The information on this page is provided by Pioneer Services, the military division of MidCountry Bank, which has provided financial services and personal loans to the men and women of the Armed Forces for nearly 30 years.
For more information, visit PioneerServices.com.
Setting Up Back-to-School Success
When kids are heading back to school, it’s important for the whole family to get in the right mindset. Here are a few tips to help your family prepare, budget smarter, and start off the new school year on the right foot.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Learn More” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2016/setting-up-back-to-school-success?partner=167156&tpcustom1=Back2School18&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=Back2School18″ target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Beating the Summer Doldrums
Summer means the kids are out of school – usually with more free time and fewer things keeping them busy. Here are a few ideas to help keep them entertained and engaged, to defeat the summer doldrums.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Read On” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/Blog/2013/Summer-Doldrums?partner=167156&tpcustom1=Doldrums&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=Doldrums” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
The Do’s and Don’ts of Military PCS
Military relocation can be hectic and stressful at times – especially if it’s your first time. But if you follow these tips, you’re sure to make your next PCS move a success.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Watch Video” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2018/the-dos-and-donts-of-military-pcs?partner=167156&tpcustom1=PCSVideo&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=PCSVideo” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Military Family Survey & Infographic
The results of the 2018 Military Family Survey are in! To commemorate National Military Appreciation Month and Military Spouse Appreciation Day, check out this infographic detailing the key takeaways from our financial survey of active-duty families.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Learn More” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2018/2018-military-spouse-survey?partner=167156&tpcustom1=2018FamSurvey&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=2018FamSurvey” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Showing Appreciation
May is National Military Appreciation Month – an entire month sprinkled with holidays and events that celebrate service members, veterans, and their families. Here’s some inspiration to help you get involved and show your appreciation.
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Four Steps to Freshen Up Your Finances
With tax season behind us, spring is the perfect time to take a step back and evaluate your financial situation with a fresh perspective. Following these four steps could help you understand the big picture and make smart improvements.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Get Smarter” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com?partner=167156&tpcustom1=300×600&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=April18&utm_campaign=Freshen” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
K9 Veteran’s Day
March 13, 1942 marks the official birthday of the United States K9 Corps. Each anniversary, designated K9 Veterans’ Day by its proponents, offers a unique opportunity to honor and support our four-legged heroes and their handlers.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Read More” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2016/k9-veterans-day?partner=167156&tpcustom1=K9Vets&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=K9Vets” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Don’t let seasonal stress turn you into a Scrooge. Follow these simple tips to make it through the holidays with a smile on your face and a few extra bucks in your pocket.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Watch Now” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/Blog/2015/Holiday-Dos-and-Donts?partner=167156&tpcustom1=DosDonts&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=DosDonts” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
To get a better feel for the financial confidence and spending habits of military families, we recently conducted our third consecutive holiday spending survey. Check out this infographic and blog detailing the results.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”See Results” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2017/2017-holiday-spending-survey?partner=167156&tpcustom1=HolidaySurvey2017&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign= HolidaySurvey2017″ target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Between travel, gifts, and everything else life throws at you during the holidays, it’s easy to get carried away and overspend. That’s why we put together this list of financial resources, including money-saving blogs and guides, budget calculators, coupon apps, and more.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Learn More” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/holidayspendingplanner?partner=167156&tpcustom1=HSP2017&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign= HSP2017″ target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Military balls, dining out and military holiday parties are part of our culture. Know the do’s and don’ts so you can feel at ease when dressed to the nines. [mks_button size=”medium” title=”Learn More Now” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2013/military-ball-etiquette?partner=167049&tpcustom1=MilitaryBallsandEttiquette&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=MilitaryBallsandEttiquette” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Whether your kids are starting at a new school or returning to a familiar one, going back to school presents some unique challenges for military families. Explore some savvy ways to save money and support your kids as they begin their new adventure.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Learn More” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2017/gearing-up-for-back-to-school?partner=167156&tpcustom1=Back2School&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=Back2School” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
The longer we stay in one spot, the more stuff we tend to accumulate and a lot of it winds up sitting around collecting dust. Having a strategy in place to clear up your clutter could help avoid headaches when it’s time to move or organize a garage sale.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Watch Now” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2014/clearing-up-the-clutter?partner=167156&tpcustom1=Clutter&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=Clutter” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
You’re probably aware that the modern American flag wasn’t the first and only version. But there have been many different iterations throughout history you may not be familiar with – some more unique than others. Check out this video and accompanying infographic for a quick overview of the flags that stand out.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Watch Now” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/Blog/2015/Flag-Day-2015?partner=167156&tpcustom1=Flags&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=Flags” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Wondering where to go, how to get there, and how to sniff out deals along the way? From Space-A flights to free admission at national parks, there are plenty of ways for service members and their families to save.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Read More” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/learning-center/military-financial-guides/vacation-savings-and-tips?partner=167156&tpcustom1=PCS&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=SocialPost&utm_campaign=PCS” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
May is designated National Military Appreciation Month and provides a unique opportunity to thank the men and women of the Armed Forces – past and present – for their service and dedication. To show our appreciation, we put together a list of helpful resources in a NMAM blog roundup.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Learn More” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2017/ nmam-blog-roundup?partner=167049&tpcustom1=NMAM2017&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=NMAM2017″ target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Summer offers the perfect opportunity to break away from regular routines, pack up, and take off on an adventure. Here’s how you can get some R&R without breaking the bank.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Learn More” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2015/five-frugal-vacation-ideas-for-military-families?partner=167156&tpcustom1=FrugalVacations&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=FrugalVacations” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Taking your financial future into account is sometimes difficult in the present. But even something as simple as a tax refund can be a springboard to financial security, so we explore seven ways to make that money work smarter.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Read More” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2017/making-the-most-of-your-tax-return?partner=167156&tpcustom1=TaxRefund&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=TaxRefund” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Pioneer Services recently partnered with Military Spouse Magazine to conduct a survey of active-duty spouses. Some of the results were quite eye opening, and also mirrored trends in the company’s financial literacy surveys conducted in 2014, 2015, and 2016. This Infographic highlights some of the key findings. [mks_button size=”medium” title=”See the Results” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2016/2016-military-spouse-survey?partner=167049&tpcustom1=MilitarySpouseSurvey&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=MilSpouseSurvey” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
As the temperature soars in the dog days of summer, we have some tips that can help you beat the heat on the cheap.
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We take a look at five African American women who might not be featured in school history book, but left indelible legacies.
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Having a family pet can be incredibly rewarding, and even good for your health. Military families, however, have some unique challenges when it comes to pet ownership.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Learn More Here” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2016/pets-and-your-military-life?partner=167049&tpcustom1=PetsAndYourMilitaryLife&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=PetsAndYourMilitaryLife” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
The lives that military kids lead are different than those in the civilian world, so we collected some links and info that can help.
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Sometimes, those who serve aren’t able to use their GI Bill benefits. Thankfully, there are ways to transfer those benefits to a family member.
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Military balls, dining out and military holiday parties are part of our culture. Know the do’s and don’ts so you can feel at ease when dressed to the nines. [mks_button size=”medium” title=”Learn More Now” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2013/military-ball-etiquette?partner=167049&tpcustom1=MilitaryBallsandEttiquette&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=MilitaryBallsandEttiquette” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#005480″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Are you a military spouse—the one who controls the finances while your spouse is deployed, handles frequent moves with resolve and acts as the support system for your military loved one? Good news: We’ve compiled some essential information, organized by topic, sure to help make your busy life a little bit easier to manage.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”View Resources” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/learning-center/military-financial-guides/military-spouse-resources?partner=167049&tpcustom1=MilitaryGuides&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=MilitaryGuides” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#44687d” txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Spring is a great time to do some deep cleaning, and that includes sprucing up your finances. This blog shows you how to brighten up that budget and clean out your credit—and in less time than it’ll take you to tackle that mess in the garage.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Start Cleaning” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2013/spring-cleaning?partner=167049&tpcustom1=SpringCleaning&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=SpringCleaning” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#2c95b5″ txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Teaching kids smart money skills is a great way to set them up for a lifetime of financial success. This blog lists some fun ways for kids to learn those skills, broken down by their age range.
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Activity Ideas” style=”rounded” url=”https://www.pioneermilitaryloans.com/blog/2013/money-games?partner=167049&tpcustom1=MoneyGames&utm_source=MilSpousecom&utm_medium=MoneyandMore&utm_campaign=MoneyGames” target=”_blank” bg_color=”#c1d82f” txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””]
Sites like Netflix, Pandora, and Hulu offer streaming content online, but there’s a catch: you have to be in the United States to use them. So how do you access them if you’re overseas on deployment? A VPN might be the answer you’re looking for.
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