🎙 Episode Summary

In this wide-ranging and deeply insightful conversation, John McConnell hosts David Pere, Marine Corps veteran and founder of Military to Millionaire, to discuss financial readiness, miscommunication stressors, and the practical path to wealth-building for veterans. David shares his journey from buying his first property using a VA loan to leading a nationwide Mastermind for service members and veterans seeking financial independence.

They cover strategies for transitioning from military to civilian life, how to tackle debt, smart approaches to investing in real estate, when refinancing actually makes sense, and why the Midwest may be a top pick for retirees. The episode emphasizes the long-term mindset, accountability, and spending intentionally on experience over things.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

🏠 Military to Millionaire Website:

https://www.frommilitarytomillionaire.com/

📘 The No B.S. Guide to Military Life on Amazon/Audible:

https://amzn.to/3SwfEUz

📅 Military Influencer Conference:

https://militaryinfluencer.com/

📘 Bottom Line Up Front: What You Need to Know Before You Leave the Military by John McConnell and Victor De La Flor:

https://amzn.to/43GInv4

💬 Military Retirement Group on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

🎥 YouTube Channels:

Military Retirement Podcast:

https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast

The Green Logbook:

https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook

From Military to Millionaire:

https://www.youtube.com/@Frommilitarytomillionaire

0:00 Opening quote from Marcus Aurelius

0:30 Introduction to the show & importance of communication

1:55 Miscommunication in military life and personal logistics

4:00 Stress, patience, and humility during transition periods

6:45 Civilian life lacks military’s support systems

8:10 Facebook group for military retirement support

9:10 Military Influencer Conference details

13:15 Introduction of guest: David Pere

15:00 From military service to real estate investor

16:00 Why “get-rich-quick” is a myth and the power of compounding

19:00 Using the VA loan for house-hacking (duplex/4-plex strategy)

23:30 Shifting from scarcity to wealth-building mindset

26:00 Paying off credit card debt vs. investing

30:50 Evaluating ROI of debt payoff vs. investments

35:00 When to invest and building a post-military financial runway

37:00 Budgeting: track spending and cut unnecessary costs

41:00 Spending on experiences vs. stuff (popcorn at home vs. theater)

46:00 Overview of David’s Mastermind and philosophy on money

48:00 Hot topic: Should you refinance your mortgage right now?

53:00 Choose investment strategy that fits your life goals

54:30 David's recommendation: House hacking, investing early

56:00 Signs of market shifts: auto industry as a bellwether

1:02:00 Best low-cost-of-living states for veterans

1:07:00 Missouri as an example of affordable living

1:11:00 Closing thoughts and how to connect with David