Show Notes: Former VA Benefit Advisor, Kathy Gonzales, shares what to expect during, and how best to prepare for, the transition-retirement process. She discusses everything from disability and education benefits, to financial planning, to TAP classes, and covers all the best resources to utilize to make the transition to civilian life as smooth as possible.

Show Links:

• Online TAP Courses and Military Life Cycle Courses

• Office of Financial Readiness (retirement calculator, find a personal financial counselor, financial courses and tools):

• Department of Veterans Affairs

• Find a Veteran Service Officer

• Team Red, White, Blue

• Team Rubicon

• National Resource Directory Resources

• State Veterans Affairs Offices

• DoD TAP

• DFAS for Retirees

• DFAS for Retirees new to Retired Pay

• Department of Labor for Veterans

• Navy Transition - Retirement Resource Guide

Show Takeaways:

• Transitioning out of or retiring from active duty can feel overwhelming, but there are lots of resources available to assist you and your family in the process.

• Transition Assistance Program classes cover finances, VA benefits, disability benefits, education benefits, employer panels, and more. This information can be accessed anytime online.

• Begin preparing for this transition early - Longevity retirees especially should begin preparing medical documentation early.

• Veteran Service Officers, VFW, American Legion and more are available to assist with filing your claims.

Let’s Connect:

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram

Sarah Hoopengardner and her family were en route to a holiday vacation when they received a call that a car had run into their home. That accident displaced them for six months, and they were forced to move from hotel to hotel, navigate the complex insurance and legal systems, and deal with the emotional toll of the accident. Sarah shares what she learned from her experience, and USNR Chaplain Sam Hatch provides resources that families can utilize when they face an unexpected emergency.

Show Links:

• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)

• Navy JAG Corps

• Military OneSource

• Fleet and Family Support Program

• Safe Military Housing Initiative

Show Takeaways:

• Unexpected emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime. The unpredictability of the military lifestyle can often compound those emergencies.

• These crises can cause financial and emotional strain. Families need to know their legal rights and how to advocate for themselves.

• Your command JAG can assist you or direct you to the correct legal resources available to help you in your unique situation.

• Do not ignore your mental health in times of crisis. Seek help from your command chaplain or other mental health resources as needed.

• Navy Marine Corp Relief Society, Fleet and Family Support Centers and more can help in times of acute financial distress.

Let’s Connect:

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram

Operation Homefront’s Ebony Strange discusses the many financial resources, family events, and special programing that Operation Homefront offers for military families, including their Holiday Meals for the Military Program. Lindsay Carstairs, winner of the Operation Homefront’s 2024 Navy Military Child of the Year Award, shares her experience as a military child and this incredible award opportunity.

Show Links:

• http://www.operationhomefront.org

Show Takeaways:

• Operation Homefront is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing relief and recurring family support programs to military families in need.

• Holiday Meals for the Military provides meals and gift cards to military families facing financial strain during the holiday season. Applications are open now!

• The Military Child of the Year Award recognizes one young person age 13-18 from every branch of services who exemplifies volunteerism, scholarship, community service and more while facing the challenges of military life. Applications are open now through December.

Let’s Connect:

• NSFL Website

• NSFL Facebook

• NSFL Instagram