Blog
The Three Military Retirement Decisions That Can’t Be Undone
Military retirement involves several important decisions that can have lasting consequences long after your service ends. We explain the three retirement choices that are difficult or impossible to reverse, how your pension, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) work together, and the key considerations to review before making these decisions.
Qualified Charitable Distributions: Giving From Your IRA the Tax-Smart Way
If you’re 70½ or older and give to charity, a Qualified Charitable Distribution lets you send money straight from your IRA to the charity. It can count toward your required minimum distribution and stays out of your taxable income. We cover the 2026 rules, a simple tax example, and how a QCD compares to giving cash or appreciated stock.
What Does SBP Actually Cost? The 6.5% Premium Explained
The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) can provide a lifetime income stream for a surviving spouse, but many retirees never look beyond the 6.5% premium often associated with the coverage. We break down how SBP premiums work, what the coverage actually costs after taxes, when premiums stop, and the key factors to consider when deciding how much coverage to elect.