Your financial and wellness bank accounts

By MSG Charles L. Miller II, Army National Guard Retirement Services Section NCOIC     August 2025

I thought the advertisement was incorrect! I thought I missed the special! As I carried the 27 U-Haul boxes into my new 8x10 climate-controlled storage space, I was reminded that I couldn’t pay one of my expenses for the upcoming month because I was not prepared for the requirement of the storage space that came with the advertisement.

Too often as we transition through life-changing events, we may forget that every status change requires an action. If those status changes are the advertisement, the action is the requirement. Responsibilities may shift, but values of the Army are always present in us. As a Retired Soldier and a Soldier for Life, your mission has changed, but your duty has not. That means staying active in your community, continuing to be an ambassador for the Army, and supporting those around us … especially our Army family. There’s something valuable about how, by sharpening others, we also sharpen ourselves.

Retired Soldiers also experience life-changing events -- and preparation beats procrastination, every time. So, to alleviate mismanaging your financial and wellness bank accounts because of an unexpected expense, remember that the advertisement also has a requirement. Here are two things to remember when facing life-changing events:

  1. Taxes are an annual requirement, and these services are more than likely free of charge for veterans, Retired Soldiers, and Soldiers currently serving. Remember, the state you reside in determines your tax benefits. Learn more at the MyArmyBenefits website. We want to make sure you have the tools to meet the requirements for any life-changing status for you and your loved ones. Your financial goals should align with managing your responsibilities correctly with your retired lifestyle and alleviate any unnecessary expense; your future self will thank you for this preparation.
  1. The most important life-changing event to consider is your health. You cannot pour from an empty cup and while you have transitioned to retirement, periodic health assessments and routine appointments still matter. Taking care of your mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, financial, and intellectual wellness is a responsibility that cannot go unnoticed. And, guess what? MyArmyBenefits has even more resources for you and your loved ones – whether you’re looking for health-focused updates, VA home loan details, or education benefits and opportunities. Ensure your wellness bank account is prepared to support your health and well-being. Decide what matters to you based on your values, needs, and goals.
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