advice - Mission: Milspouse

Experience Counts for Something

by Retired Blogger | Jan 23, 2018 | Expert, Relationships

Have you ever noticed how, in society, experience seems to count for very little? Well, depending on how old you are as you read this, you may not feel it as much as those of us who come with lots of “experience!”

It’s true, I’m not as comfortable with all the ins and outs of my computer as you may be, but I’m pretty good at knowing how to have a conversation that leads to a promotion or new business.

You’re right, I might not live to communicate everything through a text message, but I’m great at sending a handwritten thank you note or letter that someone actually hangs up on the wall above their desk.

That said, I recently discovered one area where experience counts for everything! A happy marriage.

4 Ways to Make Solo Parenting Easier

by Sarah Peachey | Dec 31, 2017 | Blog, Experience, Household 6, Military Life

As you probably hear quite often, military life usually has no shortage of separations. It’s hard enough being separated from your service member because Murphy’s Law often comes to light. It can get more trying when you have other engagements, but especially if you have children.

I’ve come to call the time I parent alone “solo-parenting.” I know some people consider it “single parenting,” but I think that misses the mark. Milspouses are fortunate enough to have financial and emotional support from a spouse, unlike actual single parents.

But we certainly do parent solo for a period of time while our service members attend school, go on temporary duty, or depart for a deployment.

4 Tips for the Blended Retirement System

by Retired Expert | Dec 22, 2017 | Blog, Expert, Financial Planning, Retirement

At first glance, the military’s new blended retirement system (BRS) looks like a win for military families. With lump-sum bonuses and 401(k)-style automatic and matching contributions, even service members who don’t serve to retirement will walk away with some savings. Unfortunately, career service members and their families will have to shoulder increased financial decision-making which could leave them facing a much less secure future.

10 Things to Know Before You Marry a Service Member

by Retired Blogger | Nov 7, 2017 | Blog, Experience, Military Life, Relationships

There are plenty of inconveniences about this life, and God forbid, I complain about them. Typically, every military spouse has heard, “Well, you knew what you were getting into…” at least once. But who really knows everything that lies ahead when you marry a service member?

Recon Rendezvous: Milspouse Advice

by Sharita Knobloch | Oct 1, 2017 | Blog, Experience, Military Life

I’m not gonna lie—sometimes in this military spouse journey, I feel like I’m making it up as I go. And sometimes, I am.

But other times, especially in moments of uncertainty or decision-making, we can turn to other spouses who’ve been there, done that. Military spouse advice can be a rich source of information.

Show #624: The Milspo Project

by M:M Command Team | Sep 25, 2017 | Podcast

Featured guests, Ashley Matejka and Elizabeth Boardman, discuss The Milspo Project, a global network of U.S. military spouses who believe entrepreneurship is a unique answer to the military spouse unemployment crisis in our country.

Life Lessons from a Salmon

by Retired Blogger | Jul 9, 2017 | Blog, Military Life

Of all our duty stations so far, I think Alaska holds the title of “most outdoorsy.” It’s too beautiful to stay indoors, especially in the summer—all two weeks of it.

I tried my hand at fishing, believing it was super simple to catch salmon. Big Sarge had a soldier who literally could drop a line into the water on his way home from work and catch a mess of fish for his supper. Surely it couldn’t be that hard? This guy assured me that fishing was a piece of cake.

AWTR Show #610: Career Transitions for Active-Duty

by M:M Command Team | Jun 5, 2017 | Career & Education, Podcast

Join the AWN Core Team and special guest, Bob Wiedower, Vice President of Sales Operations and Military Programs for Combined Insurance, as they discuss career transitions for active-duty military members and their families.

AWTR #595: MadSkills

by M:M Command Team | Jan 30, 2017 | Podcast

Join the AWN Core Team and our featured guest, Erica McMannes, Co-founder and CEO of MadSkills. Erica shares how MadSkills, an interactive online platform, provides professional military spouses with remote work opportunities.