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.
Retirement Gap Tracker
Map your guaranteed income against your expected lifestyle to find your 'Number'.
Debt Payoff Battle Plan
Track your debt, choose your strategy, and log every victory on the road to zero. Companion to Module 4.
Emergency Fund Tracker
Build your financial fortress so life's surprises don't become financial disasters.
VA Benefits Quick-Reference Guide
Key benefits, eligibility notes, 2024 rate tables, and an action checklist. Companion to Module 3 of the Advanced Course.
VA Benefits Inventory
A personal audit of the benefits you've earned and a checklist for what you might be missing.
Estate Planning Checklist
Protect your legacy and ensure your final orders are carried out exactly as you intend.
Insurance Review Worksheet
Audit your protection strategy to ensure your family's mission continues even if you're gone.
Retirement Readiness Scorecard
A 10-point assessment to determine if your mission is ready for launch.
Monthly Budget Template
A veteran-friendly budgeting spreadsheet built around irregular income.
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.
PocketGuard
See exactly how much you can safely spend after bills, goals, and necessities. Simplifies your budget into one number.
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.
Free Coursera for Veterans & Spouses
12 months of free Coursera access — professional certificates and courses through Veterans Transition Support. Open to vets, active duty, Guard, and military spouses.
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.