Military families struggle to make ends meet every year. The cost of living allowance (COLA) they are given doesn’t always match the rate of inflation.
This time last year, the Department of Defense reported that military families using food stamps was at an all-time high with over $100 million dollars in food stamps being redeemed at military groceries (commissaries). Food stamp usage at the stores more than quadrupled since 2007. That doesn’t take into account food stamps being used at civilian stores.
To put it into perspective for you, the average soldier entering service with a spouse and child will make about $20,000 a year. The frequent moves required when you are married to a soldier make it difficult for spouses to find work. Those who can find work to supplement the family income often end up with resumes that look like Swiss Cheese making them undesirable employees for companies looking to make a long term investment.
The result is soldiers sacrificing their lives for American freedoms while their families struggle to make ends meet back home.
So, here are a few tricks we found to help military families who are struggling to set their family budget in the New Year:
1. We reached out to Financial Lifeguard, Christine Luken, (www.christineluken.com). She told us that she would offer $25 off to any military family who wanted to use her service to help set up a budget in the New Year. She also has loads of free financial advice articles with helpful hints and life hacks on her website.
2. If you are going to have a baby this year the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers a wonderful workshop for expectant parents, which includes a free Junior Sea Bag with $80 worth of goodies including onesies, crib sheets, and a blanket made by a volunteer. For information about these classes in your area visit their website
3. CVS offers 20% off for veterans and their families with a Veterans Advantage Card.
4. Old Navy hosts Military Mondays at select locations where they will give you 10% off.
5. Pottery Barn Kids, Party City and Home Depot give a 10% military discount every day.
6. Sally Beauty Supply will give you a free Beauty Club Membership if you are a veteran, active duty, or spouse.
7. JC Penny’s Portrait Studio gives military families a free 8×10, all free sitting fees, and 50% off portrait purchase or $3.99 traditional portrait sheets plus 50% off portrait collections.
8. Target Portrait Studio also offers a military discount to receive 50% off portrait collections, a free 8 x 10, and free sitting fees.
9. The Department of Defense pays for memberships for all military families who want them to an organization called Sittercity that will help you find a sitter who fits the needs of your family. This can be particularly helpful when you are making the move to a new place.
10. Costco, Sams Club, and most major grocery stores offer military discounts.
If you don’t see a service you need listed here don’t hesitate to ask a particular business if they offer a military discount. Many don’t openly advertise these discounts, but happily provide them to help struggling military families.
Carrie D. Cox is host of The Military Mamas Radio Show, a talk radio program for veterans, activie duty military and their families. She also works as the co-host of TWT-TV a veteran-owned small business. She grew up in Covington and graduated from Holmes High School. She moved away as a military spouse but returned several years ago and began writing and teacher. She is a Ph.D., an holds degrees in public relations, psychology, conflict management, neurolinguistics programming and forensic psychological profiling. Email: carriedcox@yahoo.com