Donating to American Veterans

Certain charities benefit from your cleaning out your house, and one of them is the American Veterans.  Through the AMVETS National Service Foundation, they operate thrift stores whereby funds raised help support veteran programs.  It's a worthy cause that benefits you as you clean your house out and supports our heros. 

Veterans Crisis Line

1-800-273-8255
Veterans Crisis Line  web site page
TXTed to 838255
24 hour 7 day a week

This is a wonderful opportunity to reach a veteran.

HONOR OUR VETS!

 Fundraiser for Our Veterans Music City Style! 

Rock Benefit Show @ The Hard Rock Café Nashville TN

Sunday, January 15, 2012

8pm Midnight

All Ages Welcome (under 18 require parent/guardian)

Benefit Rock Show to Support Returning Troops and Their Families

8:00 pm – Marlee Scott (country/pop)

8:40 pm – Sharif Iman (pop/rock)

9:20 pm – Magician/Illusionist Carl Michael

9:45 pm – Shawn Mayer (indie rock)

10:30 pm – Kris Bell / Dav Mikals / Matt “Lig” Knabe (ROCK!!)

$5 cover

FREE Passes for Military veterans with proper ID courtesy of HonorVet.org

Reserved Tables for 5 people available $

100

Proceeds to benefit HonorVet.org

2012 May Be a Financially Great Year

2012 may be a financially great year, that is IF you are willing to do something about it. 

It's important to keep in mind that things just don't happen. You have to take action and make things happen.  So why does this bit of perspective help me out financially?

In the wonderful world of finance where everyone must do basic math on up to advanced math albeit with your income, investments or other means of support, there is action happening.  Your spending behavior is directly reflected in your wallet even if it is buying food or fuel or other.  By not paying attention to your budget or how you spend your money, you are taking action. 

Perhaps you are neglecting your finances.  It's easy to do because many folks dislike the accountability factor involved with budgeting, reconciling your accounts and making financial decisions.  Sometimes financial hardship resurfaces hard times from your past and can cause you to turn the other way  or can cause you to get intense when it comes to your money.

Perhaps you are a good steward of your money, track it and live within your means.  This routine action of managing your finances deserves a pat on the back AND a time to reassess your financial goals.  Are you interested in a return on your funds?  Are you going to take a risk and step out of your circle of comfort?  Are you willing to do more work for more financial gain or are you determining your retirement options?

Perhaps you are in between where you earn income and yet just can figure out why the money was there and is now gone.  This constant merrygoround gets old, discouraging and lackluster.  This is when taking a personal finance class or something related to the topic will help jumpstart you back into action.

Perhaps you have been in recovery.  For many veterans and military personnel coming back from the combat zone, they are faced with medical costs that wipe out whatever savings and/or income that they have.  The financial hardship on the families is difficult.  For some the physical disabilities create challenges including finding a job, keeping a job, and dealing with certain limitations.  For many, they are dealing with PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder.  It's a major issue that few talk about nor the negative effects it has on many military families.  Sweeping it under the carpet is difficult when a military member dealing with PTSD  has a hard time getting out of bed to go to work or to even funtion in American society. 

I write that 2012 may be a financially great year because it can be if you take action.  One problem is the word may, and I specifically use this word to make a point.  Many want to live up to doing a good job and yet they (especially the men) feel that what they do is not good enough.   Bosses and/or supervisors provide negative feedback, expect more than what is realistic and pass judgement on subordinates that beats them down.  Few workers underestimate their ability to do a good job yet most question their superior when it comes to job performance and evaluation.  Yet employment provides a financial means to support the family so many workers just grin and bear it.

Today is the day to take action even if it is a baby step in your financial affairs.  Perhaps you organize your bank accounts into a notebook and your bills into another notebook.  Perhaps you learn about a new financial software via your financial institution's web site page or Internet or package.  Perhaps you pick up a book from the library to read.  Perhaps you cut up your credit card and start paying it off.  Perhaps you open a new account to help jumpstart your financial future with just $20 a month. 

Little steps of action will enhance your financial situation.  Balancing your life and keeping hope abreast will help you navigate through this tricky time.  Perhaps reducing or cutting back in certain areas is a necessary action to help your family go forward.  For example, buying a frozen pizza versus ordering a pizza for delivery is a small step to save some outflow.  Now, if you are on TDY orders and/or PCSing and don't have access to a kitchen, it is wise to eat healthy, drink lots of water instead of sodas or alcohol and make practical choices.  Ask for the military discount when possible and seek restaurants who do give it so that you can cut back on this eat out expense.  Also, during lonely times it is easy to spend money to compensate for not having someone around.  This is when it is very important to do a low cost activity such as a craft, sign up for a class, exercise, attend a church social function or go to the local library for free events (sometimes they are posted on their bulletin boards more so than on the web).

Just taking action to do something will help you come alive with life, venture out, learn something new and gain a whole new perspective on life.  It is so much better than watching tv, playing a video game or anything else via your couch.  Act and see what great possibilities lie ahead. 

   

Out with the Old and In with the New

New Year's Resolutions abound in ways we least expect.  Everyone has something new to do this year whether it's losing weight, doing better in an area of life, getting pregnant, finding a special love, making more money, or on and on and on.....

This year, it's a good thing to focus on out with the old and in with the new.

Instead of dwelling on past failures or past life experiences, it is important to embrace the present like none other.  So often we blame ourselves for what's happened and yet we forget to forgive ourselves and try to do better by starting with the little, insignificant, detail stuff that matters in more ways than you'd expect.

For veterans and those dealing with PTSD, it is important to try something new that blesses you. 

The financial perspective here is to clean up your finances, prepare taxes and get control of your financial affairs.  Kind of like weeding a garden, it's good to let go of investments where the return is lackluster and redirect to a new investment instrument that better meets your needs.  It's an arduous task that few enjoy; however, it is a great necessity should you desire to change your family tree.

Embrace the new and try something new in your life.  This is your year, and according to Dr. Seuss' book Oh The Places You'll Go, you will succeed indeed!

Fisher House aids many with an upcoming project in Tennessee

The Tennessee Fisher House is working hard to raise donations and is pending construction in Murfreesboro TN.  The Fisher House is a nonprofit organization providing a home away from home for many military getting medical treatment.  96% of all donations directly benefit military families. 

Veterans, Public is outraged at Your Cost of Coming Home from War

The Tennessean published a three part series on Veterans called Coming Home by Tom Wilemon and the medical care being provided for them.    Tony Gonzolez wrote another article on how Middle TN Families are struggling to pay cost with war.   Wives of Faith was mentioned as a possible point of contact for help.  Public outrage is high at how our veterans are being treated based on one of the articles.  Mind you, less than a quarter of veterans dealt with physical issues requiring medical aid, yet the emotional trauma is high.  I believe that both articles provide a glimpse into what some military families have endured as a direct result of service.

On the day after Thanksgiving when these articles were published, I received a phone call for help for a World War II veteran who lost his double-wide and is struggling pretty bad.  While we are processing the situation to see how we can help him out, I am certain that there are more veterans dealing with similar struggles. 

The bitter pill is giving so much to a country that doesn't take care of them especially years later...that's what is difficult for some veterans to bear.  Cutting through the red tape of bureaucracy and government protocals, it's important that our veterans are helped out.  The Fisher House is a great outreach for those seeking to provide financial support to our veterans.    Donations are currently being raised for the Murfreesboro TN location of the TN Fisher House.   The majority of veterans are good people trying to be treated fair in a system struggling with many flaws that add fuel to the bitterness feeling.

Sure these veterans didn't have to sign up, serve, and get paid for their time in the military, but they DID! I applaud our veterans for serving (and getting paid as well as being given certain perks).  Honestly, the pay is low for what these folks and their families do to sacrifice for our country. 

Yet here is something that money can't buy and that is fighting for our freedom. 

Some folks sign up for college money.  Some folks sign up because they need a job and/or work experience.  Some folks do it for family tradition.  Some do it because they have no where else to go.  Some feel called to sign up.  Some are guilted into serving aleit family member, peer pressure or perhaps a bet.  Whatever the circumstance to enlist, the outcome is what it is. 

We hope for the best for each service person.  The best that we can say is Thank You for your service to our country. 



Tennessee Fisher House is located in Murfreesboro, TN and is pending construction.  There is a staff in place so telephone to see about specific means of support currently available. 
tennesseefisherhouse@comcast.net
Phone: 615-916-1310

Tennessee Fisher House Foundation, Inc.
P. O. Box 774
Brentwood TN 37024-0774

Fisher House™ Foundation and the Fisher House™ program depends of public donations to continue its important work.  Fisher House™ Foundation does not disclose the names of its donors to any other individuals or organizations. We do not do telephone solicitation.  Fisher House™ Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Donations are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.

WAYS TO GIVE:

BY MAIL:

SEND YOUR DONATION TO:

Tennessee Fisher House Foundation, Inc

P. O. Box 774

Brentwood TN 37024-0774

Please make checks payable to: “Tennessee Fisher House Foundation”

PTSD & Jobs

PTSD or post traumatic stress disorde is a serious issue for many military personnel.  While the tv show Castle showed how police officers deal with PTSD, it is much different and yet similar. 

It is a known fact that unemployment for those dealing with PTSD is higher than what many realize.  Even if the person dealing with PTSD is employed, it affects everyone.  Military wives must seek professional help if they feel that their spouse is not making progress.

Seeking employment especially during these challenging times is a challenge.  It is best to network among friends, family and someone in the career profession.  Taking a temporary job or doing odds and ends is better than nothing. 

People want to help and yet people are hurting because of these dismal economic times.  An interesting blog Rainmaker this retired military man provides some resources on it.

11.7% Jobless Rate for Returning Veterans

In the November 4th, 2011 edition of the Kiplinger Letter, I read an interesting commentary about Military Veterans and them finding jobs on the homefront.  The jobless rate for returning soldiers is 11.7%.  This is a significantly higher rate than the unemployment rate in the U.S.  I believe that many of these numbers are NOT true representatives of the reality.  For example, a Navy reservist has been denied employment because of his military status.  While against the law, it is a reality than many don't realize is happening to our men and women serving their country.  Free market enterprise is undergoing various challenges with a lackluster economy that is starting to pick up steam from this recession.  Some pickup is occurring but not at the breaknecking speed needed to turn the economy around.  GDP growth remains low relative to other countries. 

The Dept of Labor and Veteran's Affairs is offering incentives to businesses.  For those veterans seeking employment especially those wounded in a combat zone, there's a tax credit in hiring such a job candidate.  Government money for salaries and other incentives for employment may benefit small businesses seeking to hire yet limited with monetary means.  Obviously you need to research this on your end for clarification because some employers hiring may not realize the added benefit a veteran offers.  At the America's Heroes for Work site, you will find loads of information about this topic.  As each state operates differently and as the information is limited, it is wise to seek counsel and/or talk with a private headhunter who may specialize in placement of veterans.

Job seekers are challenged today in the U.S.  It is wise to keep in mind that this is not you personally but the market conditions in this country.  I pray that you seek a support group either at a church or an employment office or elsewhere.  Never give up faith and hope as you or a friend seeks employment.  All the best, Alfa Sugar

Veteran's Day Discounts and Deals

See this link for a free meal or other discount deals for veteran's, past and present with a valid military i.d.

THANK YOU Veterans

Happy Veteran's Day!

A simple Thank You for your Service to Our Country is the best thing that anyone can say to a veteran.  At an early morning school assembly, one veteran spoke about the importance of just saying Thank You.  I believe that many Americans do NOT take for granted the sacrifice and service of many in our armed forces.  I believe that many Americans are ignorant of the valor, courage, strength and fortitude of folks who serve and have served in our armed forces.  Tis better to do what is right and endure the slander from those ignorant of what it takes to excel for the common good.  Celebrate as we all should the wonderful freedoms we enjoy today.  This is truly a day of thanks for our Veteran's.

On Wives of Faith, Pattie Reitz posts a neat history clip as well as an appropriate poem.  WofF Veteran's Day 

History via the U.S. Dept. of Veteran's Affairs

The Purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

VA Benefits

Below is interesting information that has been posted about VA Benefits.  While I can't confirm the details presented below, I blog about this information to assist those seeking information.  There appears to be a lot of red tape preventing people from getting a direct, sensible answer.  I pray that what I've shared below will illuminate some sketchy details to help many get the benefit that they so deserve.  I will continue to do financial research about this and as always, wish you the best.  Thank you for your service to our country.   ~Alfa Sugar, aka Stephanie Arredondo

Disability Pay
This blogger writes: unless you hit 20 Years you cant have both. Personally I would go with the VA $ since its tax free, well, that and I have a wife and 5 kids and will probably get 70%...Much better than 30% of E-6 Pay..But I have not been able to actually find that written anywhere in an instruction...so if anyone knows...

One blogger writes:  If you receive Military retirement at say at 30% or greater you will receive a medical retirement at 50% base pay.  If the VA rates you at 90% that means your 50% military retirement is non-taxable and you will receive compensation from the VA @40%.  

Another blogger writes the following:
If you are medically retired from the Army, you will only receive one check from the two departments, the check with the higher amount. You do not have the option of choosing which one. However, if at any point your condition worsens and your pay from one authority or the other is raised to a higher level than whichever is paying you at that time, the higher paying authority will take over your payments. Bottom-line, you will only get one check and while you have no say, it will always be the higher amount.

One of the differences between the VA and the Army, outside of the payment, is that the VA will pay 100% of your medical expenses for at-home equipment (home adaptive equipment, sleep apnea machines) whereas TriCare will usually pay for 90%, so a rating from both authorities is a good thing.

Disability Compensation
Chris Attik wrote this article that may be of interest  VA Benefit

Property Tax for Residents of Virginia
Sherri Abrams wrote this article for those disabled veterans living in the state of Virginia.
Disabled Veterans Real Property Tax ReliefJuly 9th, 2011

Effective January 1, 2011 a new law was imposed by the Commonwealth of Virginia allowing a 100% real estate tax exemption for qualifying disabled armed forces veterans and their spouses.
Pursuant to Article X, Section 6-A of the Constitution of Virginia, the General Assembly exempted from taxation the real property, including the joint real property of husband and wife, of any Veteran who has been approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability, and who occupies the real property as his/her primary place of residence.

The surviving spouse of a Veteran eligible for the exemption shall also qualify for the exemption, so long as the death of the Veteran occurred on or after January 1, 2011, the surviving spouse does not remarry and the surviving spouse continues to occupy the real property as his/her primary place of residence.

In order to receive this benefit the veteran is required to have a letter of disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (1-800-827-1000). The letter will have specific wording that is required by the Commonwealth of Virginia for this exemption. The letter will NOT be automatically provided to the veteran, he or she must request this letter. Virginia Form 21-4138 may be filled out and signed in the Commissioner of Revenue’s office and faxed to the Veterans Affairs office to request the letter on your behalf.

The regional U. S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs office is located at 210 Franklin Road SW, Roanoke, Va. 24011.

When applying with the Commissioner of the Revenue for this exemption the veteran must bring:
1. An original letter of disability issued by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
2. Photo Identification
3. Proof of residence of occupancy – Voter Registration Card

Surviving spouse should bring:
1. Approved and original letter of disability issued by the U. S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (in the event the veteran was not previously exempted from local real estate taxes)
2. Death certificate to confirm the date is subsequent to December 31, 2010
3. A certificate of marriage from the appropriate State office of records
4. Proof of residence occupancy – Voter Registration Card

The above real estate information may shed light on your current state's residence property tax for veterans. 

All information presented is strictly for information purposes.  You are encouraged to conduct your research, contact a professional or seek guidance.