Introduction Military pay is more than a salary. If you only look at basic military pay, it might seem shocking. The numbers look low. But, basic pay is just the beginning of military compensation. It is a total package including health care plus allowances for housing, food, uniforms and more. Let’s take a look at […]
Finance
Military Benefits: Insider Guide for Active Duty, Retirees, and Veterans
Introduction The United States Department of Defense strives to offer servicemembers an enticing benefits package and there are pages and pages of documentation about it. But, sometimes a quick take on a complex topic can help make info more digestible. These resources are designed to help you get a jumpstart on taking full advantage of […]
Military Taxes: In-Depth Guide & Helpful Links to File (2021 Edition)
Introduction The ongoing COVID-19 crisis may have pushed the due date back, but taxes are just as certain in 2020 as they are any other year. With July 15th being the delayed filing deadline, the belated tax season is fast approaching. And as it does many of you, particularly you who are filing for the […]
VA Home Loan: A Comprehensive Guide for Veterans and Active Duty
Introduction There are plenty of great military benefits for active duty, reserves, and veterans alike, but there’s only one that can directly help you achieve your dream of owning a home — a VA Home loan. At AHRN we are dedicated to helping all military personnel connect with their fellow military community with trusted housing […]
Shopkick Your Next PCS Move into High Gear
Setting aside all the physical and mental stresses of moving (which is no easy task, because there are more than enough of those), the process is always an expensive one. Even with all the swell and helpful benefits, advances, and reimbursements available to those moving on PCS orders, expenses add up. Many of them outside […]
What is a Home Warranty?
That’s a perfectly reasonable question you may ask yourself, someone else, or the internet. If you’re in the process of buying a home, or even thinking about buying one, the phrase “home warranty” will cross your path. And it’s well worth knowing what it means, how to get one, and whether or not you should […]
What is a Contingent Offer?
The simple answer is: an offer to purchase a home that the seller has accepted, but won’t be finalized until certain conditions are met. That’s the comprehensively brief explanation. But what’s worth digging into are the kinds of contingent offers you may come across as a buyer or seller. Here are some of the most […]
A Quick Guide to HOA Fees
If you’re considering buying a home in a gated, planned, co-op, otherwise organized community, or condominium complex you’ll come across the phrase “Homeowner’s Association” (or its abbreviated form: HOA). If you’re unfamiliar with this term, here’s a quick explanation: HOA’s oversee the management, upkeep and community standards of your neighborhood. Most often, real estate developers […]
What is a Good Credit Score for Renting an Apartment?
Home ownership may be one of the big components of the American Dream but, if you’re on active duty, chances are you’re renting. If you aren’t ready to buy your dream house just yet, we get it – especially when you have to PCS across the country (or, sometimes, the world) every few years. So […]