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<p>Foreword xxi</p> <p>Introduction 1</p> <p><b>Part I: Reporting for Duty 7</b></p> <p>Chapter 1: Living Life As a Military Family 9</p> <p>Chapter 2: Figuring Out Customs and Courtesies 19</p> <p>Chapter 3: Getting Around Military Bases 31</p> <p>Chapter 4: Connecting with the Military Community 49</p> <p><b>Part II: Understanding Your Financial Issues and Benefits 59</b></p> <p>Chapter 5: Deciphering Military Compensation 61</p> <p>Chapter 6: Taking Care of Yourself: Health and Dental Insurance 73</p> <p>Chapter 7: Maximizing Military Benefits 87</p> <p>Chapter 8: Starting Out on the Right Financial Foot 97</p> <p>Chapter 9: Building onto Your Financial Foundation 113</p> <p>Chapter 10: Housing Options for the Military Family 131</p> <p>Chapter 11: Finding Employment and Educational Opportunities 149</p> <p><b>Part III: Supporting the Military Family 165</b></p> <p>Chapter 12: Raising a Family in the Military 167</p> <p>Chapter 13: Maintaining Strong Military Couples 179</p> <p>Chapter 14: Tapping into Community Support 191</p> <p>Chapter 15: Dealing with the Disability or Death of a Family Member 205</p> <p><b>Part IV: Mastering Deployments 217</b></p> <p>Chapter 16: Prepping for Deployments 219</p> <p>Chapter 17: Accessing Traditional Family Support 239</p> <p>Chapter 18: Helping Children Cope with the Absence of a Parent 247</p> <p>Chapter 19: Keeping Connected with Your Loved One 263</p> <p><b>Part V: Transitioning Out of the Military 271</b></p> <p>Chapter 20: Separating from Service 273</p> <p>Chapter 21: Retiring from Service 283</p> <p>Chapter 22: Exploring Subsequent Careers 293</p> <p><b>Part VI: The Part of Tens 305</b></p> <p>Chapter 23: Ten Best Benefits for Military Spouses 307</p> <p>Chapter 24: Ten Biggest Financial Military Benefits 311</p> <p>Chapter 25: Ten Worst Scams Against Servicemembers 317</p> <p>Appendix: Military Acronyms 321</p> <p>Index 341</p>

<b>Sheryl Garrett</b> is a financial advisor, author, and speaker. She founded the Garrett Planning Network and is the author of <i>Personal Finance Workbook For Dummies</i>. <p><b>Sue Hoppin</b> is the Deputy Director for Spouse Outreach at the Military Officers Association of America. In 2007, Military Spouse magazine placed Sue on their 2007 Who's Who of Military Spouses list.</p>

<p>Your personal how-tohandbook for living yourbest life as a military family</p> <p>Looking for a clear, concise guide to military life? Whether you're new to the armed forces or planning your latest relocation, this plain-English handbook has expert tips for overcoming the challenges and taking advantage of the benefits unique to life in the military. From living on a base to financial planning to deployment, you'll see how to find all the support your family needs.</p> <ul> <li> <p>Grasp the boot camp basics — understand rank and military hierarchy, find your way around a base, and connect with others in the community</p> </li> <li> <p>Take charge of your finances — decipher military compensation, handle your taxes, build credit, and invest for your family's future</p> </li> <li> <p>Understand your military benefits — obtain health and dental insurance, utilize the family support centers, explore retirement benefits, and more</p> </li> <li> <p>Raise a happy family — from housing and childcare to education and recreation, take advantage of all the military offers</p> </li> <li> <p>Handle deployments — prepare for deployment, help children cope, stay connected with your loved one, and manage stress and anxiety</p> </li> <li> <p>Transition out of the military — assess the financial benefits, retire from service, and plan for your next career</p> </li> </ul> <p>Open the book and find:</p> <ul> <li> <p>An overview of military versus civilian lifestyle</p> </li> <li> <p>Your place in the military structure</p> </li> <li> <p>Educational and employment opportunities</p> </li> <li> <p>Family support centers, groups, and associations</p> </li> <li> <p>The best benefits for military spouses</p> </li> <li> <p>How to avoid scams against service members</p> </li> <li> <p>A family's guide to military acronyms</p> </li> <li> <p>Programs outside the military you can turn to for support</p> </li> </ul>

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