New to the military and struggling with money? In Mission: Financial Freedom, Part 1, I share how I saved my first $1,000 emergency fund as an Airman using Dave Ramsey’s Baby Step 1. Learn why every service member needs a starter fund, how to budget on military pay, and which tools helped me break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Whether you’re living in the dorms or supporting a family, this guide will help you build a solid financial foundation—fast.

Junior enlisted service members, take note: Your paycheck is getting a big boost starting April 1, 2025. In addition to the 4.5% military-wide pay raise that took effect in January, E-1 to E-4 ranks—and some E-5s—will receive an extra 10% increase, bringing their total raise to 14.5% for the year.

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful for service members and their families. Military OneSource’s MilTax offers 100% free tax filing, covering federal and up to three state returns with no hidden fees. Designed for military-specific situations like deployments and multistate filings, it also includes one-on-one expert support.

Planning your financial future as an active-duty service member involves understanding the intricate details of your compensation. To help you...