This is the number one thing you can do. Discuss what you want your life to look like after military service. Work with your spouse on your goals and dreams for the future.

Do you or your spouse plan to go back to school? What kind of job do you want?

Ideally, the transition process should begin 12-18 months before your service member’s separation from the military or end of time in service (ETS). Your service member should make an appointment with a transition counselor at your duty station to get started.

Your spouse will be required to attend the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for his or her branch of the service. This seminar is open to spouses on a space-available basis. Make it a priority to attend this together, if possible! The seminar will cover resources, benefits, and information crucial to the transition process.

Carefully track your current spending and create transition and post-transition plans.

First, make a transition spending plan. Most likely, your family will incur unexpected costs during transition. Some of these costs may eventually be reimbursed, but it is a good idea to have money set aside to cover these expenses instead of relying on high-interest credit cards or loans.

Sometimes, it can take longer than expected to find a job, so make sure your emergency fund is fully stocked with enough savings to cover at least three to six months of living expenses.

Watch this video featuring Ingrid, an Army spouse, who talks about her experiences both with and without an emergency fund.

If you are moving, research the cost of living in the new location, and make sure you’re accounting for all changes in income and expenses.

Next, work on your post-transition spending plan. This is your baseline allocation plan for life after the military.

Visit our Money Ready resources here and our blog post here to help you get started.

Let’s now take a look at navigating new employment once your service member separates and your family transitions from the military. Civilian employment can have a big impact on your post-transition spending plan.

For Kristin, a transitioning Army spouse, entrepreneurship has provided an opportunity to build and maintain her career. Watch this video to listen to her experience and consider if that might be a good option for you too.

There are many similarities between military and civilian employment but also major differences. Keep in mind that your service member may lose some benefits after retirement, such as incentive pay or military tax breaks.

Your spouse may also find that civilian compensation is very different. It’s important for your service member to know what benefits are included in his or her pay and what things may be out of pocket.

How much sick and/or vacation time will be earned? Does the compensation package include insurance coverage, such as life, health, dental or disability coverage?

Your service member should know what these costs will be, so they may be factored into your family’s budget.

As both you and/or your spouse look for civilian positions, know how your budget will change post-military and make sure the salary meets your needs to maintain a comparable lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to negotiate salary. Both of you should consider how your knowledge, skills and abilities translate into the job you want and do your research to know the average salary of that job in your area.

One of the most important things you can do as you job hunt is to network, network, network! Visit with a career counselor at your installation’s Family Readiness Center to help assess your skills and interests, guide your job search, and update your resume.

Utilize the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO portal), DoD Career Ready, and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) to support and guide your search. Brush up on your interviewing skills with these tips from our blog.

Leaving the military may mean changes in your family’s tax situation. Some types of military pay are tax-exempt, but this will not be the case in the civilian sector. Also, be aware that if you are moving to a new community, the state and local tax rates may be different. Research these differences and visit with your installation’s personal financial counselor or a tax professional ahead of time to plan for tax expenses. Account for these changes and make sure to include them in your budget. For additional help, visit Military OneSource MilTax Tax Services.

Educate yourself on the benefits and programs available for military families transitioning to the civilian workforce.

• Relocation assistance: Develop a relocation plan. Military OneSource has great resources specifically geared toward spouses, and they have consultants available to help along the way. Visit this link for more information.
• Education benefits: Military service provides some great educational benefits for active duty members and possibly family members, as well. If your spouse transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, review special considerations for spouses using the GI Bill.
• State-specific benefits: Beyond benefits afforded by the Veterans Administration, your state of residence may have additional benefits available. Visit your state’s Veterans Affairs Commission and research potential benefits such as tax, education, housing, employment and recreation benefits. Also be sure to visit the U.S. Department of Education to learn about education benefits offered to military families and veterans.