5 Future Planning Tips For Veterans

Financial stability should be a priority for any individual, including veterans. There are many considerations to keep in mind in ensuring that your finances are always on track. It could mean considering your savings, insurance, and preparation for future expenses. The same goes for veterans who are seeking financial security.

Fortunately, veterans have several options and programs to help them maintain their finances on track. If you are a veteran, here are several valuable tips for establishing solid and lasting financial stability.

• Take Advantage Of A Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan  

For military veterans planning to buy a home, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans are the most cost-effective mortgage program worth considering.  It’s a mortgage that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs program offers. The government-backed loan comes with significant financial benefits, including the ability to purchase with no down payment and out-of-pocket costs. You can check out Security America Mortgage and other similar sources online to ensure a good start in applying for a VA loan.   

A VA loan has its share of advantages. Aside from not requiring a down payment, the rate is another notable advantage of a VA loan since it’s considered the lowest rate on the market. VA loans are supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, allowing lenders to provide favorable rates even to those who can’t maintain good credit. Therefore, it doesn’t cause much strain on your current and future finances.

• Keep Track Of Your Expenses  

One of the important considerations if you want to keep your finances stable is to monitor all expenses routinely. Remember that it’s best to know where your money goes each month, particularly if you feel short as the month is about to end.

The ideal approach is to list all expenses for the month and designate your top priorities. Determining unnecessary costs can help you set aside savings for emergencies. It’s best to take care of this as early as possible to avoid financial complications, especially when emergencies arise.

Additionally, setting your finances on the right track will help you prepare for retirement. If you intend to live out your retirement years comfortably and want to find the ideal retirement home, having adequate finances will help you achieve it without any hassle.  

• Establish An Emergency Savings  

An emergency fund will come in handy if emergencies happen when you least expect them. That’s why it is recommended to establish your emergency fund earlier to help you go through life easily.  

As mentioned, keeping track of your expenses and setting priorities will be the basis for establishing your emergency fund. You must set aside emergency savings to avoid putting yourself at risk for debt, especially if major life events occur.  

Generally, the emergency savings you’ll set aside will vary, but it may be best to save at least three to six month’s-worth of expenses. Setting aside a small amount every month is a good start. You can steadily raise the amount you set aside as your financial situation improves. 

• Maintain A Good Credit Standing  

Keeping your financial standing in good order will also require you to monitor your credit report. Carefully review your credit report each year to ensure there are no errors.

There are ways to maintain good credit, such as making timely payments on your debt, paying your debt in full each month, and using only a small amount of your credit limit. Maintaining a good credit score allows you to enjoy low-interest rates on home or auto loans, allowing you to save money in the long run. 

Remember that building up credit card debt and spending money you don’t have can put you at risk of going down an unstable path. Therefore, it may be best to only use your credit if you’re facing an emergency. 

• Watch Out For Scammers Targeting Veterans  

Scams can happen, and veterans often fall victim to financial fraud. Sadly, the number of scams preying on veterans is growing, and it’s crucial to be careful in keeping your finances safe.  

Nowadays, several scams solely target veterans. For example, a scam involves updating your military record. A caller claims to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs and requests to update data, but the main objective is to obtain personal information. If you don’t want to be a victim of this scam, avoid sharing your personal information, especially banking details. It would be best if you also verified the identity of the caller. 

Also, be cautious of identity theft because it may be detrimental to your finances. It happens when someone tries to obtain your personal information to gain access to your accounts. Some ways to lower identity theft risk involve avoiding giving personal details if you receive phone calls, texts, or emails from a government agency you find suspicious and making all your social media accounts private. 

Final Thoughts  

For a veteran, establishing financial stability after years in the military is a priority. As one starts to transition to civilian life, considering several insightful tips when planning for the future of your finances is the key to maintaining financial stability. Making the right financial decisions will ensure you’re ready for emergencies and make retirement as stress-free as possible.