The Military Money Manual Podcast

Spencer Reese tackles the five most common Thrift Savings Plan questions he receives from listeners via email, Instagram, and the podcast inbox. He covers the Roth vs. Traditional decision for service members, how to think about TSP fund selection within your overall asset allocation, why the TSP's tax advantages make it a standout account for military members, what happens if your contributions exceed the annual limit, and what to do with your TSP after separating from the military. Questions

One deployment. $87,000 into Roth accounts. Never taxed going in, never taxed coming out — and if you're 25, that grows to roughly $1.5 million by 60 without a dollar of federal income tax. In this solo episode, Spencer Reese breaks down the military mega backdoor Roth: the combat-zone strategy that lets you blow past the normal TSP limit using tax-exempt CZTE pay and the Roth in-plan conversions that became available in January 2026. He walks through the exact myPay percentages, the monthly con

It might be the greatest military discount in history — and most service members are leaving it on the table. In this solo episode, Spencer breaks down how active duty members, Guard and Reserve on 30+ day orders, and military spouses can carry the best premium credit cards on the market and pay $0 in annual fees, thanks to two federal laws. He covers exactly how it works, the optimal order to open cards, how far you can push it in "two-player mode," and the real refund stories — including one v

If Spencer commissioned today, at 22 years old with everything he learned from 12 years on active duty, what would he actually do with his money? A listener on Instagram asked exactly that, and this episode is the answer: a 13-point playbook for brand new officers and enlisted servicemembers, from your first bank account to the books that will shape your investing philosophy. Plus why "borrow the Career Starter loan and invest it" is less of a no-brainer than the internet claims, and why achievi

The person next to you probably paid less for their seat than you did — and you'll never know it. Spencer talks with Sam Hollander, founder of Autopilot (withautopilot.com), about the overlooked art of saving money after you've already booked. Since U.S. airlines killed change fees, you can claw back cash every time your fare drops and snag last-minute premium-cabin upgrades for a fraction of the sticker price. Sam breaks down how to automate all of it, which tools every points-and-miles travele

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