Essential financial resources and protections for military families

July 26, 2023

Serving in the military comes with unique financial challenges — and benefits. If you’re an active duty service member or part of a military family, here’s where to go for financial education and support.

Life in the military presents a unique set of challenges, many of them financial. Fortunately, there are a number of organizations dedicated to helping you navigate life — and finances —in the military. Here are some resources to consider:

 

1. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

This government agency provides resources, some specifically for the military, including financial education and webinars. It has services to help when buying a home or dealing with credit, among other things.

 

2. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

This act was written to help protect you from predatory practices. For instance, it caps interest rates on loans taken out before your service. An Armed Forces Legal Assistance Attorney can help you enforce the protections.

 

3. Military Lending Act

This protects service members from certain loans with interest rates that exceed a certain amount. If you believe a lender has violated the terms of the MLA, contact your local JAG officer for help or advice.

 

4. Military OneSource

The agency's programs provide free financial counseling to active duty service members, reservists, National Guardsman and military families. The group is backed by the Department of Defense, and counselors are familiar with issues affecting service members.

 

5. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

FINRA runs the Military Financial Readiness Project, which provides free educational tools with a focus on saving and investing. Like Military OneSource, FINRA partners with the DOD, so you may see program reps at events on base. 

 

6. Other service members

Don’t forget about your peers. “Find someone in your unit who can be a good mentor,” says Kevin Breuer, a U.S. Army veteran and U.S. Bank Assistant Vice President. “If it’s your first deployment, there’s somebody else that’s been through a deployment.”

 

7. U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank offers a number of military-specific resources, from financial education to products, as well as career opportunities and community outreach. Learn more about the commitment to the military at U.S. Bank

 

Want to learn more about the ins and outs of managing your money while serving in the military? Read about one veteran’s first-hand experience.

Related content

How compound interest works

5 tips for parents opening a bank account for kids

Military spouse’s guide to navigating your career

How to choose the right business checking account

A who’s who at your local bank

Meet your business credit card support team

Bank from home with these digital features

6 questions students should ask about checking accounts

How to manage money in the military: A veteran weighs in

PCS moving checklist for military spouses and families

Understanding your military GI Bill benefits

Things to know about the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know what an overdraft is?

How to financially prepare for a military PCS

Financial checklist: Preparing for military deployment

Here’s how to create a budget for yourself

3 ways to keep costs down at the grocery store (and make meal planning fun)

What military service taught me about money management

The A to Z’s of college loan terms

Adulting 101: How to make a budget plan

How I did it: Learned to budget as a single mom

Military finance: How to create a family budget after military service

Managing money as a military spouse during deployment

What financial advice would you give your younger self?

Essential financial resources and protections for military families

Dear Money Mentor: How do I pick a savings or checking account?

U.S. Bank asks: Transitioning out of college life? What’s next?

First-timer’s guide to savings account alternatives

Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce

Military homeownership: Your guide to resources, financing and more

Break free from cash flow management constraints

Webinar: 5 myths about emergency funds

Disclosures

Start of disclosure content

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Mortgage, home equity and credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.