487 | Military FI: Optimizing Your Financial Plan before Military Retirement | Daniel Kopp, CFP

In this episode: survivor benefit plans, VA benefits, VSO's disability benefits, tax planning, healthcare, and blended retirement systems.

This week we are joined by Daniel Kopp, founder of Wise Stewardship Financial Planning, to outline ways you can best prepare for military retirement. Together we cover pensions, navigating the Survivor Benefit Plan and additional benefits, healthcare and disability resources, as well as other financial decisions you can consider as you begin to transition out of the military. When dealing with any kind of retirement planning, taking actionable steps to prepare and get a plan in place for you and your family is essential. While everyone's circumstances may be different as they transition out of the military, there are many resources available and benefit programs you are entitled to before and after you leave duty!

Daniel Kopp, CFP

• Website: wisestewardshipfp.com
• Podcast: Military to Financial Planner

Timestamps:

• 1:26 – Introduction
• 2:32 – Approaching Military Retirement/Blended Retirement System
• 9:38 – Military Benefits/Healthcare
• 15:36 – VA Benefits/Term Life Insurance
• 22:12 – Disability Benefits/VSO’s
• 30:17 – Survivor Benefit Plans
• 43:13 – SBP Contingencies and Child Coverage
• 50:41 – Tax Planning
• 56:26 – Conclusion

Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:

• Blended Retirement
• VA education benefits for survivors and dependents
• Everything About The Military’s Survivor Benefit Plan
• SBP Financial Analysis Tools
• Daniel Kopp Estate Planning for Military Families | Military Money Manual Podcast Episode 83
• Accredited VSO Representatives
• Transition Planning from a Military Career on the Path to FI | ChooseFI Ep 296
• “Military in Transition’s Guide to The Survivor Benefit Plan: Navigating the SBP” by Forrest Baumhover
• How VA Disability Compensation Affects Military Retirement Pay
• Income Tax and Rental Properties When You’re in the Military
• MFAA
• ChooseFI US Military
• Subscribe to The FI Weekly!

More Helpful Links and FI Resources:

• Top 10 Recommended Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Empower: Free Dashboard to Track Your Finances
• CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account
• M1 Finance: Commission-Free Investing, 1-click rebalancing
• CashFreely: Maximize Your Cash Back Rewards
• Travel Freely: Track all your rewards cards and points
• Emergency Binder: For Your Family’s Essential Info (code ‘CHOOSEFI’ for 20% off)
• Student Loan Planner: Custom Consult (with $100 Discount)
• Get a cheaper phone plan with Mint Mobile