Practical guides to help you understand your pay, benefits, and retirement options
19 articles
The year-round military discounts worth real money in 2026 — travel, retail, tech, food, and phone deals — plus how to verify once with ID.me, SheerID, and GovX so the savings follow you everywhere.
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How Pay Goes Up
Pay & Compensation
Updated June 6, 2026
The three ways your base pay goes up — promotion to a higher grade, automatic longevity (time-in-service) steps, and the annual 3.8% raise — explained with real 2026 numbers. Plus why the pay raise isn't the same as COLA.
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2026 Pay Raise
Pay & Compensation
Updated February 27, 2026
Everything you need to know about the 2026 military pay raise — 3.8% increase for all ranks, updated BAH rates, BAS changes, and what it means for your paycheck.
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Take-Home Pay Calculator
Pay & Compensation
Updated February 23, 2026
Step-by-step E-5 take-home pay example with every deduction explained. Federal tax, state tax, TSP, SGLI, and what's tax-free.
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Pay & Compensation
Updated February 19, 2026
Every enlisted and officer pay rate for 2026, organized by rank and years of service. See exactly what the 3.8% raise means for your grade.
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How to Read Your LES
Pay & Compensation
Updated February 19, 2026
Your LES has dozens of lines. Here's what every entitlement, deduction, and allotment actually means — plus common errors to watch for.
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Military Pay After Taxes
Pay & Compensation
Updated February 19, 2026
Federal withholding, state taxes, FICA, TSP, SGLI — here's what actually gets deducted and what hits your bank account.
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2026 Military Pay
Pay & Compensation
Updated February 11, 2026
The 2026 pay raise is here. Here's what it actually means for your paycheck, your BAH, and your total compensation.
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2026 Drill Pay
Reserve / Guard
Updated February 27, 2026
The 1/30th formula, drill pay rates by rank, drill weekends vs AT pay, example calculations, and tax implications for reservists.
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GI Bill Housing (MHA)
Education
Updated February 19, 2026
Your MHA could be worth $1,500 to $3,500/month tax-free depending on your school location. Here's exactly how it's calculated.
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Post-9/11 GI Bill
Education
Updated February 11, 2026
The GI Bill is one of the best education benefits out there, but the details can be confusing. Here's the full breakdown.
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2026 VA Disability Rates
VA Benefits
Updated February 27, 2026
Complete 2026 VA disability rates for every rating from 10% to 100%. COLA details, dependent rates, SMC overview, and year-over-year comparison.
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Pay With Dependents
VA Benefits
Updated February 27, 2026
How much extra you get with a spouse, children, and parents at each rating from 30% to 100%. Full rate tables and dollar-difference breakdowns.
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CRDP vs CRSC
VA Benefits
Updated February 27, 2026
Which concurrent retirement and disability pay option gives you more money? Eligibility rules, example scenarios, and tax implications.
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VA Disability Calculator
VA Benefits
Updated February 23, 2026
Step-by-step guide to calculating your combined VA disability rating and 2026 compensation. Includes pay rates, dependent additions, and common mistakes.
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VA Claim Tips
VA Benefits
Updated February 19, 2026
Practical tips for filing your VA claim — from documenting conditions while serving to navigating the C&P exam and appeals process.
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Combined VA Ratings
VA Benefits
Updated February 11, 2026
If you have a 50% and a 30% rating, you might expect 80%. The VA sees it differently. Here's how "VA Math" actually works.
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How VA Math Works
VA Benefits
Published March 12, 2026
Why 50% + 30% doesn't equal 80% at the VA. Step-by-step breakdown of 38 CFR 4.25, the bilateral factor, and how to calculate your combined rating.
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TDIU vs 100%
VA Benefits
Published March 12, 2026
Compare TDIU (Individual Unemployability) with a 100% schedular VA rating. Key differences in pay, benefits, work restrictions, and P&T status.
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Best States for Veterans
VA Benefits
Published March 12, 2026
Ranking the best states for veterans based on income tax exemptions, property tax breaks, VA healthcare access, and state-level veteran benefits.
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2026 BAH by State
Housing
Updated February 27, 2026
Compare 2026 BAH rates across all 50 states. See which states have the highest and lowest housing allowances for military service members.
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BAH Explained
Housing
Updated February 23, 2026
How BAH is calculated, 2026 rate examples for major bases, tax advantages, and how to look up your rate by location and rank.
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TSP Fund Comparison
Retirement
Updated February 19, 2026
G, F, C, S, I, and Lifecycle funds — here's what each one does, historical returns, and which ones actually grow your money.
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BRS vs High-3
Retirement
Updated February 11, 2026
The Blended Retirement System changed the game for military retirement. Here's how it stacks up against the legacy High-3 plan.
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