This handy money-management guide is aimed squarely at those who have served in the U.S. military and their family members. Those serving in active duty may find it difficult to manage finances from far away; it can be equally difficult to deal with money when returning to 'normal' civilian life. It’s also important to remember that many join the service at a young age and do not have the benefit of experience. The book breaks down general financial planning into manageable chunks, covering topics such as taxes, investments, insurance, funding for education, home ownership, and transitioning to life after the military. Authors Lawthorne-Scott and Philpott each have personal and professional experience with the military, and it shows in their vocabulary and manner. Public libraries would do well to add this to the shelves of consumer financial-planning books; academic libraries with ROTC programs will find this a must-purchase.

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Military Finances: Personal Money Management for Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families provides military members with a fine guide to everything from understanding and using the banking industry to planning for retirement, investing, and buying insurances. Coverage includes veterans, those currently serving, and military members planning for a transition and provides all the specifics linking military employ to financial concerns. All the common routines of military service, active duty and lifestyle are covered in chapters that cite the latest military routines and strategies, how to link them to personal benefit and financial management, and how to gain the most from benefits and their investment. No military collection should be without this.

California Bookwatch