It’s a great honor to serve in the military. For almost everyone who has ever put on a uniform, this is all the thanks they need. Nevertheless, there is a lot more out there for you.
Too many military members and veterans fail to take advantage, however. Part of this is probably due to the can-do, independent spirit instilled by the armed forces. You are trained to overcome anything — on your own if necessary. But these benefits also go underused in many cases because people don’t even know about them.
Especially now, it pays to look around and find all the resources out there. Whether you are active duty or a veteran, you and your family are almost certainly eligible for some benefits that you are not aware of — yet.
Do some homework and try to find something that is best suited to your needs. Chances are, it’s out there. And these three resources in particular are some that almost anyone can take advantage of right now.
1. Economic Relief Assistance
In these times, many families are struggling to get by. If you’re currently enlisted, your paycheck should be steady and not at risk of disappearing. Say what you want about the salaries, but you don’t see layoffs in the military at least. Still, many families rely on two incomes and a spouse may have lost his or her job or seen a hit to his or her earnings.
Fortunately, among the many financial relief programs that have been launched in recent months, some are specifically designed to help military families. These relief societies can differ by branch and other factors. But if you search around, you may be able to find one that you qualify for and can help out in these tough times.
2. Professional Development Opportunities
After you finish serving, it can be tough to transition into a different type of workplace. Whether you remain in government in some capacity or move to the private sector, it can sometimes take a long time to really feel normal in any other role.
But fortunately, there are a lot of resources available to help veterans succeed in any area they want to pursue. Mentorship programs are offered by a range of Fortune 500 companies, for example, and this can be a great learning experience. In the best cases, it may even be a roadmap to landing a great job.
3. Preparing for the Worst
Everybody faces risk all throughout their life. From disease to accidents to crime, we can’t take anything for granted. Nobody understands this quite like those who have served in the military. They train more for life or death scenarios before 9 a.m. than most people ever will.
So it’s important to plan for this and protect your family for the worst. Life insurance has long filled that role, and providers like USAA, a financial services company that specializes in serving military members and veterans, make it very easy and affordable. For a small annual fee, you can get very robust coverage — especially when you’re younger — that will ensure your family has the financial means to carry on after you’re gone.
Using All Your Available Resources
A good soldier can make do with almost anything. But a smart solider knows to use anything available to them to complete their mission.
If you didn’t know that certain resources were available, that is understandable. But now you know, and now you can start to benefit.
From economic assistance and professional development to life insurance and more, there is so much out there. All you have to do now is reach out and grab ahold of it.
