New Horizons: Going from the Military to Civilian Life

Craig Vaculin is considering a significant life transition: retiring from a 24-year career in the military. Alongside his wife, Vitoria, they have embarked on the VyStar Savings Challenge to ensure their finances can support this major life change. With guidance from financial experts, they aim to secure a stable future for their family.

Navigating Financial Responsibilities

Craig's possible upcoming retirement from the U.S. Navy brings along several financial challenges. "With that comes financial responsibilities. Right? And it seems like no matter how much you try to put aside, it always seems to go," Craig said. The couple hopes that the VyStar Savings Challenge will equip them with tools to better manage their finances.

From Military to Civilian Life

For military families like the Vaculins, transitioning to civilian life involves careful planning. VyStar Military Affairs Manager, Sean Dougherty, shed light on the complexities involved: "You're going to lose all your incentive pays and your allowance for housing", he said, adding, "with 24 years, you get 60% of that base pay, but it's just the base pay," pointing out the financial adjustments required. Dougherty emphasized that these adjustments are crucial for their post-retirement planning.

Personal Financial Advisory

Blake Massey, a financial advisor from VyStar, helps the Vaculins navigate their finances. "Today, we're going to just kind of take a deeper dive into the numbers," Massey said, emphasizing the need to clearly understand their financial habits and identify areas for savings. "We're used to bringing in close to a $130,000 a year, and we don't have a lot of expenses," Craig shared, highlighting their situation as they consider a transition to civilian life.

Blake provided the Vaculins with detailed plans, including an expense worksheet offering insights into spending habits. "It brings new meaning to that. I'm spending $11,000 a month, but where exactly am I spending it?" By pinpointing unnecessary expenditures, they can bolster their savings, Massey said.

A Clear Path Forward

The Vaculins' journey is one many military families face. With programs like VyStar's, they can access resources and expert advice to ensure a seamless transition.

Craig and Vitoria’s story is a testament to the importance of proactive financial management when approaching major life events like career changes or retirement. Through the VyStar Savings Challenge and the guidance of experienced advisors, they are assessing their financial landscape, setting the stage for a well-planned retirement.

The Road to Retirement

The episode demonstrates the transformative journey of Craig and Vitoria Vaculin as they prepare to potentially retire from military life and embark on a new chapter. By analyzing their finances and with the expert advice from VyStar, they are better positioned to make informed decisions for their family's future. This process not only intends to ease their transition but also empowers them with financial security. It underscores a broader picture of how financial education and planning can lead to a smoother transition from military service to civilian life, guiding families like the Vaculins to a secure and stable future.

Update:

See how Craig and Vitoria have fared after participating in the VyStar Savings Challenge.