In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Brandon Lovingier about financial readiness, financial health, and tips to become financially independent. As the host of his own website and video series, Enlisted Money, Brandon brings a fresh perspective to all servicemembers, veterans, and family members who are looking to do better with their own finances. He also holds designations as a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and a Military Qualified Financial Planner (MQFP®), underscoring his capabilities and credibility. His best piece of advice: just get started. Check out his webpage to access resources that will help your own journey toward financial independence.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

• https://enlistedmoney.com/ 

• Get Started on Your Enlisted Financial Freedom Journey

• My Favorite Financial Tradition: Money Day!

• Building My Military Retirement Off-Ramp

• Enlisted Money Resources

Connect with our Brandon on Instagram (@enlistedmoneyguy).

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Melissa Comeau, spouse of a US Marine who was injured and ultimately medically retired several years ahead of their planned separation. Melissa discusses the impacts of a sudden and unplanned separation, covering topics such as finances, spouse employment and what it takes to face the unknown as a caregiver to a wounded service member. Melissa currently works for the American Red Cross, where she acts as the Service to the Armed Forces Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, and one of her biggest takeaways from this episode is that “everything is figureoutable.”

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

• Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network

• Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Hidden Heroes

• Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers

• Wounded Warrior Project

• Hire Heroes USA

• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

• US Department of Veterans Affairs

• US Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program

Connect with Melissa Comeau on LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia speak with Pat Williams, Program Director, Engagement and Career Transition Services, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), about effectively building a post-service resume. Pat also provides some helpful tips and advice on successful interviews in the civilian sector, how networking plays into fruitful job searches and interviews, and why LinkedIn is such a powerful tool as a professional. Pat spent 35 years in the US Navy, where her career was steeped in both the financial management and human resources fields.

Below is a link to MOAA’s event page where you can connect directly with Pat and her team and have your resume and LinkedIn profile reviewed:
Military Officers Association of America Events

MOAA Career Networking Group on LinkedIn

American Corporate Partners

Hiring our HeroesLinkedIn Veteran Mentor Network

Connect with Pat Williams LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal\ perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia chat with Hana Romer, a Marine Corps veteran and military spouse. We discuss Hana’s journey with mental health, both during her time on active duty and following her transition out of uniform after 10 years of service. We also unpack barriers to mental health access, real and perceived, and talk strategies on how to get out of your own way when it comes to taking care of your mental health.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

MilitaryOneSource

Make the Connection
Veterans Crisis Line (or dial 988 and press 1)

VA Mental Health

TRICARE Mental Health Information

Connect with Hana on LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or anyaffiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia speak with their friend Ramón “CZ” Colón-López about how to leverage your influence in the next chapter of life following military service. CZ was the fourth Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) and retired in November 2023 after serving 33 years in the Air Force. As SEAC, CZ held the highest enlisted rank in the military and was the first Airman to do so. During this episode, CZ shares his vast experience as a leader, how that experience influenced his own life, and the how he leverages those experience as he engages with others today. CZ’s current job as a private consultant/business strategist gives him the flexibility to enjoy his retired life while remaining involved in the military and veteran communities he loves.

Below is the link to CZ’s book that we mentioned during the show:

Scarlett's Big Shot: Turning Setback Into Success: Life Lessons on Resilience, Perseverance, and Optimism on Amazon

Connect with Ramón “CZ” Colón-López on LinkedIn.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on the Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia are joined by John Hooley, where we explore military transition into corporate America. John, who mentored Ian through American Corporate Partners, discusses the attributes and unique talents service members bring to civilian companies and how to best be postured for success in the next career. One particularthing to consider is the use of one or more transition readiness programs. Although not all were mentioned specifically on the show, several of them are linked below.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

American Corporate Partners

FourBlock

Hiring Our Heroes

DoD Transition Assistance Program

DoD SkillBridge Program

Connect with John on LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Episode 8 – Transition and Family

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia have a conversation about their family’s military transition withtheir daughters, McKenzie (22) and Mina (20), both of whom are college students. McKenzie is in her fourth year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is in Air Force ROTC. She will be graduating in May withher degree in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Russian and Eurasian Studies. Mina is in her second year at the University of Virginia (UVA) and is pursuing a Studio Art major with a minor in Psychology. The girls share their perspectives as military kids and how they’ve navigated their dad’s transition to veteran/retiree life.

Connect with our guests on LinkedIn:

·   McKenzie Dinesen - LinkedIn

·    Mina Dinesen - LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarilyreflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with Jerry Quinn, Chief Operating Officer at the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA), where we explore the ins and outs of life insurance needs during transition. Although not a sexy topic, life insurance (otherwise known as death insurance – not really!) becomes a necessary discussion during military transition where there is no longer coverage under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI). What do you do? What do you need? Who do you ask and trust? Jerry, Ian and Andia have an in-depth conversation about the military family’s needs for life insurance planning and what considerations are at play throughout one’s lifetime. 

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

American Armed Forces Mutual AidAssociation (AAFMAA)

AAFMAA’sLearning Hub

Connect with Jerry on LinkedIn

Bonus Episode 1 – Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)

In this bonus episode of The Next Tour, Ian interviews Andia about a program that she helps manage through the Association of Military Banks of America called the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP). She explains the program origins, program eligibility requirements, how to find a participating financial institution, how to receive free financial and credit counseling, and how to improve financial health.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

Veterans Benefits Banking Program

VetCents.org

Association of Military Banks of America

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Benefits Administration

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or anyaffiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Episode 6 – Transition and Military Spouse Employment  

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia meet with Andrea Singsaas. Andrea is the founder and CEO of The TyneGroup, an executive coaching practice dedicated to helping leaders navigate growth and change through one-on-one coaching and public speaking. As a military spouse of 9.5 years, Andrea has navigated her own challenges with underemployment and unemployment and turned those challenges into opportunities. Learn about Andrea’s employment tips and resources for military spouses and transitioning service members alike.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

The Tyne Group

D’Anniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)– Syracuse University

Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE)

MyCAA: Scholarship for Military Spouses

SECO and MSEP (Spouse Education and Career Opportunities and Military Spouse Employment Partnership)

National Military Family Association Scholarships

Military Officers Association of America Scholarships – MOAA scholarships are for children of servicemembers – not spouses – but still a great resource!

Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or anyaffiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.