Hi Reader,

You're one year out from hanging up the uniform. The LinkedIn retirement post is already drafted. Your team knows where you're going fishing and what Netflix shows you're going to watch. Your Alabama college sweetheart has already planned the "honey-do" list.

Now come the decisions. The TSP hit a million two years after the Colonel promotion. You're still uncertain if you have the right mix of funds. And not quite sure how the L-fund 2030 fits with the others.

Is it too conservative? Too risky? You took calculated risks on the battlefield, but finances are a different ballgame

Maybe you have it all figured out. I mean, Google Gemini recommended only minor changes. You're still not sure, though. Who can you trust now that you're almost out of the Army? You don't want to mess this up.

What carries over

The military paycheck provides consistency. Consistency is one of the keys to building wealth. After serving two or even three decades, the paycheck continues as a military pension.

Service members have access to solid healthcare coverage through TRICARE and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Fidelity Investments has performed extensive research on the cost of healthcare during retirement. It's not a small number.

The VA Home Loan provides a solid lending option for military retirees to purchase their "forever" home. With home prices rising across much of the United States, this benefit is even more valuable. The VA Home Loan offers veterans features that help them buy a home in the community of their choice.

What doesn't carry over

The support system of military leaders, civilians, and battle buddies right by your side. They're out of the picture. What do you do if you have a problem you don't understand? You might have to research it yourself or call an (800) number. But that can be a pain in the rear.

You probably had group life insurance under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Was that enough for you? Do you know the fine print of a Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) policy? Do I need term life insurance to supplement the VGLI? These questions just scratch the surface of life insurance coverage for military retirees.

The Thrift Savings Plan provided a reliable vehicle for accumulation. Set it and forget it. But wait, what was my investment allocation? What do you mean, "investment allocation"? I rest my point, Your Honor.

We talked about healthcare. What about estate planning? Yeah, estate planning is for everyone, not just the uber-wealthy. If you're not familiar with estate planning, it may be worth talking with a military-focused financial planner. Don't wait until the last minute. It may be too late.

That's why I write Exponential Purpose

That's why I write Exponential Purpose. Not to give investment recommendations through a newsletter. I want to share my expertise as a Certified Financial Planner® and founder of Exponential Advisors. We use a disciplined process to help military leaders invest their money in low-cost, diversified portfolios. We build mission-ready financial plans for military leaders.

Schedule a time to talk with a military professional here: https://calendly.com/josh-exponentialadvisors/veteran-mission-alignment.