Resources & Tools
Equipping you with the practical gear needed to navigate the mission toward retirement confidence.
Interactive Benchmarks
Run your own numbers in total privacy. No data is stored or shared—these are purely for your own mission planning.
Retirement Savings Calculator
Project your nest egg and identify your retirement income gap.
Historical stock market average is ~7-10%.
What you want to live on per month (pre-tax).
Projected Nest Egg at Age 65
$462,400
Monthly Gap: $2,459
You have a shortfall of $2,459 per month. Consider increasing your contributions or adjusting your target age.
Disclaimer: This is an educational estimate only. It does not account for taxes, inflation, required minimum distributions (RMDs), or market volatility. Consult a financial professional for personalized advice.
Debt Payoff Calculator
See how much time and money you save by accelerating your debt payoff.
Strategy Tip: Paying the highest interest debt first (Avalanche) saves the most money. Paying the smallest balance first (Snowball) builds the most momentum. Both work better with an extra monthly payment.
Original Payoff
4 years & 8 months
Total Interest: $7,400
Accelerated Payoff
2 years & 8 months
Total Interest: $4,200
Time Saved: 24 Months
By adding $200 to your monthly payment, you reclaim nearly 2 years of your life.
Note: This calculation assumes a fixed interest rate and consistent monthly payments. It is for educational purposes only. Every extra dollar you pay toward high-interest debt is a guaranteed return equal to your interest rate.
VA Benefits Estimator
Estimate your potential monthly disability compensation.
Estimates are provided in 10% increments.
Dependent pay typically begins at a 30% disability rating.
Additional pay if you are permanently housebound due to service-connected disabilities.
Additional pay for those who require the regular aid and attendance of another person.
Estimated Monthly Benefit
$1,716.28
Estimated Annual: $20,595.36
Verify Your Benefits
This calculator uses approximate 2024 COLA-adjusted rates. Your actual benefit is determined by the VA based on medical evidence and official decisions.
Disclaimer: This is an educational estimate and does not guarantee benefit amounts. VA rates change annually. Visit VA.gov for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Field Worksheets & Checklists
Printable frameworks designed to help you get the numbers out of your head and onto the page.
Financial Gap Analysis Worksheet
Identify the gaps in your retirement plan and build your bridge across them. Companion to Modules 1-2.
Monthly Budget Template
A veteran-friendly budgeting spreadsheet built around irregular income.
Debt Payoff Battle Plan
Track your debt, choose your strategy, and log every victory on the road to zero. Companion to Module 4.
Net Worth Statement
One-page snapshot to track your financial progress quarter by quarter.
VA Benefits Quick-Reference Guide
Key benefits, eligibility notes, 2024 rate tables, and an action checklist. Companion to Module 3 of the Advanced Course.
Estate Planning Starter Kit
Basic documents and checklists to start your estate plan.
The VA Portal Map
Quick access to the most critical VA portals for managing your benefits and health.
Disability Benefits
File a claim, check your rating, or appeal a decision.
VA Health Care
Enroll in VA health care, find a facility, or manage appointments.
Education & Training
GI Bill benefits, VET TEC, and other education programs.
VA Home Loans
Purchase, refinance, or adapt a home with VA-backed financing.
Pension Benefits
VA pension for low-income wartime veterans and survivors.
Veteran Readiness
Job training, employment accommodations, and independent living.
Life Insurance
VGLI, S-DVI, and other VA life insurance programs.
Burial & Memorial
Burial benefits, headstones, and memorial certificates.
eBenefits Portal
Manage your VA benefits online in one place.
The Supply Chain
A curated list of tools, apps, and services we actually use and recommend. Some of these are affiliate links which help keep Veteran Forward HQ free for all veterans.
YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Zero-based budgeting that teaches you to give every dollar a job. Free for college students.
Tiller Money
Automated spreadsheets for tracking spending. Perfect if you prefer spreadsheets over apps.
Trust & Will
Create a legally-binding estate plan online. Veteran-friendly pricing available.
Aura
All-in-one digital security: credit monitoring, VPN, antivirus, and identity theft protection.
Hire Heroes USA
Free employment services for veterans: resume help, interview prep, job matching.
Coursera for Veterans
Free access to thousands of courses and professional certificates.
Navy Federal Credit Union
Credit union serving military and veterans with excellent rates and service.
USAA
Insurance, banking, and investment products tailored to military families.
Need help choosing?
Reach out for a recommendation tailored to your specific mission.