nation, so it’s understandable that saving isn’t always top…
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Why accounting might just be the perfect career
For those in the military, or for those transitioning to civilian life, or for veterans, a “perfect career” might mean bringing the powerful leadership skills they learned through military training to the business world. Keen insight, a strategic mindset, teamwork, attention to detail, a strong work ethic — companies are looking for these skills, skills…
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Paying off debt: A credit card expert’s guide to balance transfers
New year, new financial you? Almost everyone sets new resolutions on January 1, but that’s the easy part. Your resolutions might be job related, like scoring higher on your PT test. Or maybe it’s financial, like staying within budget and paying down debt. When it comes to debt, have no fear – there are great…
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Get ahead with your savings in 2017
It’s that time of year –- the holidays have taken their toll, and many of us are feeling frozen when it comes to building our savings. If gift-giving and celebrations are leaving you in a financial void, you might be asking yourself: “Is the new year the right time to start saving?” Fortunately, a skill…
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The Exchange: We go where you go
Deployments are demanding on soldiers, airmen and their families, especially during the holidays. At the Exchange, we bring a taste of home to our men and women in uniform who are serving our nation, many times in desolate and dangerous locations far from family and friends. Since 9/11, nearly 4,500 Exchange associates have voluntarily deployed…
