This "Funday Sunday" session of the Military Retirement Podcast, hosted by John McConnell, features Vic discussing overseas relocation for military personnel transitioning out of service. They share personal experiences and offer insights into various factors influencing relocation decisions. The episode also announces their new book, "Bottom Line Up Front," aimed at assisting military members with their transition. Key topics include job considerations (GS, NAF, contractor, civilian), financial planning, pre-move exploration using TDY trips, and an in-depth look at government civilian job types overseas. Towards the end, the discussion touches on job application tips and the rapid advancements in AI, emphasizing the need for continuous learning.Important Moments:00:02:15 - Discussing overseas relocation and personal experiences.00:04:00 - Promoting the book "Bottom Line Up Front."00:05:07 - Key topics covered in the book.00:10:24 - Key factors for military relocation: job opportunities, cost of living, and personal finances.00:18:12 - Utilizing TDY trips for relocation scouting.00:20:19 - Job avenues for overseas relocation (GS, NAF, government contracting, civilian).00:21:09 - Renting versus buying in a new location.00:24:22 - Using USAJOBS for government positions.00:26:12 - Understanding overseas GS position caps.00:28:34 - Benefits of NAF vs. GS positions.00:30:08 - NAF positions and quality of life.00:33:14 - Exploring NAF positions on USAJOBS.00:35:50 - The lengthy government hiring process and SOFA agreements.00:37:00 - Base privileges for contractors and retirees.00:38:51 - Advantages of relocating from the states.00:43:08 - Relocation allowance and baggage add-ons.00:45:07 - Resume tips for GS positions.00:47:35 - Civilian success in USAJOBS applications.00:49:19 - Networking and internal hires in government jobs.00:51:24 - Justin Murphy's resume approach.00:53:19 - E-7 knowledge vs. GS-12/13 positions.00:54:50 - Continuous learning and skill development.00:55:59 - The rapid advancement of AI.01:01:20 - Recap of OCONUS retirement and job search.01:05:30 - Personal preference for NAF positions.Books and Resources Mentioned:Bottom Line Up Front: What You Need to Know Before You Leave the Military by John McConnell and Victor De La Flor: https://amzn.to/46hYge8Channel Social Links:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573Relevant Hashtags:#MilitaryRetirement #OverseasRelocation #MilitaryTransition #GovernmentJobs #GSJobs #NAFJobs #MilitaryLife #VeteranLife #RetirementPlanning #OCONUS #MilitaryBenefits #JobSearch #MilitaryPodcast #BottomLineUpFront
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1:06:49
#91 Retire to Something — with Brian Arrington of Vets2Industry
Thanking all of you 777 Youtube Subscribers so far!! 🫶🏼🫶🏼 giving some flowers to the Military Influencer Conference folks, BAH increase, much more📌 Episode SummaryIn this heartfelt and motivating episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, hosts John and Vic sit down with Brian Arrington, founder and CEO of Vets2Industry, to explore the mindset shift every service member needs before they transition: Don’t just retire from something — retire to something. Brian shares hard-earned wisdom from his own transition journey, the founding of Vets2Industry, and his mission to connect every veteran and family member to the opportunities, resources, and community they need to thrive. If you’re preparing to separate, retire, or just want to feel re-inspired, this episode is a must-listen.🔗 Links & Resources🧭 Vets2Industry — Free resources for veterans and families📘 Bottom Line Up Front by John McConnell — https://amzn.to/4jUiPky👥 Military Retirement Facebook Group — https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573📺 The Green Logbook YouTube Channel — https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook🎧 Military Retirement Podcast — https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast🧠 Key Quote“If you don’t have a mission when you leave, you’ll feel lost. The military gives you structure — so make sure you’re retiring to something that keeps you going.” — Brian Arrington⏱️ Key Topics & TimestampsTime Topic0:00 Opening thoughts: What it means to “retire to something”0:30 Introducing Brian Arrington and the mission of Vets2Industry1:20 Brian’s transition story — how he found purpose through service2:30 Why community and identity vanish after transition — and how to reclaim them3:30 The importance of having a post-military plan and mission4:00 Common mistakes service members make when separating5:00 The story behind Vets2Industry and who it’s for6:00 Final thoughts: don’t just exit. Build your next chapter.
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#90 Hurricanes and Military Skill translation 2024
💬 Key Quote“I didn't walk away from retirement — I walked towards more choices.”📌 Key TakeawaysRetirement Isn’t Always the Goal: Not everyone who joins the military does so intending to serve 20 years. And that’s okay.Build a Plan Based on Your Values: Your future doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. There’s more than one path to a good life.Ask the Right Questions: Instead of asking “Should I stay for the pension?”, ask “What kind of life do I want to build?”📕 Bottom Line Up Front Book - https://amzn.to/4kDSRml👥 Military Retirement Facebook Group — https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573📺 The Green Logbook YouTube Channel — https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook🎧 Military Retirement Podcast — https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast
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#89 LIVE Q&A with @Frommilitarytomillionaire Dave Pere
🎙 Episode SummaryIn this wide-ranging and deeply insightful conversation, John McConnell hosts David Pere, Marine Corps veteran and founder of Military to Millionaire, to discuss financial readiness, miscommunication stressors, and the practical path to wealth-building for veterans. David shares his journey from buying his first property using a VA loan to leading a nationwide Mastermind for service members and veterans seeking financial independence.They cover strategies for transitioning from military to civilian life, how to tackle debt, smart approaches to investing in real estate, when refinancing actually makes sense, and why the Midwest may be a top pick for retirees. The episode emphasizes the long-term mindset, accountability, and spending intentionally on experience over things.🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned🏠 Military to Millionaire Website:https://www.frommilitarytomillionaire.com/📘 The No B.S. Guide to Military Life on Amazon/Audible:https://amzn.to/3SwfEUz📅 Military Influencer Conference:https://militaryinfluencer.com/📘 Bottom Line Up Front: What You Need to Know Before You Leave the Military by John McConnell and Victor De La Flor:https://amzn.to/43GInv4💬 Military Retirement Group on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573🎥 YouTube Channels:Military Retirement Podcast:https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcastThe Green Logbook:https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbookFrom Military to Millionaire:https://www.youtube.com/@Frommilitarytomillionaire0:00 Opening quote from Marcus Aurelius0:30 Introduction to the show & importance of communication1:55 Miscommunication in military life and personal logistics4:00 Stress, patience, and humility during transition periods6:45 Civilian life lacks military’s support systems8:10 Facebook group for military retirement support9:10 Military Influencer Conference details13:15 Introduction of guest: David Pere15:00 From military service to real estate investor16:00 Why “get-rich-quick” is a myth and the power of compounding19:00 Using the VA loan for house-hacking (duplex/4-plex strategy)23:30 Shifting from scarcity to wealth-building mindset26:00 Paying off credit card debt vs. investing30:50 Evaluating ROI of debt payoff vs. investments35:00 When to invest and building a post-military financial runway37:00 Budgeting: track spending and cut unnecessary costs41:00 Spending on experiences vs. stuff (popcorn at home vs. theater)46:00 Overview of David’s Mastermind and philosophy on money48:00 Hot topic: Should you refinance your mortgage right now?53:00 Choose investment strategy that fits your life goals54:30 David's recommendation: House hacking, investing early56:00 Signs of market shifts: auto industry as a bellwether1:02:00 Best low-cost-of-living states for veterans1:07:00 Missouri as an example of affordable living1:11:00 Closing thoughts and how to connect with David
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#88 Reserve / NGB Retirement... DON'T DO THIS!
📌 Episode SummaryIn this in-depth episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic sit down with Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joe Michel to demystify the complexities of Reserve and National Guard retirement. They cover critical knowledge gaps around the "gray area," COLA decisions, early retirement age reductions, Tricare, SBP, federal time buyback, and transitioning smoothly into civilian life. This is essential listening for anyone in Compo 2 or 3 (Title 32) preparing for retirement — whether you’re 5 years out or filing paperwork now.📚 Books MentionedThe Daily Laws by Robert Greene – https://amzn.to/43UlV2IThe 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene – https://amzn.to/43nziZeThe Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday – https://amzn.to/4dH9Gtz🔗 Links & Resources🖥️ Tricare Plans & Benefits: https://tricare.mil📖 Military Retirement Book: Bottom Line Up Front – https://amzn.to/43GInv4👥 Military Retirement Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573🎥 The Green Logbook YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook📄 Cola Trap White Paper (by Col. Fowler): [Likely a PDF shared in veteran groups, suggest linking to the podcast or YouTube video explaining it once released]📊 Military Retirement Calculators: https://militarypay.defense.gov/Calculators💡 Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Info: https://militarypay.defense.gov/Benefits/Survivor-Benefit-Program/0:00 Opening reflection from The Daily Laws and adapting to change1:18 Book discussion: Robert Greene, Ryan Holiday, and daily meditations5:04 Transitioning mindsets and habits post-military6:57 Intro to reserve and National Guard retirement differences7:58 Deep dive into the "COLA trap" and retirement timing9:54 Community service and post-retirement volunteerism13:30 Guest intro: CWO4 Joe Michel and his reserve career14:50 “Gray area” retirement and understanding eligibility at age 6017:00 NDAA 2008: Lowering retirement age for certain service20:00 Missing retirement points and how to fight for credit23:00 COLA decision: Retired Reserve vs full discharge26:00 Retirement education gaps in the military29:00 Need for unit-level retirement SMEs (subject matter experts)31:00 Preparing for civilian transition: uniform to “Mr.” mindset34:00 TRS & TAP: Challenges of preparing for civilian life37:00 Health coverage: Tricare Reserve Select, Tricare for Life, BENEFEDS43:00 Buying back military time for federal employment48:00 Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) overview for reservists50:00 Personal records audits and DD214 accuracy52:00 Retirement calculators and high-level pay math58:00 Idea: A Reserve Retirement Masterclass or Webinar1:03:00 Converting “tribal knowledge” into shared guidance1:06:00 Meetup ideas and supporting the military retirement community1:07:20 Closing notes: book promo, shoutouts, and next week’s guest
Highlighting military retirement journeys from all walks of the military. Wide ranging long form conversations with Veterans. We discuss the retirement process, life starting in the military, and life after the military. Also talk to former military members who transitioned before reaching retirement and started their own businesses.
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