Finance

Financial Planning

What makes MOAA's Financial Planning service difference from other financial firms? We aren't a financial services firm for one thing. We don't sell financial products nor develop personalized financial plans.

We are financial counselors who have been in the financial business. We know how things work in financial firms. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional we now function as educators and counselors instead of a practicing adviser. You get a financial planner in your hip pocket for the cost of MOAA Premium or Life membership.

It's about you getting the upper hand. We are unbiased. We serve for your benefit. We are here to provide you an “insiders” insight you can't find anywhere else-this service doesn't exist anywhere but MOAA. We are your trusted source information for financial products, services, news, and consumer assistance. 

What's in it for you? We can…

• Review your situation.
• Provide thoughts and ideas.
• Suggest alternative options.
• Offer a place to share your ideas and get honest feedback
• Be your source of knowledge on products, investments, portfolio management, planning issues
• Make you a savvier consumer.

We are your partner on issues concerning the financial decisions and worries you have in your life. Start with us if you don't know where else to turn for answers.

New Retirement Program

Get information on your future retirement benefits. Available for PREMIUM and LIFE members. View slides.

Great products, service and rates from USAA and PenFed.

New Retirement Program

Get information on your future retirement benefits. Available for PREMIUM and LIFE members. View slides

Taxes

Many people think of tax planning on April 14th of each year, right before their income taxes are due. However, tax planning is a year-round endeavor that revolves around strategies to legally reduce, defer, or even eliminate taxes on earned income, unearned income, and capital transactions. The Tax Code is very complex, but most ordinary Americans still have significant opportunities to lower their federal and state tax burdens with appropriate planning.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is a process of developing and implementing a plan that determines the distribution of your property and assets after your death. Depending on your personal situation, your estate plan can be very simple or quite complex. At a minimum, every person should have the following:

• a will;

• a living will; and

• a health care power of attorney.

For basic needs, your installation JAG or legal services office (usually open to retirees in addition to Active Duty) is usually sufficient.

As you accumulate more assets and your situation becomes more complicated, you may need some additional estate planning tools. Also, special circumstances such as divorce, remarriage, marriage to a non-US Spouse and children with special needs require legal documents specifically tailored to meet your new circumstances.

Additional estate planning tools could include:

• a durable power of attorney;

• a revocable living trust;

• an irrevocable life insurance trust;

• a minor's trust;

• a special needs trust; and

• various types of charitable trusts.

These advanced estate planning documents may be outside the scope of the installation legal services office, so you may need to seek the help of a qualified private practice attorney.  

The MOAA Estate Planning Guide is a primer to get you started. MOAA does not have legal assistance on staff. Please consult with your lawyer for specifics.

As an MOAA member, you can take advantage of many different insurance products (including MEDIPLUS TRICARE Supplements) that offer outstanding members-only benefits at reasonable rates.

Learn more about products available under the MOAA Insurance Program.

Looking for the MEDIPLUS claim form?  Download a PDF version now.

MEDIPLUS TRICARE Supplements
Get information on the MOAA-Sponsored MEDIPLUS TRICARE Supplements here and manage your insurance plans online.

Life Insurance Plans
Get information on the MOAA-Sponsored Life Insurance Plans here by visiting MOAA Insurance, then mouse-over "Personal Insurance" to see their plans.

Vision Insurance Plan
Get information on the MOAA-Sponsored Vision Insurance Plan that offers savings on eye exams and glasses or contact lenses.

Pet Insurance
Get information on the MOAA-Sponsored Pet Insurance Program that offers coverage for your family's cat or dog.

Long Term Care Insurance
Get information on the MOAA-Sponsored Long Term Care Insurance plans here.

Do You Need Long Term Care Insurance?
Purchasing long term care insurance may help prevent you and your family from facing an unexpected financial burden.

How to Manage Your MOAA Insurance Plan Online
Do you have an MOAA Insurance Plan? Managing your plan now is easier than ever. Use the new Web portal to view and edit your account information, check the status of claims, request a certificate, make payments, and more!

Real Estate Planning

Whether it is a condo, townhouse, duplex or single family home, real estate is typically the largest single investment most Americans make during their lifetime. While the joys of homeownership are many, the buying and selling process can be stressful and fraught with hidden pitfalls.

Figuring out how much house you can afford, choosing the right real estate agent, choosing the right mortgage and protecting yourself during the home-buying process are critical. 

In addition, our suite of on-line mortgage calculators can assist you in choosing the right loan, the benefits of pre-paying your mortgage and deciding whether you should rent or buy, based on current housing and rent prices.

MOAA does not have real estate special on staff. Please check with a specialist to answer your specific issues.

Retirement Planning

Retirement planning is the process of developing your retirement investing and savings goals and programs for a future retirement. Plus, it will help you create income and make your assets last throughout your retirement years. Sources of retirement income can include:

• Military retired pay

• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

• State and federal government pensions

• Social Security

• Private sector pension plans

• IRAs (individual retirement accounts)

• Annuities

• 401(k), 403(b) and 457(k) plans (private sector retirement plans, similar to the TSP)

• Brokerage accounts

• Personal savings

• Rental properties

• Accumulated home equity

Even if you plan to make the military a career, don't assume that you military retired pay and Social Security will be enough to meet your needs. Too many people wait until their mid-to-late 40s to start seriously planning their retirement. This is a big mistake. Saving $250 a month at age 25 will yield approximately $872,000 at age 65 with an 8 percent return. Waiting until age 45 to start saving yields only $147,000 at age 65 - a $725,000 difference!

Blended Retirement Program

Get information on your future retirement benefits. Available for PREMIUM and LIFE members. View slides