Should You Stay Past 20? Military Retirement, Career Choices & Market Lessons with guest Brandon Lovingier

🎙️ Hosts

• Rob Moore
• Omen Quelvog

Episode Summary

In this episode, Rob and Omen kick off the new year with reflections on career decisions, market lessons from 2025, and a deep dive into military retirement choices. They welcome back their first-ever guest, Brandon Lovingier, for a candid conversation about the decision to stay in the military past 20 years—and what really matters when making big life changes.

Featured Guest

• Brandon Lovingier (EnlistedMoney.com)
  • Army Veteran/financial educator

Topics Covered

• New Year’s Resolutions & Quitter’s Day: How to stick with goals and why January 9th matters
• US Independence & History: Fun fact—Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784
• Market Review 2025:
  • Tariffs, volatility, and surprising returns
  • Why staying invested beats market timing
  • Sector highlights: Tech & Communications
  • The Callan Periodic Table and asset class rotation
• Military Retirement Decisions:
  • Should you stay past 20 years?
  • Financial vs. personal factors
  • The value of knowing your expenses
  • Building a “retirement to” career, not just retiring from one
  • Family conversations and impact
  • The reality of promotions, pensions, and career flexibility
• Trivia Challenge:
  • MRE favorites—Chili Mac wins!
  • Fun stories from military life

Key Takeaways

1. Past performance isn’t a predictor: Markets rarely follow forecasts; staying invested matters more than timing.
2. Career flexibility vs. financial upside: Promotions and extra years often offer less benefit than expected; retiring sooner can create more options.
3. Values first: Decisions about staying in or getting out should start with your values, purpose, and family—not just money.

CONNECT!

• Brandon Lovingier: EnlistedMoney.com
• Military Financial Advisors Association: https://militaryfinancialadvisors.org
• Book a meeting with Omen
• Book a meeting with Rob
• Email questions to: [email protected]

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Rob Moore and Omen Quelvog are registered investment advisor representatives, but are not your advisors. Consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your situation.