Your credit score is a 3-digit number that plays a big role in your financial life. We all know that when it comes to larger purchases, like a house or a vehicle, you need to have a good credit score. If you are stuck in a rut or simply want to raise your credit score by a few points, read these five simple steps for improving your score.

Military debt is surprisingly common amongst soldiers. Protecting our country often leads to loved ones at home with financial worries.   Deployment is not always to blame for these struggles, military families are vulnerable to the same financial traps that everyone else is exposed to.    No matter who you are, debt is no fun! Here are some basic tips to help relieve the stress of financial debt. 

Money management can be a daunting job, especially when you consider just how busy military families are. Budgeting apps are becoming an increasingly popular option and their features can be quite helpful. 

Here are some of the most popular budgeting apps:

If you are like most military families, bills, money and finances, in general, are fresh in your mind. Most military families have credit card debt, mortgage payments, large grocery bills, auto loans and countless other bills and expenses required to support and raise a family.

Every store we visit right now is bombarded with marketing posters, ads with sales on toys, holiday decorations, the latest electronics to look for and more. With all of the distractions, military families are often enticed by the buzz of holiday shopping. Are you tempted to spend too much this holiday season? Check out these quick tips on how to enjoy the holiday shopping season, while not derailing your future financial health.

It’s an unpleasant thought, but a financial crisis could strike when you least expect it, so you’ll want to be prepared. Protect yourself by setting up a cash reserve so you have funds available in the event you’re confronted with an unexpected expense. Otherwise you may need to use money that you have earmarked for another purpose–such as a down payment on a home–or go into debt.

Access to technology is a major advantage that benefits military families for helping manage finances.

These days, there’s virtually an app or a program for everything, and that includes financial basics. Do your homework and find out which ones could be the most helpful to you. Do you need alerts to remind you to pay bills on time? Do you need help organizing your finances? Are you looking for a program that allows you to examine your bank, credit card, investment, and loan account activities all at once?

While establishing goals for 2017, military members have critical decisions to make this year that could have huge implications to retirement planning and savings. Military ​retirement reform ​became law in November 2015 and takes effect officially on Jan. 1, 2018.

How does the new law impact military members?

The new law creates big changes for how retirement compensation is structured.

As a military member, you may already have a basic plan laid out for your future. You may be planning to start a family, purchase a home, or shop for a new vehicle. Either way, the best financial plans start with a big picture. With 2017 already in full swing, take the time to reflect on your specific goals, outside of how much they may cost or how limited you may feel your resources are.

If you are like most military families, you might be feeling the pressure to keep up with bills and expenses. With a limited income, a budget helps you stay on track with your financesThere are several steps you’ll need to take to establish a budget.