Empowering Military Spouses with Financial Education: A Comprehensive Guide

This episode of the Waiting Warriors Podcast features Michelle Bowler and guest Lizanne Lightfoot, the seasoned spouse and representative of Go VA, discussing the unique financial challenges and opportunities military families face.

The conversation covers the importance of budgeting, how to effectively manage finances despite the unpredictable military life, and introduces Go VA's digital platform, The Edge, designed to empower military couples through free, comprehensive financial education.

From assessing money personalities to setting financial goals and utilizing neutral tools for budgeting and planning, this episode provides invaluable insights and practical advice for military spouses seeking financial stability and growth.

Check out THE EDGE: https://mygova.com/

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Financial Empowerment for Military Spouses

01:41 Meet the Expert: Lizanne Lightfoot, The Seasoned Spouse

03:18 The Unique Financial Challenges of Military Life

07:31 Practical Tips for Budgeting and Financial Planning For Military Spouses

13:23 Leveraging Tools for Financial Education and Empowerment During Deployments and PCSing

27:03 Setting Financial Goals and Building a Strong Partnership as a Military Couple

36:46 Conclusion: Empowerment For Military Couples Through Education

In this episode of The Waiting Warriors Podcast, host Michelle Bowler speaks with guest Madison Greene about navigating the challenges of being a new military spouse facing a loved one's deployment for the first time.

These military spouses explore feelings of being overwhelmed and give advice on finding joy and purpose during such times. The conversation covers practical advice, the importance of preparation, utilizing resources like the Deployment Readiness Coordinators (DRC), and fostering community connections.

Additionally, they touch on mindset and perspective as key to thriving during deployment, rather than merely surviving.

*Thank you to this episode's sponsor: National University! Check out their military spouse scholarship and how they can help you get your degree with flexible schedules and classes adaptable to the military spouse lifestyle! https://glnk.io/p987m/thewaitingwarriors

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast - A Podcast For Military Spouses, Fiances, and Girlfriends

00:39 Welcome to The Waiting Warriors Podcast

01:28 Thriving During Your First Deployment

02:32 Understanding the Concept of Thriving As A Military Spouse

05:47 Experiences from a First Deployment

07:03 The Importance of Staying Engaged and Active In The Military Community

09:46 The Power of Mindset and Intentionality

11:45 The Value of Community and Support For Military Spouses

14:05 The Role of Preparation and Empowerment For A Successful Deployment

25:50 The Impact of Mindset on Thriving

29:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

30:02 Sponsor Message: National University

In this podcast episode from Waiting Warriors, host Michelle Bowler engages in an insightful discussion with guest Amanda Scott, a military spouse, on the challenges and possibilities of maintaining one's career amidst the unpredictable and hectic TDY schedule. Michelle and Amanda offer actionable advice on building resilience, leveraging opportunities like remote work, and remaining proactive to ensure that careers are not solely dictated by military life. Amanda also discusses her personal experiences, underscoring the importance of mindset, openness with superiors, flexibility, and planning ahead to ensure career progress.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Waiting Warriors Podcast

00:39 Guest Introduction: Amanda Scott

01:01 Understanding the Impact of TDYs on Military Spouses

01:26 Amanda's Career Journey and the Role of RTX

02:10 The Challenges of Maintaining a Career Amidst TDYs

04:17 Defining 'Career' and 'Maintaining' in the Context of Military Life

05:07 Amanda's Personal Experience with Career Progression and Military Impact

11:43 Strategies for Maintaining a Career During TDYs

17:31 Examples of Workplace Accommodations for Military Spouses

20:23 Workplace Accommodations for Military Spouses

20:53 Understanding FMLA and Its Benefits

22:33 The Importance of Having a Plan

25:16 Advocacy and Communication in the Workplace

30:24 Overcoming Challenges and Thriving in Your Career

36:12 Connecting with Resources for Career-Minded Military Spouses

37:47 Amanda's Key To Thriving