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Veteran Benefits

Benefits, pay and money questions for people who have served or are about to — the VA loan, the GI Bill, TSP and the rest of what you earn alongside the job.

Staff Sgt. Jordan G. Kinal, Marine Corps Drill Instructor assigned to Officer Training Command, Newport (OTCN), Rhode Island
NSAPC UNIFORM INSPECTION
  • Veteran Benefits

va loan occupancy requirement: pcs orders

1 day ago
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The VA loan occupancy rule means you must intend to occupy within 60 days of closing. PCS orders before that window don't cancel the loan, but you need to document your intent.

Dress Blues Inspection
  • Veteran Benefits

Apply for VA Home Loan: Correct Order of Steps

5 days ago
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A retired Navy officer explains the right order for the VA home loan process: COE first, then documents, then lender. Skip the do-over most buyers hit.

CFAY MWR Hosts Steak Night
  • Veteran Benefits

va home loan specialist: How to Spot a Real One

1 week ago
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A va home loan specialist is a sales label, not a certification. Most buyers need a lender who closes VA loans often, not a niche title.

Capt. Andrew Litteral, right, reads his orders as part of the Change of Command ceremony for Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1
  • Veteran Benefits

VA Loan Refinance vs FHA Refinance: Which Is Better?

2 weeks ago
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Should you refinance your FHA mortgage into a VA loan or stick with an FHA refinance? Compare total costs, mortgage insurance, and break-even point to decide.

A view of furniture in the new Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Child and Youth Programs (CFAY CYP) Ikego Youth Programs building's Teen
  • Veteran Benefits

VA Loan Pre Approval: Why Prequal Isn’t Enough

2 weeks ago
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Prequalification and pre-approval are not the same. VA loan pre approval requires a lender to pull your credit and verify your income, and it's what makes your offer credible to sellers.

Cryptologic Technician Collection 1st Class Talaysha Ross assigned to Arleigh burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91)
  • Veteran Benefits

Military Spouse Residency: Keep Home State, Skip Taxes

2 months ago
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Learn how MSRRA lets a military spouse keep their home state residency while stationed elsewhere, avoid duty-station income tax, and protect their legal residence.

Students in Officer Candidate School (OCS), Class 10-26, at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN)
  • Veteran Benefits

TSP Basics for New Officer Candidates: Prioritizing

2 months ago
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Confused about TSP as a new military officer with a civilian job? Learn the basics of TSP, Roth vs traditional, contribution limits, and the smartest order to save for retirement while serving.

Under the command of Captain Austin W. Duff, Commanding Officer, Officer Training Newport, 110 Students in Officer Candidate School
  • Veteran Benefits

From Enlisted to Officer: How OCS Can Boost Your Military

2 months ago
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A retired Cryptologic Warfare Officer breaks down the financial differences between enlisted, warrant, and officer retirement pay—and why OCS can be a smart move for your future pension.

Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Luis Aguas, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Pacific Northwest
  • Veteran Benefits

Military Retirement Planning: Are You Saving Too Much?

2 months ago
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Thinking about early retirement at 41? Learn how to balance aggressive TSP contributions with today's needs, factor in your pension, spouse's savings, and more.

The Navy's newest Sailors stand at attention during a pass-in-review graduation ceremony at Recruit Training Command (RTC), August 6, 2026
  • Veteran Benefits

E-3 Navy Pay Family: Can It Work?

6 months ago
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Wondering if an E-3 Navy salary can support a family of four? Here's a realistic look at pay, allowances, and the truth about counting on a future commission.

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