As I began my journey into the civilian world after a 20 year career in the United States Navy, I often felt like I was drinking from a firehose. Most veterans and military who have served understand the massive amount of water that flows at one time from a firehose to combat fires onboard naval vessels. How in the world do we make the right decision when so much information is being thrown at us?

Throughout my time in service, I was usually asked three basic questions when it came to my financial situation.

First, did I update my page 2 in my service record. Page 2 held the next of kin and emergency contact information. If someone is listed on this page, they are the unfortunate loved ones who receive a visit from a well-dressed or uniformed member to inform them a military member is either missing or killed while serving their country.

Second, have I updated my SGLI? SGLI stands for Servicemembers Group Life Insurance. Similar to most group insurance plans, this policy is in effect only while serving our country. This policy is in effect for 120 days after retirement or the last day of the month the contract expires.

Third, was if we invested in TSP, or the Thrift Savings Plan. Group retirement accounts can be contributed while employed, but are frozen until retirement age once the employment ends. This one size fits all does not adequately prepare our military personnel for retirement.

One often overlooked factor in retirement planning is insurability. Benefits of serving include a good diet, regular exercise, and physical requirements to continue military service. Aches and pains, chronic conditions, and other medical conditions are documented to be presented to the Department of Veterans Affairs for financial compensation as a result of military service. Arduous duty or combat injuries contribute to a disability rating for a monthly income for the rest of the servicemember’s life. Especially during the final six to nine months of their career, most individuals are instructed to get every condition documented in their medical record.

I again emphasize that most military personnel are insurable. When I meet with both active duty and transitioning military, I often ask them this question...“What do you think the underwriters base their decision on?”

A look of realization comes across their face. I hear responses that center around the fact of speaking with me first prior to visiting the doctor on several occasions for approval from the VA. I could not agree more.

Our health and age purchase life insurance products. Whether we realize it or not, we are all faced with our mortality at one point in our lives. For some of us, this realization comes too late. We get a diagnosis from our doctor that slaps us into the reality that we all will eventually pass away. We lose a loved one or hear of an untimely passing of someone we know. Then what happens? We see an emotional social media post with an attached request to raise money for the surviving family members.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

I have spent the last five years discussing challenges with our military members. I hear their stories and listen to the confusion of not knowing where to turn. I look at the faces of the loved ones in the room as they see their beloved hero uncertain of the future. Again, I say….

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Many organizations exist to assist our military and veterans, especially where I reside in southern California. One of these organizations serves the entire community. 2-1-1 San Diego exists to provide information on a variety of subjects for education, emergency updates, resources, and community information. We are proud to be listed as the only insurance agency as an approved resource on 211sandiego.org. 

We earned that designation by providing our education-first approach to everyone in our community. We focus on assisting our veterans and military with time-proven strategies from the top-rated carriers in the nation. We can provide options and suggestions to our clients as they navigate their options as they take the next steps into the future. Allow us to work for you to take the next steps together for your future.

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