By Kate

The Army has this nifty media section at the Army​.mil website, and you can find all sorts of interesting things there.  In this video clip, June Walbert of USAA talks about the financial side of becoming a couple.

By Kate

One of the hardest things about moving, for our family, is our cats.  They have been nearly all over the world with us and they are always a big part of our pre-move planning.  There are questions about hotels, flying, driving, quarantine and boarding.  That’s why I was so excited to find this smart article by my friend Penelope at Pecuniarities, Guide to Safe and Smart Traveling with Pets.  She covers hotels, driving and boarding.  Granted, it is a dog-centered article, but lots of good tips for all pet owners.  I especially like the info about coming prepared to keep the hotel room clean so that you don’t incur extra charges.

By Kate

Thank you to David, whose comment on my 2009 Disney post reminded me that I had forgotten to post the 2010 deals!  While not quite as generous as the 2009, these are still great bargains if you are headed to Disney. (more…)

By Kate

If you haven’t noticed, it is February.  And February means Valentine’s Day.  Depending on who you are, what type of relationship you may (or may not) have, and what your traditions are, Valentine’s Day may be just another day, or it may be a hugely big deal.  One of the things that I absolutely hate about Valentine’s Day is the idea of spending a lot of money.  Candy shouldn’t be expensive (and the stuff in those hearts is often awful) and gifts don’t have more meaning just because of their cost.

In that vein, I’ve put together a list of links, suggesting ways to make Valentine’s Day special without breaking the bank: (more…)

By Kate

“Money is a strange thing. It ranks with love as our greatest source of joy and with death as our greatest source of anxiety.”

(Thanks to Ray Dell’Ara)

By Kate

USAA’s June Walbert was interviewed today by Beth Wilson of Navy Homefront Talk Radio.  The primary topic of their talk was the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act.  While there are still lots of questions, you may find it helpful to listen to this interview.  Other topics that they discussed include the combat pay exemption , Savings Deposit Program, child care credits, and Roth IRAs.

June is a Certified Financial Planner with USAA Financial Services and author of the Ask June! column at Military​.com.  She has lots of useful information in her Ask June! column.

By Kate

I’m bumping this list to the top of The Paycheck Chronicles because many states have recently issued directions on the impact of the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act on income taxes.  If you have a link that I don’t have, please let me know.  This will be a work-in-progress and I will update it constantly.

There are so many issues and hopefully some of these links will help you find answers! (more…)

By Kate

The Great Gallon Give is a contest to win free milk for a year.  Even better, if you enter the contest, you can get a coupon for a free half gallon of chocolate milk with the purchase of a gallon of milk.  I buy gallons of milk all the time, plus my kids would think I was a hero if I bought chocolate milk!  This is a pretty great deal but it is limited to the first 125,000 entries, so don’t procrastinate…

By Kate

You may have heard of FlyLady.  She is a inspirational, get-your-life together, internet sensation who advocates doing things 15 minutes at a time and taking little steps to make big progress.  Leah at Suddenly Frugal has interpreted some FlyLady wisdom in Five Ways Being Organized Saves You Money.  It’s similar to one of my favorite posts, Seven Reasons Why Clutter Is Costing Me Money.  I might even be channeling a little FlyLady there, as I’ve read her stuff and am an on-again-off-again follower.  You can’t argue with her logic!

By Kate

Readers — the statistics say that The Paycheck Chronicles is getting a lot of visits by people looking for information about the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act.  I know that I don’t have all the answers, and I know that there are still lots of questions.  Please, put your questions in the comments.  I will do my best to find answers.  Together, we can all help each other!