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Before you commission

Start your military career on firm financial footing, whether you're a cadet or midshipman. Learning how to save and spend wisely and budget for your goals can help set you up for personal and professional success.

Plan for future expenses

As part of your pre-commissioning preparation, start planning for upcoming expenses. Factor in costs like uniforms, insurance, housing and potential moving or storage needs. Our expense calculator can help you with examples of common military expenses.

Calculate your expenses

Related resources

Basics of finance

These articles, videos and other resources offer a quick introduction to some of the principles that can help set you up for financial success during your military career and beyond.

Learn more about the basics of finance

Basics of investing

From learning the fundamentals to exploring retirement, knowing your options can help you invest for the future.

Learn more about the basics of investing

Personal property insurance for military service academies

Whether you're in a college ROTC program or attending a military academy, you need personal property coverage that works with military life.

Learn more about personal property insurance for military service academies

Joining the military

There's no greater honor than serving your country, but it can be a big decision. Now that you’ve decided to join, these resources can help further guide you through the process.

Learn more about joining the military

Browse military life resources

USAA member benefits

We understand the demands of military life, which is why we've created benefits, products and discounts for you and your eligible family members. Membership is free and you aren't required to own a product.

Become a member

Why choose USAA

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Military money moves: Get financially fit

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Should I get a loan when I begin my career as a military officer?

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Read article: Should I get a loan when I begin my career as a military officer?

Roth versus traditional IRA

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Read article: Roth versus traditional IRA
View all military life articles

Need help with something else?

Related topics

  • Deployment
  • Permanent change of station
  • Leaving the military
  • Military spouses
  • Loss of a loved one

Additional products

  • Military renters insurance
  • Senior military college personal property insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Overseas insurance

Additional topics

  • Auto
  • Home
  • Finances
  • Life, health and family
  • Retirement

Related footnotes:

  1. This material is for informational purposes. Consider your own financial circumstances carefully before making a decision and consult with your tax, legal or estate planning professional.

Related footnotes:

  1. Use of the term "member" or "membership" refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change. To join USAA, separated military personnel must have received a discharge type of Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions. Eligible family members may also join USAA.

  2. No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement.

  3. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.

  4. USAA Investment Services Company (ISCO), a registered broker-dealer and a registered investment adviser, provides referral and marketing services on behalf of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab), a dually registered investment adviser and broker-dealer. Schwab compensates ISCO for these services.

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