John and Vic are joined by Josh Cantrell, founder of MVMT Financial and a retired Army Master Sergeant. We break down the "alphabet soup" of veteran benefits, from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).

Josh shares his personal journey of taking a deferred resignation (DRP) from federal service to launch his own firm, offering a masterclass on financial readiness and why "waiting for the VA" isn't a strategy. Plus, we discuss how veterans can access free Masterclass subscriptions and the potential for free tuition at Harvard.

Key Topics and Timestamps:

[02:36] The VR&E Reality Check: Vic’s update on the 8-month wait for orientation and the importance of showing up for your appointment.

[04:39] Free Harvard Tuition? Discussing the $200k income cap for full-ride scholarships at Ivy League schools.

[10:58] The DRP/Federal Audit: Josh explains why he saw the "writing on the wall" with current federal budget cuts and chose entrepreneurship.

[31:03] The Dave Ramsey Strategy for Vets: Why clearing debt is the single most important mission before you hang up the uniform.

[33:37] The Million Dollar Pension: Why a 20-year military retirement is actually worth millions in the civilian market [34:06].

[56:38] SBP: Pros and Cons: A deep dive into the Survivor Benefit Plan—is 6.5% of your pay worth the 55% payout? [01:00:06].

[01:07:12] VGLI vs. Private Insurance: Why VGLI premiums skyrocket as you age and the value of locking in a private policy while still on active duty [01:09:21].

[01:17:37] TSP Strategies: Should you stay in the C and S funds or move to the G fund during market turmoil? [01:19:03].

[01:35:18] Free Masterclass for Veterans: How to use the Blue Star Neighborhood partnership to get world-class training for free [01:36:16].

Resources Mentioned:

MVMT Financial: https://mvmtfinancial.com/

Blue Star Families: For free Masterclass access [01:39:34].

The Military Retirement Group (Facebook): Join 2,600+ veterans for transition support.

#Veteran #Military #SBP #VGLI #DRP #FederalEmployee #SideHustle #Startup #VeteranHelp #MilitaryRetirement #MilitaryTransition

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John and Vic are joined by career counselor Leora Opstelten for a deep dive into the "boots-on-the-ground" reality of finding a civilian career. We discuss the culture shift between active duty and corporate environments, how to translate "military jargon" into "civilian English," and the power of the informational interview.

Whether you are navigating the current federal hiring landscape or looking to pivot into a new industry, Leora provides the roadmap to ensure your resume—and your confidence—are ready for the mission.

Key Topics and Timestamps:

[03:30] Federal Workforce Updates: Navigating probationary status, job security anxiety, and the "ping-pong" effect of current federal hiring policies.

[09:40] Networking in Uncertain Times: Why pressing the flesh at job fairs and establishing a LinkedIn presence is more critical now than ever before.

[11:16] Nonprofit Spotlight: Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) and their mission to help young military families in high-cost areas [11:42].

[17:07] The Culture Shift: Leora explains the night-and-day difference between military "mission-first" thinking and civilian workplace dynamics.

[21:46] The Art of Problem Solving: How to take combat-ready skills (like split-second decision-making) and show their value in a corporate context.

[25:02] The Two-Way Interview: Flipping the script—why you should be interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you [27:10].

[31:01] Informational Interviews: The "hidden" networking tool. How to reach out on LinkedIn to learn about a field before you apply [32:17].

[35:45] The "No Asshole" Policy: A real-world look at corporate culture and why being a "culture fit" is often more important than your technical certifications [36:21].

[44:40] Resume Masterclass: Why your civilian resume should be one page, how to cut the jargon, and why "fit-reps" don't translate to hiring managers [45:42].

[01:18:22] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Dealing with the "terrified" feeling of civilian interviews and realizing that if you're in the room, you’re qualified.

[01:33:05] Join the Newsletter: Get the "BLUF" (Bottom Line Up Front) updates at thegreenlogbook.com or militaryretirementpodcast.com.

#MilitaryToCivilian #Veterans #CivilianJobs #federaljobs #MilitaryRetirement #VeteranSupport

If you would like to start your own livestream or podcast, go check out 🎙️ StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4998128083271680

John and Vic are joined by Chris Lancia, Chief of Staff for Tennessee's Department of General Services and a retired Army Public Affairs Officer. Chris shares his unique journey from crew chief to journalist to senior state leader, providing a masterclass in networking and finding a "new mission" after military service.We dive deep into the first-of-its-kind Tennessee Governor’s Veteran Fellowship Program, the value of trade skills, and why the "grass isn't always greener" without a solid plan.Key Topics and Timestamps:[03:04] Veterans Education & Career Resources: Highlighting the VECT training center in Georgia and Operation Stand Down Tennessee for resume workshops and networking [05:14].[07:36] The Power of the Handshake: Why 70% of jobs come from relationships and how "getting out of your shell" at job fairs can lead to unexpected offers [08:05].[15:37] The Tennessee Governor’s Veteran Fellowship: A detailed breakdown of this unique 12-month paid program that allows veterans to explore different state agencies before hiring [19:00].[29:42] Networking Outside the Box: Why volunteering for youth sports or community organizations is the best way to build a non-military network [31:05].[33:46] The Value of Vulnerability: Chris explains why admitting "I don't know" is a critical first step in learning the language of Corporate America [34:24].[44:48] Resilience & Positive Psychology: How "hunting the good stuff" and maintaining a growth mindset turns transition speed bumps into opportunities [46:26].[56:06] The "Grass Isn't Always Greener": Chris shares his personal lesson of leaving and returning to the military, highlighting the true cost of healthcare and civilian benefits [59:52].[01:13:24] White Collar vs. Blue Collar: Why high-paying trade jobs (HVAC, plumbing, logistics) are often a more fulfilling and lucrative fit for veterans than the "cubicle farm" [01:23:28].[01:31:52] The Command Team Challenge: How to navigate the friction between completing your military mission and preparing for your transition eight months out [01:30:53].Resources Mentioned:VECT (Georgia): Training and certification for veterans.Operation Stand Down Tennessee: Veteran support and Career Recon program.Commit Foundation: Personalized transition coaching.

In this high-impact episode, John and Vic welcome Mark Casper, President and CEO of Tech For Troops. This incredible nonprofit is on a mission to bridge the digital divide for veterans and their families by providing free hardware, guaranteed data destruction, and thousands of professional training courses.

If you are a veteran looking to break into the tech industry—or if you simply need the tools to navigate the modern job market—this is an essential watch.

Key Topics and Timestamps:

[03:45] The "Five Bullets" Update: John and Vic discuss the new federal requirement for employees to submit weekly achievement bullets.

[06:23] O*NET for Career Research: How to use the O*NET "Bright Outlook" tool to find high-growth careers that match your skills.

[10:45] Introducing Tech For Troops: Mark Casper details the four core pillars of the organization: Data Destruction, Suicide Prevention (GameCore), Workforce Development, and E-Waste Recycling.

[13:35] 5,000 Free Classes for Veterans: Learn how to access a massive library of online courses covering everything from Microsoft Office and Python to leadership and mindfulness.

[19:34] Bridging the Digital Divide: Mark explains how Tech For Troops put over 1,200 computers into the hands of veterans and active-duty families last year.

[22:31] The "Dishonorable Discharge" Conversation: Mark’s unique approach to helping veterans with less-than-honorable discharges by listening to their stories and providing a path forward.

[30:16] Tech 200 Giveaways: Highlighting the massive laptop giveaway events that provide entire families with the tools they need for school and work.

[41:02] The Reality of Cyber Security Careers: Mark gives a reality check on the "10 years of experience" requirement and how to work your way into the field through project management or risk roles.

[01:05:40] The Power of Volunteering: Vic and John discuss how humble volunteering (even "making coffee" in the room you want to be in) can lead to high-level networking and career pivots.

Resources Mentioned:

Tech For Troops Official Website: https://techfortroops.org/

O*NET Online: Research career outlooks and skills.

Dennis Spohn (VeteranAI.co : AI-powered resume building for veterans.

Military Retirement Group on Facebook: Join our community for transition support.

#Veterans #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #MilitaryToCivilian

In this episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic dive into the high-stakes changes currently rocking the federal government. From sudden mass layoffs in the DOD and VA to Elon Musk’s direct emails to federal employees, the landscape of veteran employment and benefits is shifting rapidly.We discuss the recent relief of top military leaders, the impact of budget-cutting initiatives like "DOGE," and urgent deadlines for veterans to protect their life insurance coverage. Whether you are currently serving, a federal employee, or a retiree, this episode provides the situational awareness you need to navigate the current "federal firestorm."Episode Timestamps[03:35] VA Healthcare Under Review: Discussing reports of potential cuts and the "gutting" of VA healthcare services.[06:25] The Stoic Perspective: Using Marcus Aurelius to navigate federal uncertainty and anxiety.[16:00] VA Staffing Crisis: Analyzing reports of doctor-to-patient ratios reaching 1:2200 in certain clinics.[43:42] VR&E Program Updates: Vic’s experience with the 8-month backlog for Veteran Readiness and Employment orientation.[52:38] The Elon Musk Email: Direct directives to federal employees and the requirement for "achievement bullet points."[01:02:50] Urgently Protecting Your Life Insurance: Why you cannot miss the 1 year and 120-day VGLI deadline.[01:11:00] Military Leadership Shakeup: The relief of Joint Chiefs of Staff CQ Brown and CNO Admiral Franchetti.[01:23:06] FBI Conflict: New FBI Director tells staff to ignore Musk’s request for bullet points.Key Resources MentionedBook: Bottom Line Up Front: What You Need to Know Before You Leave the Military https://amzn.to/4jaTrIa (Amazon Affiliate link to make us millionaires)Community: Join "The Military Retirement Group" on Facebook for peer-to-peer transition support. https://www.facebook.com/groups/themilitaryretirementgroup#Veterans #MilitaryToCivilian #MilitaryRetirement #FederalEmployees #DOGEIf you would like to start your own livestream or podcast, go check out 🎙️ StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4998128083271680

Sorry for the late upload this week :-/ - john

In a world of economic uncertainty, achieving financial freedom is more critical than ever. This week, John and Vic share candid lessons from their personal journeys toward becoming debt-free, offering practical, actionable advice on how service members and veterans can secure their financial futures.We cover everything from budgeting with your spouse to the power of a single thrift store find.Key Actionable Takeaways:The Debt-Free Foundation: Vic details the strategy of combining finances with your spouse to accelerate savings and maximize investments, making debt elimination the top priority.Maximize Your TSP: The non-negotiable power of starting early and consistently maximizing your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions to leverage compound interest.The Financial Audit: How to treat your personal finances like a military inspection. Hunt down and eliminate wasteful recurring charges and streaming services that drain your budget every month.50+ Military Side Hustles: We provide a comprehensive list of vetted side hustles, categorized by effort, including: Flipping high-value thrift finds (like Vic's $800 soccer ball flip), lucrative heat pressing/vinyl businesses on base, freelance graphic design, youth sports refereeing, and real estate investing.Mindset for Success: John discusses the importance of having a beginner's humility (like a student) in all areas of life for continuous growth.Final Tip: Spend your money on experiences, not stuff.#veteransupport #veteranshelpingveterans #militarytocivilian #debtfreeIf you would like to start your own livestream or podcast, go check out 🎙️ StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4998128083271680

John and Vic welcome former Marine T Shane Johnson, co-owner of Big Guns Coffee, for an extraordinary conversation that blends entrepreneurship, extreme physical challenge, and the power of family purpose.Shane shares the incredible story of building the first indoor hydroponic coffee farm in the U.S. with his daughter, Charlie, and how he leverages his experiences—including a near-death incident and multiple world record runs—to serve the veteran community.Key Topics and Takeaways:Building Big Guns Coffee: Shane shares how a conversation with his daughter led to building an American-grown and American-made coffee company focused on supporting veterans and revitalizing rural American farming communities [13:18].The Power of the Marine Mindset: Shane discusses how the core Marine lesson of never quitting provides an unmatched competitive advantage in the civilian and business world [27:52].From Death to Dedication: Shane opens up about a nearly fatal incident early in his career where he flatlined three times. He describes the profound choice to live—and the commitment to paying "rent" for his second chance through continuous service to others [33:46].Father-Daughter Leadership: Learn Shane's unique philosophy on raising his daughter as his business co-owner, teaching her confidence, business acumen, and public speaking by allowing her to pitch big-box retailers [18:03], [30:16].World Records and Service: Shane details his incredible physical feats, including running across America four times and breaking the 12-hour push-up world record, all done to raise awareness and funds for veteran and homeless causes [49:14], [53:30].Entrepreneurship and the Veteran Gap: Shane passionately addresses the need for better funding and mentorship for veteran entrepreneurs, arguing that their proven track record of managing high-stakes missions makes them a guaranteed investment [24:31], [01:07:08].Mentioned Resources & Updates:Big Guns Coffee: Find their American-grown coffee, including the "Motivator" and "Charlie" blends, in Sprouts stores nationwide starting May 2025: https://www.bigguns.coffee/ [01:29:40]Frontline to Farm Program: A program at Appalachian State that helps veterans learn agricultural skills, which Shane is using to train future coffee farmers [58:57].Coursera Certification: Veterans and Active Duty can get free, valuable certifications (like Google Analytics or IT Support) through organizations like the USO or VTS (Veterans Transition Services) [09:20].Veteran Honors Ceremony: Vic shares information on a plaque dedication ceremony for Medal of Honor recipient Gunner Sergeant John Basilone in La Jolla, CA, on February 19th [01:33:11].#VeteransHelpingVeterans #MilitaryToCivilian #MilitaryCoffee---------If you would like to start your own livestream or podcast, go check out 🎙️ StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4998128083271680

John and Vic dive into a mix of crucial veteran updates and welcome former Marine Jeremy Dukes for an in-depth discussion on VA Home Loans, the real estate market, and the power of military skills in a civilian career.

This episode provides valuable resources for veterans seeking to buy a home, advance their careers, or navigate their full range of benefits.

Key Topics and Takeaways:

• The Ultimate Veteran Resource: We highlight a fantastic, free, community-built veteran benefits knowledge base (from the Reddit community) that acts as a comprehensive, searchable repository for VA claims, the 38 CFR, and federal/state benefits [06:28].

• From Marine to Realtor: Jeremy Dukes shares his personal journey from active duty Marine to a successful realtor in the highly competitive Dallas/Fort Worth market. He discusses finding a new sense of purpose and the unique skills veterans bring to the real estate industry [18:03].

• Mastering the VA Home Loan: Understand the incredible power of your VA loan benefit, including the 100% guarantee, no PMI, and the protection offered by VA-certified inspectors [31:55].

• VA Loan Limitations and Strategy: Jeremy clarifies the rules around using your VA loan for multiple properties and what you need to consider before using your benefit again (hint: it depends on your primary residence) [33:30].

• Credit Score and Debt-to-Income: Get insight into the minimum credit score requirements (typically mid-600s) and how state and city-level grants can help veterans overcome down payment or credit hurdles [37:42], [38:33].

• Military-to-Civilian Transition & Networking: We discuss the importance of finding a new Focus after service and using platforms like LinkedIn and community groups to build a powerful network and find your next opportunity [58:35], [01:12:44].

• Veteran Homelessness Initiative: Vic shares information on a reported initiative in Denver that claims to have housed over 100 veterans, sparking a discussion on replicating effective local programs [01:21:20].