As we close out the year and look ahead to what's possible, this felt like the right moment to revisit a meaningful conversation on the show. Building wealth in the military isn't about quick wins. It's about clarity, confidence, and playing the long game, even when life gets unpredictable.

Here is the encore airing of Building Wealth for Military Families with Jerry Quinn, one of my top episodes of 2025 and a powerful reminder that consistent, values-driven decisions can shape a strong financial future. A fitting note of inspiration as we head into 2026. https://milmo.co/podcast/building-wealth-for-military-families

Most of us spend years chasing success without ever stopping to ask what "living well" really means. We talk about building wealth or hitting financial milestones, but often overlook the two resources that matter most: our time and our health.

In this episode, Navy pilot Zach Rodriguez shares about how a near-fatal helicopter mishap pushed him to rethink everything from what success looks like to how we care for our bodies and our finances. Zach shares the journey that led him from aviation to helping people align their money with their well-being.

https://milmo.co/podcast/purposeful-financial-planning

For many veterans, the hardest part of leaving the military isn't the transition, it's figuring out what to do with the physical and mental wear-and-tear of service. Too many walk away without documenting injuries, without understanding the claims process, or believing they don't "deserve" benefits because someone else had it worse. But overlooking a VA disability claim can affect your health, your income, and the opportunities you.

In this episode, Jex Roach, a Marine Corps veteran, Army spouse, financial counselor, and founder of FinanciFI Coaching shares practical guidance to help veterans move from uncertainty to financial and personal stability. We talk about how VA disability really works, why the process is more legal than medical, and what to do when you receive back pay or have delays that create financial stress.

Show notes can be found here: https://milmo.co/podcast/va-disability-claim

The financial risks facing service members today look nothing like they did 10 or 15 years ago. There used to be real barriers. A literal base gate stood between you and companies that didn't have your best interests at heart. Commanders could keep bad actors out. The Department of War could set policies and say "nope, not on installations." But that world is gone.

Today, the enemy isn't standing at the gate trying to get in. The enemy is already in your pocket. It's in your phone, your apps, and the ads. It's also the algorithms, the late-night scrolling, and the "veteran-recommended" investment opportunities that sound legit but are, in most cases, not.

In this episode, I'm talking about why service members and military spouses must take ownership of their financial safety in a world where financial predators don't need physical base access anymore, and how you can build your own gate since the old one doesn't exist.

https://milmo.co/podcast/protect-your-money

Most people think about taxes one stressful season at a time, but that mindset can cost you opportunities. Especially if you're in the military, planning for early retirement, or navigating years when your income swings up and down. When you don't understand how the rules work across your whole financial life, it's easy to miss out on the strategies designed to help you keep more of what you earn.

In this episode, tax expert and financial planner Sean Mullaney breaks down the difference between annual tax prep and true lifetime tax planning. We talk about how early retirement opens unexpected tax advantages, why "the compelling three" savings tactics matter, where Roth conversions actually make sense, and when they don't. Also, how military-specific situations like pensions and combat-zone income change the equation. https://milmo.co/podcast/lifetime-tax-planning

Too many service members begin their careers already on their heels, navigating debt and financial confusion. And for many, lack of early financial readiness awareness doesn't just stress their wallets, it limits their options.

In this episode, retired Army Colonel Michael Tremblay shares what he witnessed across the full spectrum of service, from onboarding new recruits to transitioning soldiers after decades in uniform, and why financial freedom is one of the most powerful readiness tools a service member can have.

The holidays can be a special time full of connection with coworkers, friends, and family, but they can also be a season when money feels out of control. Between travel, gifts, parties, food, and "just one more present" moments, it's easy for two months of spending to undo months of progress. For many military families, the pressure hits even harder with long travel distances, family expectations, and the feeling that memories have to come at a price tag.

In this episode, I'm breaking down how to prepare for the holiday season in a way that keeps your financial goals front and center, so you can enjoy all the celebrations going into debt or starting the New Year stressed out and behind.

https://milmo.co/podcast/holiday-spending-tips

Veterans are built different. We've learned to push when others quit, to focus on the big picture instead of getting caught up in small stuff, and to adapt when things change. We've mastered discipline, resilience, and teamwork —the same qualities that drive financial success.

In this episode, I'm breaking down why veterans have what it takes to rule the world—financially speaking. Because when you combine our strengths with the resources and benefits available to us, the path to financial freedom becomes shorter, smarter, and stronger. Veterans already know how to make short-term sacrifices for the greater good, and that gives them a huge advantage in building wealth.

https://milmo.co/podcast/veterans-should-rule-the-world

In this episode, we revisit the timeless lessons from The Millionaire Next Door, how ordinary habits create extraordinary wealth, and explore the difference between managing money day to day and truly planning for the long term. Kirk also shares practical guidance on paying off debt, saving for the future, and building flexibility into your financial life, especially for military families facing uncertainty.

Kirk Kinder, Director of Financial Planning at Bastion Fiduciary, a fee-only financial planning firm built on the military ethos. Kirk's path to finance started in the U.S. Coast Guard, took a detour through The Motley Fool, and eventually led him to help others chart their financial course.

https://milmo.co/podcast/learn-from-the-millionaire-next-door

Right now, there's a lot of anxiety, confusion, and information floating around. The U.S. government has been shut down since October 1st, and we're now in the last week of the month. It's one of the longest shutdowns in modern U.S. history.

If you've been feeling uneasy or just plain tired of the uncertainty, you're not alone. It's totally normal to feel that way. But there's also good news and today, I want to help you focus on that. In this episode, I'm breaking down what's really going on with the government shutdown, what it is, why it's happening, and how it's impacting military pay and benefits.

We'll talk about what's open and what's not, what you can do if pay is delayed on November 1st, and where you can find real help right now. And because this show is all about uplifting others, not panic, I'm also sharing steps you can take to stay on track financially, protect your credit, and support one another. https://milmo.co/podcast/government-shutdown-military-pay-benefits-2025