MASTERING YOUR FINANCES
A Deploying Soldier's Financial Readiness Briefing
Know Your LES
Read it. Verify it. Own it.
Build with TSP
Start early. Grow for decades.
Protect with SCRA
Your legal financial shield.
Maximize SDP
10% guaranteed. Deploy smart.
Your financial mission begins now.
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Presentation Overview: What You'll Learn
WELCOME TO YOUR FINANCIAL READINESS BRIEFING
This comprehensive briefing covers everything you need to know about military finances, retirement planning, and deployment financial readiness. Whether you're a junior Soldier or an experienced NCO, you'll find valuable information to improve your financial situation.
Briefing Structure
1
SECTION 1: WHY FINANCIAL READINESS MATTERS
Why every Soldier must treat finances like a mission. The cost of being unprepared.
2
SECTION 2: LES & YOUR PAY
How to read your Leave and Earnings Statement. Understanding BAH, BAS, and leave.
3
SECTION 3: TSP & RETIREMENT PLANNING
TSP fundamentals, Traditional vs. Roth, core funds, lifecycle funds, account setup.
4
SECTION 4: DEPLOYMENT FINANCIAL READINESS
Budgeting for deployment, tax advantages, SCRA protections, emergency savings, common mistakes, and the pre-deployment checklist.
5
SECTION 5: SAVINGS DEPOSIT PROGRAM (SDP)
The 10% guaranteed interest program exclusively for deployed Soldiers.
6
SECTION 6: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & BENEFITS
Quick access links, financial stability principles, and support organizations.
7
SECTION 7: REFERENCES, ACTION PLAN & CLOSING
Comprehensive resource list, your personal action plan, and closing commitment.
Key Learning Outcomes
Understand how to read your LES and identify errors
Know how to set up and manage your TSP account
Understand Traditional vs. Roth TSP and choose the right option
Know which TSP funds match your situation
Understand deployment financial planning
Know about SDP and how to enroll
Understand SCRA protections
Have a plan to build emergency savings
Know how to maximize your military benefits
Have resources to continue your financial education
Coming Up Next → Why Financial Readiness Matters: The Mission Starts Here
Section Introduction
SECTION 1: Why Financial Readiness Matters
An unprepared Soldier is a distracted Soldier. Here's what's at stake.
$30,000+
Potential deployment savings with proper planning
$500,000+
Lost retirement savings from skipping TSP contributions
$600/yr
Saved per $5,000 debt by using SCRA's 6% interest cap
$10,937
SDP return on a $10,000 deposit over a 9-month deployment
Coming Up Next → Section 2: LES & Your Pay — Understanding Your Leave and Earnings Statement
Section 2: LES & Your Pay
LES: Your Pay Statement Decoded
Your LES is issued every month. Most Soldiers never read it. That's a costly mistake.
Entitlements
Base pay, BAH, BAS & special pays
Deductions
Taxes, SGLI & mandatory withholdings
Allotments
Where your money is directed
Net Pay
Your actual take-home amount
This link leads to our interactive LES guide, also found on our website at DOUDA.NET, which walks you through each section of the Leave and Earnings Statement in detail.
Coming Up Next → BAH & BAS: The Non-Taxable Allowances That Boost Your Income
Non-Taxable Allowances
BAH & BAS: Your Hidden Pay
Base pay is just the beginning. Two non-taxable allowances significantly boost your total compensation.
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)
$500–$2,500+/month
Varies by rank, location & dependents
Non-taxable income
Paid directly to you
BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence)
~$400–$500/month
Covers meal costs
Non-taxable income
~$5,000+ annually
$8,000–$30,000+
Annual income boost from BAH + BAS combined
0%
Federal income tax on BAH and BAS
Coming Up Next → Leave & Leave Sell-Back: Understanding Your Time Off Benefits
Leave and Leave Sell-Back: Understanding Your Time Off Benefits
2.5 days
Leave earned per month
30 days
Leave earned per year
60 days
Maximum carry-over (use-or-lose limit)
Taking Leave
  • Rest and recharge
  • Time with family
  • No financial cost
  • No extra pay
Selling Leave
  • Lump sum payment at separation
  • $3,000–$4,000 for 30 days (E-4 rate)
  • Lifetime limit: 60 days total
  • Taxable income
Coming Up Next → Section 3: TSP & Retirement Planning — Building Long-Term Wealth Through Military Service
Section 3: TSP & Retirement Planning
Understanding the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
The TSP is the federal government's retirement savings plan — and one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to you.
Ultra-Low Fees
0.02–0.05% annually. Industry-leading.
Automatic 1% Match
Military contributes 1% of base pay automatically.
Tax Advantages
Reduce taxable income now (Traditional) or grow tax-free (Roth).
Compound Growth
Time is your greatest asset. Start early, grow exponentially.
$23,500
2024 annual contribution limit
30+ years
Typical growth horizon for a junior Soldier
Coming Up Next → Traditional vs. Roth TSP: Choosing the Right Tax Strategy for Your Career
TSP vs. Roth TSP: Choose Your Retirement Strategy
Same plan. Two very different tax strategies. Choose based on when you want to pay taxes.
Traditional TSP
  • Contributions: Pre-tax (reduces income now)
  • Growth: Tax-deferred
  • Withdrawals: Taxed in retirement
  • Best for: Expecting lower taxes at retirement
  • Benefit: Immediate tax savings
Roth TSP
  • Contributions: After-tax (no immediate break)
  • Growth: Tax-FREE
  • Withdrawals: 100% tax-free in retirement
  • Best for: Junior Soldiers in lower brackets now
  • Benefit: Tax-free retirement income
Coming Up Next → Example Contribution Rates: See How Small Percentages Create Big Results Over Time
Example Contribution Rates: Small Percentages, Big Results
The difference between contributing and not contributing is measured in hundreds of thousands of dollars.
$30,000+
1% Contribution
30-year projection (E-4 base)
$150,000+
5% Contribution
30-year projection (E-4 base)
$300,000+
10% Contribution
30-year projection (E-4 base)
$450,000+
15% Contribution
30-year projection (E-4 base)
Coming Up Next → Why Roth TSP Is Especially Powerful for Junior Soldiers
Why Roth TSP Is Popular Among Junior Soldiers
If you're young and in a lower tax bracket, Roth TSP is likely your best move. Here's why.
Tax Bracket Advantage
Pay taxes now at 10–12%. Withdraw tax-free later at higher rates.
30–40 Year Runway
Decades of tax-free compounding growth.
Tax-Free Withdrawals
Every dollar in retirement is 100% yours. No federal tax.
Contribution Flexibility
Contributions (not earnings) can be withdrawn anytime without penalty.
Future Tax Protection
Locked in at today's rates. Protected if taxes rise.
Coming Up Next → TSP Core Funds: Understanding the Five Investment Options Available to You
TSP Core Funds: Understanding Your Investment Options
Five funds. Different risk levels. Choose based on your timeline and tolerance.
G Fund
🟢 Very Low Risk
U.S. Treasury securities. Stable, guaranteed returns. ~4–5% annually.
F Fund
🟡 Low–Moderate Risk
U.S. bonds. Moderate returns with some volatility.
C Fund
🟠 Moderate–High Risk
S&P 500 large-cap stocks. ~10% avg annual growth long-term.
S Fund
🔴 High Risk
Small/mid-cap U.S. stocks. Higher volatility, higher potential.
I Fund
🔴 High Risk
International stocks. Global diversification. Currency & political risk.
Coming Up Next → TSP Lifecycle Funds: The 'Set It and Forget It' Retirement Strategy
TSP Lifecycle Funds: Automatic Investing Made Simple
Pick your retirement year. The fund does the rest — automatically shifting from aggressive to conservative as you age.
Available Lifecycle Funds
1
L 2065
Ages 20–30 now. Most aggressive. Max growth.
2
L 2055
Ages 30–40 now. Aggressive allocation.
3
L 2045
Ages 40–50 now. Moderate-aggressive.
4
L 2035
Ages 50–60 now. Moderate allocation.
5
L 2025
Ages 60+ now. Conservative.
6
L Income
Already retired. Most conservative.
Automatic Rebalancing
Adjusts as you age. No action required.
Same Low Fees
Identical fee structure to core funds.
Professionally Managed
TSP experts design the allocation strategy.
Lifecycle Fund Example
22-year-old E-2 invests in L 2065 Fund. The fund is 90% stocks, 10% bonds (aggressive growth). At age 35, the fund automatically becomes 80% stocks, 20% bonds. At age 50, it becomes 60% stocks, 40% bonds. At age 65, it becomes 40% stocks, 60% bonds. The Soldier never has to make a change - the fund does it automatically.
Coming Up Next → Which TSP Fund Is Right For Me? A Decision Guide for Every Stage of Your Career
Which TSP Fund Is Right For Me? Decision Guide
Answer two questions: How many years until retirement? What's your risk tolerance?
TSP Fund Scenarios
🪖 New Soldier
Age 18–25 | 30+ yrs to retirement
→ L 2065 or 70% C / 20% S / 10% I
Expected: 7–10% annually
⬆️ Mid-Career NCO
Age 35–45 | 15–25 yrs to retirement
→ L 2045 or 60% C / 20% F / 15% S / 5% I
Expected: 6–8% annually
🎖️ Approaching Retirement
Age 55+ | 5–10 yrs to retirement
→ L 2025 or 40% C / 40% F / 15% G / 5% I
Expected: 4–6% annually
🛡️ Conservative Investor
Any age | Low risk tolerance
→ 50% G / 40% F / 10% C
Expected: 3–5% annually
📈 Aggressive Investor
Age 20–40 | High risk tolerance
→ 50% C / 30% S / 15% I / 5% F
Expected: 8–12% annually
Coming Up Next → TSP Account Setup: Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Retirement Before Deployment
TSP Account Setup
TSP Account Setup: Your Mission Briefing
Secure Your Retirement Before Deployment
Every Soldier should create and access their TSP account BEFORE deployment. This ensures you can monitor contributions, update beneficiaries, and manage retirement investments while deployed.
Why Set Up Before Deployment?
  • You may have limited internet access while deployed.
  • You need to verify your beneficiary information is current.
  • You should review your contribution elections.
  • You want to ensure your account is secure.
Key Steps Overview
The TSP setup process takes about 15-20 minutes and requires your military ID number and Social Security number. You'll create a login, verify your identity, and establish your account credentials.
Coming Up Next → Step 1: Access the TSP Website at TSP.gov
Step 1: Access the TSP Website
Your first step is to navigate to the official TSP website and locate the login portal.
Official Website: TSP.gov
Direct Link: https://www.tsp.gov
Securely accessing your TSP account is the critical first step to managing your retirement savings. Familiarize yourself with the official website.
Detailed Instructions:
  1. Open your web browser and go to www.tsp.gov
  1. Look for the 'Log In' button in the top right corner of the homepage
  1. You'll see options for different login methods - select 'New User' if you don't have an account yet
  1. The website is secure and uses military-grade encryption to protect your information
Action Steps:
01
Open a web browser
02
Navigate to TSP.gov
03
Select "Log In" in the upper right corner
Step 2: Set Up a New Login
First-Time Users
Action Steps:
01
Select "Set Up New Login"
02
Begin identity verification process
03
Follow on-screen instructions
Coming Up Next → Step 3: Verify Your Identity — Protecting Your Account Security
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
The TSP uses a multi-step identity verification process to protect your account. This is a security feature, not a barrier.
Required Information:
✓ Social Security Number
✓ Military ID number
✓ Date of birth
✓ Current address
✓ Security questions based on your credit history
What to Expect:
The verification process typically takes 5-10 minutes. You may be asked to answer security questions. Some questions may seem unrelated to TSP - this is normal and part of the verification process.
Troubleshooting:
If verification fails: Don't panic. You can try again. If you continue to have issues, contact the TSP directly at 1-877-968-3778 or visit your finance office for assistance.
Coming Up Next → Step 4: Establish Your Account Credentials — Securing Your Login
Step 4: Establish Your Account Credentials
Once your identity is verified, you'll create your login credentials. These are your keys to accessing your TSP account anytime, anywhere.
You'll create:
  1. Username: Choose something memorable but secure. Can be your email address or a custom username.
  1. Password: Must be at least 12 characters. Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Example: MyTSP2026!Secure
  1. Security Questions: Choose 3-5 security questions and provide answers only you would know. These help recover your account if you forget your password.
  1. Recovery Email: Provide an email address where TSP can send account recovery information.
Password Best Practices:
  • Don't use your Social Security Number, military ID, or date of birth
  • Don't use common words or patterns
  • Don't share your password with anyone, including finance office staff
  • Change your password every 90 days
  • Use a password manager to store your credentials securely
Coming Up Next → Step 5: Review Your Retirement Readiness Dashboard
Step 5: Review Your Retirement Readiness
Once you're logged in, take time to review your TSP account dashboard. This is where you'll monitor your retirement savings and make important decisions.
Account Overview
Check your current balance, contribution history, and fund allocations. Verify that your contributions are being deducted correctly from your paycheck.
Beneficiary Information
Confirm your beneficiary is listed correctly. This is critical - if something happens to you, your TSP goes to your designated beneficiary. Update this if your family situation changes.
Fund Allocation
Review how your money is invested. Are you in the right funds for your age and risk tolerance? We'll discuss fund options in the next section.
Contribution Elections
Verify you're contributing the right amount. Can you increase your contributions? Even 1% more adds up over time.
Retirement Projection
Use the TSP's retirement calculator to estimate your retirement income. This helps you understand if you're on track.
Key Takeaway
Spend 15-20 minutes reviewing your account. This is time well spent on your financial future.
Coming Up Next → Section 4: Deployment Financial Readiness — Preparing Your Finances for the Mission Ahead
Section 4: Deployment Financial Readiness
Budgeting for Deployment: Staying on Track
Deployment cuts your expenses and boosts your income. That gap is your wealth-building opportunity.
Calculate Income
Base pay + BAH + BAS + HFP/IDP. Example: E-4 = ~$3,102/month
Identify Expenses
In-theater costs are minimal. Family support is your main expense.
Find Your Gap
Example: $3,102 income − $1,200 expenses = $1,902/month to save
Allocate Savings
Emergency fund → TSP → SDP → Debt reduction
Monitor Monthly
Check your LES. Adjust your plan. Keep your family informed.
$17,118
Potential savings over a 9-month deployment
(example E-4)
30–50%
Typical reduction in living expenses while deployed
Coming Up Next → Deployment Tax Advantages: How to Keep More of Your Pay in a Combat Zone
Deployment Tax Advantages: Keep More of Your Pay
Deploying to a combat zone unlocks significant tax advantages that can save you thousands.
Combat Zone Tax Exclusion
Base pay may be fully excluded from federal income tax. Saves $500–$600/month for an E-4.
HFP/IDP: 100% Tax-Free
$225/month Hostile Fire Pay is completely tax-free. $2,700 annually.
State Tax Benefits
Many states exempt deployed military income. Check your home state.
Roth TSP Combat Zone Bonus
Contribute tax-free combat pay to Roth TSP. Grows AND withdraws tax-free.
$6,500–$7,400
Estimated total federal tax savings for E-4 over a 9-month deployment
$2,700
Annual HFP/IDP tax savings (completely tax-free)
Coming Up Next → SCRA Benefits: Your Legal Financial Shield During Active Duty
SCRA Benefits: Your Legal Financial Shield
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is federal law that protects your finances the moment you go on active duty.
6% Interest Rate Cap
Pre-service debts capped at 6% APR. Saves ~$600/yr on a $5,000 credit card balance.
Foreclosure & Eviction Protection
Cannot be foreclosed or evicted for non-payment while on active duty.
Lease Termination Rights
Break a lease penalty-free with military orders.
Life Insurance Protection
SCRA prevents your life insurance from lapsing while deployed.
Civil Proceedings Stay
Court cases can be paused while you're on active duty.
6%
Maximum interest rate on pre-service debts under SCRA
$600/yr
Saved per $5,000 debt when rate drops from 18% to 6%
Coming Up Next → Common Financial Mistakes Junior Soldiers Make — And How to Avoid Them
Section: Building Wealth
Building Wealth: Assets vs. Liabilities
Before you can build wealth, you must understand what you own vs. what you owe.
ASSET
A resource owned or controlled by an individual that is expected to provide future economic value or benefit.
  • Cash
  • Savings accounts
  • TSP investments
  • Stocks
  • Real estate
  • Vehicles owned outright
LIABILITY
A financial obligation or debt owed to another person or institution that must be repaid in the future.
  • Car loans
  • Credit card debt
  • Personal loans
  • Student loans
  • Mortgages
1
Assets = Things You OWN
2
Liabilities = Things You OWE
Section: Building Wealth
The Wealth-Building Perspective
Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad simplifies wealth-building into one powerful idea.
Assets put money INTO your pocket. Liabilities take money OUT of your pocket.
— Robert Kiyosaki, Rich Dad Poor Dad
Note: This is not the formal accounting definition — it's a practical framework for evaluating wealth-building decisions.
💰 Assets → Generate Income → Build Wealth
  • TSP contributions (grows tax-advantaged)
  • Index fund investments (passive growth)
  • Rental properties generating income
  • Businesses producing cash flow
  • Skills and education that increase earning power
💸 Liabilities → Create Expenses → Reduce Wealth
  • High-interest debt (credit cards, payday loans)
  • Expensive vehicles with large monthly payments
  • Consumer purchases that lose value immediately
  • Subscriptions and recurring costs with no return
  • Impulse purchases funded by debt
1
Assets: Virtuous Cycle
Income Savings Investment More Income
2
Liabilities: Vicious Cycle
Paycheck Debt Payment Less Savings Less Wealth
Section: Building Wealth
Two Soldiers. Same Pay. Different Futures.
Financial decisions made today determine your financial position 10, 20, and 30 years from now.
The Wealth Builder
  • Contributes 5% to Roth TSP every month
  • Builds a 3-month emergency fund
  • Drives a reliable used vehicle (paid off)
  • Invests in index funds consistently
  • Avoids high-interest debt
  • Acquires income-producing assets over time
Result after 20 years: Financially independent. Retirement secured. Options open.
The Spender
  • Skips TSP contributions ("I'll start later")
  • No emergency fund — uses credit cards for emergencies
  • Finances a new truck with high monthly payments
  • Spends most of paycheck on depreciating items
  • Carries revolving credit card debt
  • No investments, no savings plan
Result after 20 years: Living paycheck to paycheck. Retirement uncertain. Options limited.
Projected Wealth Difference (20 Years)
This chart illustrates the significant difference in wealth accumulation over two decades based on consistent financial decisions.
Common Financial Mistakes Junior Soldiers Make
These 8 mistakes are preventable. Recognizing them is the first step to avoiding them.
❌ Never Reading the LES
Fix: Review every line, every month. Errors cost real money.
❌ Skipping TSP Contributions
Fix: Start now. Even 1% builds the habit and compounds over decades.
❌ Blowing the First Paycheck
Fix: Budget before payday. Emergency savings first, lifestyle second.
❌ Ignoring High-Interest Debt
Fix: Use SCRA to cap rates at 6%. Attack debt aggressively.
❌ Outdated Beneficiaries
Fix: Update TSP and SGLI beneficiaries now. Review annually.
❌ No Deployment Financial Plan
Fix: Complete the checklist. Enroll in SDP. Increase TSP before you leave.
❌ Not Claiming SCRA
Fix: Notify creditors in writing before deployment. It's not automatic.
❌ No Emergency Savings
Fix: Build $1,000 first. Then 3 months. Then 6 months. Start today.
Coming Up Next → Building Your Emergency Savings: Your Financial Safety Net
Financial Readiness
Building Your Emergency Savings: Your Financial Safety Net
An emergency fund is the foundation of financial stability — it's what keeps a crisis from becoming a catastrophe.
Month 1–3
Goal: $1,000 emergency fund. Start with $50–$100/month.
Month 4–12
Goal: 1 month of expenses. Automate transfers.
Year 2
Goal: 3 months of expenses. Use deployment savings.
Year 3+
Goal: 6 months of expenses. Financial safety net complete.
✅ High-Yield Savings
4–5% APY. FDIC insured. Easy access.
✅ Money Market Account
Slightly higher rates. Similar access.
❌ Avoid
Checking account (too easy to spend) | TSP (penalties) | Stocks (too volatile)
Key takeaway: Emergency savings is not a luxury - it's a necessity. Start today. Even small amounts matter. Your future self will thank you.
Coming Up Next → Deployment Finance Checklist: Your Pre-Deployment Mission Preparation
Deployment Finance Checklist: Mission Preparation
Complete this checklist 30 days before deployment. Treat it like a pre-mission equipment check.
📱 ACCOUNT ACCESS & SECURITY
  • Create/verify TSP account access
  • Establish strong password and security questions
  • Update beneficiary information
  • Verify emergency contact information
  • Write down account numbers and keep in secure location
💰 PAY & DIRECT DEPOSIT
  • Review your most recent LES for accuracy
  • Verify direct deposit information is current
  • Confirm BAH and BAS are being paid correctly
  • Check that all deductions are accurate
  • Update address if necessary
📈 RETIREMENT SAVINGS
  • Review TSP contribution elections
  • Consider increasing contributions if possible
  • Review fund allocation and rebalance if needed
  • Understand Traditional vs. Roth TSP choice
  • Set retirement savings goals
🪖 DEPLOYMENT-SPECIFIC
  • Enroll in Savings Deposit Program (SDP) if eligible
  • Review deployment tax advantages
  • Understand SCRA protections
  • Establish emergency savings fund
  • Review leave balance and plan leave usage
👨‍👩‍👧 FAMILY & LEGAL
  • Update Power of Attorney if needed
  • Ensure family has access to financial information
  • Brief family on account access procedures
  • Establish communication plan for financial issues
  • Review life insurance coverage
Coming Up Next → Section 5: Savings Deposit Program (SDP) — The 10% Guaranteed Interest Program for Deployed Soldiers
Section 5: Savings Deposit Program
Savings Deposit Program (SDP): Your Deployment Wealth Builder
SDP is a government-backed savings program exclusively for deployed Soldiers — offering a guaranteed 10% annual interest rate.
10%
Guaranteed annual interest rate
$10,000
Maximum deposit per deployment
$500
Minimum deposit to enroll
90 days
Post-deployment interest accrual period
Active Duty in HFP/IDP Zone
Must be receiving Hostile Fire or Imminent Danger Pay
Deployed 30+ Days
Minimum deployment length to qualify
Valid Military ID & SSN
Required for enrollment through myPay
$10,000 deposited
9-month deployment
$10,750 returned
Plus 90-day post-deployment interest
Final total: $10,937
$937 earned — guaranteed
Coming Up Next → SDP Enrollment: Step-by-Step Activation Guide
SDP Enrollment: Step-by-Step Activation Guide
Complete these steps before you deploy. Enrollment takes less than 10 minutes through myPay.
Verify Eligibility
Confirm HFP/IDP on your LES
Log into myPay
mypay.dfas.mil
Navigate to SDP
Under Pay & Allowances
Confirm Eligibility
System verifies automatically
Enter Deposit Amount
$500 min / $10,000 max
Authorize Deduction
Save your confirmation number
Verify on Next LES
Confirm deduction appears
TROUBLESHOOTING
Can't access myPay?
Contact your finance office for help.
Not eligible?
Verify your location qualifies for HFP/IDP.
Deduction not showing?
Wait 1–2 pay periods. Contact finance if it persists.
Coming Up Next → Section 6: Additional Resources & Benefits — Quick Access Links and Support Organizations
Section 6: Additional Resources & Benefits
Quick Access Links: Your Financial Resources
Bookmark these resources. You'll refer to them throughout your military career.
TSP Resources
TSP Home Page: https://www.tsp.gov — Official TSP website with account access, fund information, and educational resources.
TSP Account Login: https://www.tsp.gov/login — Direct link to your account.
TSP Fund Performance: https://www.tsp.gov/funds — Historical performance data and fund details.
TSP Lifecycle Funds: https://www.tsp.gov/lifecycle — Information about automatic rebalancing funds.
Military Pay Resources
myPay: https://mypay.dfas.mil — Access your LES, update direct deposit, manage TSP.
DFAS Military Pay: https://www.dfas.mil — Official military pay information.
Military Pay Tables: https://www.dfas.mil/militarypay — Current pay scales by rank and years of service.
Deployment Financial Resources
Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil — Free financial counseling and resources.
Army Emergency Relief: https://www.aerhq.org — Emergency financial assistance for Soldiers.
SCRA Information: https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers — Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protections.
Coming Up Next → Your Financial Readiness: A Continuous Mission — The Commitment That Lasts a Career
Your Financial Readiness: A Continuous Mission
Financial readiness is not a one-time event — it's a career-long discipline that protects your family and builds your future.
Review Your LES Monthly
Catch errors. Verify every deduction. Know your pay.
Grow Your TSP
Increase contributions over time. Let compound growth work.
Use Your Protections
SCRA, SDP, tax exclusions — these are your benefits. Use them.
Plan for Your Family
Update beneficiaries. Brief your family. Establish POA.
You serve your country with honor and dedication. Serve your financial future with the same commitment. Your financial readiness is your personal mission. Make it happen.
Coming Up Next → Section 7: References, Action Plan & Closing — Your Complete Financial Readiness Toolkit
Section 7: References & Closing
References & Resources: Your Financial Readiness Toolkit
MILITARY PAY & LES RESOURCES:
  • DFAS Contact: 1-800-321-3274 — Call for pay and LES questions
TSP & RETIREMENT RESOURCES:
  • TSP Contact: 1-877-968-3778 — Call for TSP questions and account support
SAVINGS DEPOSIT PROGRAM (SDP):
  • SDP Contact: Contact your finance office — Local support for SDP questions
DEPLOYMENT FINANCIAL READINESS:
  • Military OneSource Phone: 1-800-342-9647 — Call for free financial counseling
  • AER Phone: 1-866-878-6378 — Call for emergency financial assistance
  • SCRA Contact: 1-888-362-7227 — Call for SCRA questions and protections
FINANCIAL PLANNING & EDUCATION:
  • National Foundation for Credit Counseling: https://www.nfcc.org — Non-profit credit counseling services
LEAVE & SEPARATION BENEFITS:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
  • Your Finance Office: Contact your local finance office for personalized assistance
  • Your Readiness NCO: Contact your unit's readiness NCO for deployment preparation
  • Your Chain of Command: Your leadership supports your financial readiness
  • Military Community Services: Available at your installation for additional support
KEY TAKEAWAY: These resources are available to help you succeed financially. Bookmark them. Share them with your battle buddies. Use them throughout your military career. Your financial readiness is your responsibility - use these tools to take control of your future.
All links and phone numbers are current as of June 2026. Verify current information before contacting. Many resources offer free services - take advantage of them.
Coming Up Next → Questions & Next Steps: Your Personal Action Plan
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Questions & Next Steps: Your Action Plan
Briefing complete. Now execute. These are your orders.
Review Your LES
This week. Every line. Report errors immediately.
Access TSP.gov
This week. Verify account, contributions, and beneficiary.
Choose Your Strategy
This month. Traditional or Roth? Which funds? Decide now.
Open Emergency Savings
This month. High-yield account. Automate transfers.
Enroll in SDP
Before deployment. If eligible. mypay.dfas.mil.
Complete the Checklist
30 days out. Every item. No exceptions.
Finance Office
Your installation finance office. First point of contact.
Military OneSource
1-800-342-9647 | Free financial counseling 24/7
Army Emergency Relief
1-866-878-6378 | Emergency financial assistance
Financial readiness is your personal mission. Execute it with the same discipline you bring to every other aspect of your service. Dismissed.
Coming Up Next → Thank You for Your Service — Closing Remarks
Thank You for Your Service
Your dedication to this nation is honored. Your commitment to financial readiness will protect your family and secure your future.
Know Your LES
Review it monthly. Catch errors early. Understand every line.
Invest in TSP
Start now. Increase over time. Let compound growth work for you.
Use SDP When Eligible
10% guaranteed interest. Government-backed. Enroll before you deploy.
Stay Financially Ready
It's an ongoing mission. Use your resources. Ask for help when needed.
“The strength of a Soldier is measured not only on the battlefield, but in the discipline they bring to every aspect of their life — including their finances.”
Questions? Contact your Finance Office, Readiness NCO, or Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647. All resources from this briefing are available in the References slide.
This briefing was prepared to support Army National Guard Soldiers preparing for deployment. | June 2026
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This briefing was prepared to support Army National Guard Soldiers preparing for deployment. | June 2026 | DOUDA.NET