In this episode of The Military Wallet, host Ryan Guina sits down with Heather Campbell to tackle a vital yet deeply misunderstood issue within our community: military food insecurity.

Heather Campbell is an active-duty Air Force spouse, registered dietitian, and an "accidental advocate" who has become a leading subject matter expert on this hidden challenge. Heather bravely shares her personal story of navigating immense financial stress and rigid program eligibility requirements as an officer family in remote Alaska.

Despite having degrees in finance and nutrition, her family still fell through the system's cracks. This highlights a sobering truth: military food insecurity isn't about budgeting failures or lack of character. It's a widespread, systemic economic challenge. In fact, research shows that nearly one in four military families struggle to consistently put food on the table.

We break down the unique causal factors, including spouse unemployment, unexpected PCS move expenses, and the flaws in how BAS and BAH allowances are calculated. Tune in to learn how we can better support our warfighters, remove the stigma around seeking help, and empower families with practical solutions.

For more information, check out ⁠TheMilitaryWallet.com

Connect with Heather Campbell:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherscampbell/⁠

Website: ⁠https://in-dependent.org/fuel-the-homefront/

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0:00 Intro

0:10 Meet Heather Campbell

1:45 How Heather became an "accidental advocate"

8:39 Defining food insecurity

12:32 Who is impacted

15:30 Causal factors

19:36 Misconceptions about military pay

25:35 Psychological barriers to seeking help

30:05 Practical solutions

41:09 Calls to action & resources

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#MilitaryPay #MilitaryFamilies #FoodInsecurity

In this episode of the Military Wallet podcast, host Ryan Guina and guest Kayla Corbitt tackle the massive, complex challenge of finding safe, affordable, and reliable childcare for military families.

Kayla, founder of Operation Childcare Project, shares her expertise on navigating Department of Defense programs like CDC and FCC, as well as civilian assistance programs.

Discover the crucial differences between installation-based care and off-base options, how priority systems work, and the reality of fee assistance wait times. Learn why a 'menu' approach to childcare is essential, leveraging everything from family and friends to non-traditional care.

Kayla provides actionable advice on vetting providers, safety planning for deployments and shift work, and utilizing resources like the Dependent Care Flex Spending Account.

This conversation highlights childcare not just as a family issue, but a critical readiness and retention factor for the entire military community. Check out occproject.org for free case management and helpful calculators.

For more information, check out ⁠TheMilitaryWallet.com

Connect with Kayla Corbitt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylacorbitt/

Website: https://www.occproject.org/

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0:00 Intro

0:10 The Mission

1:12 Operation Child Care Project overview

3:04 Kayla's origin story & motivation

7:38 Overview of military childcare programs

8:46 DoD vs. civilian-operated programs

10:14 Fee assistance program (MMYN)

13:40 Child care in your home program (CCH)

16:36 Pros and cons of different care options

23:54 Vetting providers and safety

28:26 Handling unpredictable schedules

31:53 Handling deployments and TDY

38:22 Affordability, subsidies & tax benefits

44:12 Services offered by Operation Child Care Project

48:07 Gaps and hopes for the future

52:45 Connecting with Operation Child Care Project

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#MilitaryFinance #FinancialIndependence #MilitaryFamilies

Transitioning from the military is one of the biggest challenges a veteran will face. In this episode, host Ryan Guina, sits down with 10-year Army veteran and career coach Jacob Mousseau, and breaks down the "Swiss Army Knife" mistake most veterans make and how to build a 90-day action plan that actually lands you a job you love.

Whether you are 6 months out or have been out for 10 years and feel stuck, this career strategy session covers everything from identifying your core values to using AI for interview prep and salary negotiation. Jacob shares his own "unexpected" transition story and the exact framework he uses to help veterans move from survival mode to a thriving civilian career.

Stop guessing your way through the military-to-civilian transition. Learn how to frame your military experience as a product, master the "Tell me about yourself" question, and negotiate the salary you deserve.

For more information, check out ⁠TheMilitaryWallet.com

Connect with Jacob Mousseau:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobmousseau/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontlineCareerStrategy

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00:00 Intro

00:10 Introduction to Jacob Mousseau & Veteran Transitions

00:41 Jacob’s 10-Year Army Story & Unexpected Transition

05:59 The #1 Struggle for Transitioning Service Members

07:34 Stop Being a "Swiss Army Knife" (The Specialist Secret)

11:34 Why Values & Geography Matter More Than Your Resume

25:32 The 90-Day Veteran Career Action Plan

30:24 How to Use AI for Career Research & Interview Prep

36:57 Mastering the "Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Question

43:28 Salary Negotiation & Total Rewards for Veterans

54:03 Where to Find Jacob (Frontline Career Strategy)

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#militarytransition #veteranjobs #careercoaching

When a service member passes away, the grief is overwhelming, but the financial "what now" starts almost immediately. In this episode, host Ryan Guina sits down with Krista Simpson Anderson, founder of The Unquiet Professional, to discuss the reality of navigating life after loss in the military.

Krista shares her personal journey following the loss of her husband, Green Beret Staff Sgt. Michael Simpson, and breaks down the critical benefits every spouse needs to understand. From the immediate $100,000 Death Gratuity and SGLI to long-term support like the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), this conversation is a roadmap for the "unknown unknowns" of military survival.

We also dive into the "Heart Act", a massive financial benefit many survivors miss, and the impact of the remarriage penalty on benefits like TRICARE and the Fry Scholarship. Whether you are active duty, a veteran, or a surviving spouse, this episode provides the clarity and community support needed to protect your family's future.

For more information, check out ⁠TheMilitaryWallet.com

Connect with The Unquiet Professional:

Website: TheUnquietProfessional.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnquietProfessional

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunquietprofessional/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theunquietprofessional/

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0:00 Intro

0:10 Meet Krista & The Unquiet Professional

1:30 Mike's legacy - why the organization was born

2:35 The Unquiet Professional

4:44 The day everything changed

5:41 How the military handles family travel

7:30 The role of nonprofits

8:46 The financial reality of the first 72 hours

10:13 The DD93 warning

11:30 How death gratuity is paid and what it's for

13:15 The danger of outdated forms

14:37 The PAD (Person Assigned Disposition)

17:00 Estate planning

18:08 Navigating life as a survivor

21:04 Understanding the 55% Survivor Benefit Plan

21:40 DIC explained

22:20 Line of duty investigations

24:20 The HEART Act

27:35 The Fry scholarship

28:35 The remarriage penalty

30:30 The Love Lives On Act

35:35 Rebuilding your community when the "unit" moves on

39:30 Putting the pieces back together

43:00 Transitioning from military life to civilian life

47:48 Organizing identity, health, legal & vehicle docs

52:00 The importance of a shared password manager

55:41 Connect with the Unquiet Professional

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#MilitaryBenefits #SurvivorBenefits #TheMilitaryWallet

Join us for a profound conversation with Ryan Guina and Jennifer Barnhill, a journalist, researcher, and author of "Military Stories You’ve Been Told and The Ones You Need to Hear". Jennifer peels back the "pink camouflage" to reveal the raw, often overlooked experiences of military families.

From the personal sacrifices of career gaps and underemployment to the "wicked problem" of frequent PCS moves, she highlights why 30% of working-age spouses have been pushed out of the workforce entirely. Jennifer dives deep into the unspoken expectations placed on spouses as their partners rise in rank and shares the moving history of advocacy, from the fight against the "widow’s tax" to current efforts allowing survivors to remarry without losing benefits.

This isn't just a discussion about policy; it's a "love letter" to the community and a call to action for better understanding. Learn why the true makeup of military life is rarely reflected in the media and how we can foster deeper connections by listening to the stories that actually matter.

Connect with Jennifer: Find her book on Amazon, Bookshop, or Barnes & Noble, and follow her journey on LinkedIn.

For more information, check out TheMilitaryWallet.com

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0:00 Intro

0:22 Jennifer explains why she wrote her book

1:10 Jennifer's background

2:28 Love letter

3:44 Expectations for military spouses

4:25 Pink camouflage books

6:04 When spouses step up

6:53 The 1988 Air Force policy change

9:36 The wicked problem

11:17 Research from IVMF

12:36 Military spouse unemployment

14:11 Solutions for spousal employment

16:00 Positive trends of states

18:22 Theresa Jones' story

19:21 SBPDIC (the widow tax)

21:47 Call to action

25:45 Recap

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#MilitarySpouses #VeteranFamilies #JenniferBarnhill

Once you’ve organized your finances and tackled debt, the next step is building long-term wealth through investing. But with so many options and strategies, it can be hard to know where to start.

In this episode of The Military Wallet, Ryan Guina sits down with Mike Hunsberger to introduce the fundamentals of investing — from brokerage accounts to employer-sponsored plans and the Thrift Savings Plan — and how to use them to achieve your financial goals.

From understanding different account types to choosing the right investment strategies, this conversation breaks down investing 101 for service members and veterans, showing you how to grow your money over time while staying aligned with your long-term financial plan.

Whether you’re new to investing or just looking to refine your strategy, this episode explains how to take control of your future and make smart, informed decisions with your money.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Different investment options and how they work
• How brokerage and taxable accounts differ
• Whether you can have multiple investment accounts
• Employer-sponsored accounts and how to maximize them
• How the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) works for service members
• Lifecycle funds and how they simplify investing
• How to coordinate TSP with other investments
• The differences between Roth and traditional accounts
• How to determine the right percentage of income to invest
• Strategies for long-term financial growth and wealth building

⏱️ Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction
Overview of long-term savings and investing basics.

00:27 – Different Options for Investing
Exploring the main types of investment accounts.

02:35 – Brokerage Accounts
What they are and how to use them.

07:23 – Taxable Accounts
Advantages, limitations, and strategies.

09:05 – Can You Have More Than One?
How multiple accounts work together.

10:50 – Employer Investment Accounts
Maximizing contributions and benefits.

12:49 – Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Basics of the TSP for service members.

16:32 – Lifecycle Funds
How target-date funds simplify investing.

20:39 – Coordinating TSP With Other Investments
Strategies for balance and growth.

23:00 – Roth vs. Traditional Accounts
Key differences and tax implications.

26:36 – TSP Explained in More Detail
Advanced tips for managing TSP funds.

29:10 – How Much to Invest
Determining the right percentage of income.

33:35 – Recap
Key takeaways and final advice.

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

• Active-duty service members planning for long-term wealth
• Veterans looking to start or optimize investing
• Beginners seeking foundational investing knowledge
• Anyone transitioning from budgeting and debt repayment to growth
• Individuals wanting a strategic approach to financial planning

Managing your money doesn’t have to be complicated — but without a clear plan, it’s easy to fall into debt, miss savings goals, or feel like you’re always behind financially.

In this episode of The Military Wallet, Ryan Guina sits down with Mike Hunsberger to break down the fundamentals of personal finance — starting with one of the most important skills you can build: budgeting.

From building an emergency fund to reducing debt and making smart decisions with extra cash, this conversation simplifies the core principles of financial stability and shows you how to take control of your money with confidence.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your financial habits, this episode explains how to create a practical plan that supports both short-term needs and long-term goals.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why budgeting is the foundation of financial success
• How to build and prioritize an emergency fund
• How net worth fits into your overall financial plan
• Strategies for paying down debt effectively
• How to decide where your money should go each month
• What to do with extra cash once your basics are covered
• How to balance saving, spending, and investing
• Common budgeting mistakes to avoid
• How to build sustainable financial habits
• Why consistency matters more than perfection

⏱️ Episode Timeline

00:00 – IntroductionOverview of budgeting and personal finance basics.

00:32 – Why Budgeting Matters
How a plan for your money impacts your financial future.

03:50 – Emergency Fund Basics
How much you should save and why it’s important.

07:00 – Net Worth & Financial Planning
How to measure and track your progress.

10:00 – Debt Reduction Strategies
How to approach paying off debt effectively.

14:25 – What to Do With Extra Cash
Smart ways to allocate surplus income.

18:00 – Recap
Key takeaways and final advice.

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

• Service members building a financial foundation
• Veterans working to improve money management
• Anyone struggling with budgeting or debt
• Beginners looking to understand personal finance basics
• Individuals wanting a simple, practical financial plan

Life insurance isn’t something most people want to think about — but for military families, having the right coverage can make the difference between financial security and long-term hardship.

In this episode of The Military Wallet, Ryan Guina sits down with Chad Armstrong to break down how life insurance fits into a complete financial plan — and what service members need to know about protecting their families both during and after military service.

From understanding SGLI and VGLI to comparing term and whole life insurance, this conversation explains how to choose the right coverage, avoid costly gaps, and make decisions that support your family’s long-term financial future.

Whether you’re currently serving, transitioning out of the military, or simply reviewing your financial plan, this episode explains how to make smarter life insurance decisions — and why waiting too long can come with serious consequences.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why life insurance is a critical part of financial planning
• How Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) works
• What Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) offers after service
• Key differences between SGLI and VGLI
• How to calculate how much life insurance coverage you need
• Why maintaining continuous coverage is so important
• The pros and cons of term life vs. whole life insurance
• When term life insurance may be the better option
• Common mistakes military families make with life insurance
• Real-world consequences of inadequate coverage
• How to align your insurance with long-term financial goals

⏱️ Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction
Overview of life insurance and why it matters for military families.

00:45 – SGLI, VGLI & Other Options
Breaking down military-specific life insurance programs.

04:44 – How Much Coverage Do You Need?
Strategies to calculate the right amount.

07:11 – Avoiding Coverage Gaps
Why letting insurance lapse can be costly.

11:33 – SGLI vs. VGLI
Key differences and when each applies.

17:15 – A Real-Life Story
The emotional and financial impact of inadequate planning.

23:00 – Term Life vs. Whole Life
When term life may be the smarter choice.

27:48 – Recap
Key takeaways and final advice.

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

• Active-duty service members reviewing their benefits
• Veterans transitioning out of the military
• Military families focused on financial protection
• Anyone deciding between term and whole life insurance
• Those building a long-term financial plan

Saving, and planning for your financial future can get complicated fast — but deployments add an entirely new layer of tax rules, benefits, and opportunities most service members don’t fully understand.

In this episode of The Military Wallet, Ryan Guina sits down with Mary Armstrong to break down the key financial and tax strategies every military member should know before, during, and after deployment.

From tax exemptions and IRS extensions to retirement planning with the Thrift Savings Plan, this conversation explains how to take full advantage of military-specific benefits — while avoiding costly tax mistakes that could impact your long-term financial goals.

Whether you’re preparing for deployment, currently serving overseas, or planning ahead for your financial future, this episode explains how to stay compliant, maximize your benefits, and make smarter decisions with your money.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How military tax exemptions work during deployment
• What income may qualify for tax-free status
• Key IRS extensions available to deployed service members
• How the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) fits into your strategy
• The difference between Roth and traditional TSP contributions
• How deployment impacts your tax filing requirements
• Smart tax planning strategies before and after deployment
• Available financial resources for veterans and service members
• How to avoid common tax mistakes during active duty
• Why proactive planning can improve long-term financial outcomes

⏱️ Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction
Overview of deployment-related financial planning topics.

00:40 – Veteran Tax Exemptions
Which income may be tax-free and how exemptions apply.

03:50 – Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
How TSP works and why it matters during service.

05:18 – Roth vs. TSP
Key differences and when each strategy makes sense.

09:30 – Deployment and Taxes
How deployment affects filing, deadlines, and obligations.

13:24 – Resources for Veterans
Tools and support available for financial guidance.

16:11 – Recap
Key takeaways and final advice.

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

• Active-duty service members preparing for deployment
• Military members currently deployed overseas
• Service members planning their tax strategy
• Anyone using or considering the Thrift Savings Plan
• Veterans looking to better understand military tax benefits

Many veterans believe the VA home loan is a one-time benefit — use it once and it’s gone forever. That’s one of the most common (and costly) VA loan myths.

In this episode of The Military Wallet, Ryan Guina is joined by Ryan Bell, a VA loan expert with more than 20 years of experience and a former Army National Guard member, to explain how the VA loan really works — and how veterans can use it multiple times over a lifetime.

They break down entitlement restoration, second-tier entitlement, renting out a VA-financed home, and what happens if a veteran ever defaults on a VA loan. If you’re PCS’ing, retiring, downsizing, or building a rental portfolio, this episode explains what’s possible — and what’s not — when it comes to reusing your VA benefit.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why the VA loan is a lifetime benefit, not a one-time perk
• How selling a VA-financed home fully restores your entitlement
• How many times you can use your VA loan (hint: there’s no limit)
• What second-tier entitlement is and how it works
• How to buy a new home while keeping your old VA home as a rental
• Why VA loans must always be used for a primary residence
• Common misunderstandings about vacation homes and VA loans
• What happens to your VA benefit after a foreclosure or default
• How to find lenders who understand second-tier entitlement
• When it makes sense to use VA financing vs. conventional loans

⏱️ Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction
Ryan welcomes VA loan expert Ryan Bell.

00:31 – Is the VA Loan a Lifetime Benefit?
Why you never “use it up” permanently.

01:13 – How Many Times Can You Use a VA Loan?
Why there’s no usage limit.

02:27 – What Is Remaining Entitlement?
How partial entitlement works.

03:26 – Second-Tier Entitlement Explained
Buying another home without selling the first.

04:32 – Why Some Lenders Say “No” (Incorrectly)
The importance of VA-experienced lenders.

04:51 – Primary Residence Rules
Why VA loans can’t be used for vacation homes.

06:18 – Turning a VA Home Into a Rental
How PCS moves make this possible.

07:06 – Snowbirds, Retirees & Dual Residences
When VA loans can still work.

08:55 – What Happens After a Default or Foreclosure
Why your benefit may not be gone forever.

10:08 – VA Loan Scenarios Recap
How veterans can safely reuse their benefit.

11:29 – Final Advice
Why every veteran should understand their entitlement.

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

• Veterans who think they already “used up” their VA loan
• Active-duty members facing a PCS
• Military retirees planning their next home
• Veterans interested in rental properties
• Anyone confused about VA loan entitlement