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Financial Literacy
From reducing debt to finding a home loan to creating a family budget and protecting your identity and VA benefits, VA and its partners have resources to assist with managing your personal finances.
Check out the following financial-related resources and links that can help you and your family manage, secure and protect your financial resources and well-being.
VETERANS BENEFITS BANKING PROGRAM (VBBP)
Learn what your banking options are »
Veterans and their beneficiaries now have additional options for receiving VA benefits via direct deposit, as well as access to financial services at participating banks. Get paid faster, safer, and with less fees.
VETERANS BENEFITS FRAUD PREVENTION
Learn more about fraud prevention »
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) encourages Veterans and their beneficiaries to know the warning signs of various types of fraud and the best practices to avoid falling victim to a scam.
Learn more about common scams, protecting yourself, reporting fraud, and getting help.
VA Financial Services Fact Sheet »
Check out essential VA services you might not know about, including mortgage delinquency assistance and help for homeless Veterans.
Financial Resources from Federal Agencies and Organizations »
This VA fact sheet outlines helpful free resources from government agencies and non-profits.
What You Need to Know about Identity Theft »
As a Veteran, you have more to protect than the average citizen. Learn how to protect yourself.
How to Avoid VA Overpayments »
Did you receive more VA benefits than those to which you are entitled? If an overpayment should happen, learn what to do next.
VA offers a variety of tools to help you make more informed financial decisions as a civilian. Check out this free budget worksheet, monthly spending plan, savings calculator, and much more.
Mortgage Delinquency Assistance »
If you are encountering problems making timely mortgage payments, contact your loan servicer as soon as possible. For assistance with your mortgage delinquency, view this fact sheet.
Military Life Cycle (MLC) VA Reserve Component Dual Payments Module »
The VA Reserve Component Dual Payments module, offered by TAP, presents key information for Service members related to the circumstances in which dual payment and compensation apply for Reserve Component, what makes them eligible for dual payment and drill pay, and how these circumstances may change for Service members who are returning to active duty.
Have you received a claim payment from the SGLI (Service members' Group Life Insurance), TSGLI (Traumatic Injury Protection), FSGLI (Family Service members' Group Life Insurance), or VGLI (Veterans' Group Life Insurance) program? You may qualify for free financial counseling and online will preparation services.
You can also view, download, and print a PDF brochure about the service.
OTHER FEDERAL & PRIVATE RESOURCES
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings plan for eligible Service members, employees covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
You can also download a plan summary.
DoD’s Financial Readiness Network
The Department of Defense’s Financial Readiness Network has a mission to support Service members’ individual development and sustainment of financial readiness skills to meet challenges of the military lifecycle.
Follow @DODFINRED on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
SEC’s Fact Sheet on Saving and Investing »
Check out this helpful fact sheet created by the SEC that provides tips for saving and investing – VA Fact Sheet – Tips for Saving and Investing.
FLEC’s Planning & Budgeting Tools »
The Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC) and FEMA have teamed up during the month of April to encourage people to take action to improve their financial futures and prepared when disaster strikes. You can access a variety of tools to help you manage your personal finances on their website.
U.S. Treasury Savings Bond Locator
Are you a Veteran who bought U.S. Savings Bonds through Payroll Deduction while enlisted? If you have not cashed them all in or think they are missing, destroyed, or lost, you can get help finding them through Treasury Hunt ®, the U.S. Treasury’s online search engine.
Learn more at Treasury Hunt ®.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CREDIT
The information on your credit report may affect your mortgage rates, credit card approvals, apartment requests, or even your job application. Reviewing your credit report can alert you to errors and help you catch early signs of identity theft.
Everyone is entitled to one free copy of their credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Order yours online now.
Understanding Your Credit Score
A credit score is a statistical number that evaluates a consumer's creditworthiness and is based on credit history. Lenders use credit scores to evaluate the probability that an individual will repay his or her debts. Many major credit card companies provide customers with their credit scores free of charge. The score is usually listed on your monthly statement or can be found by logging in to your online account.
MISCELLANEOUS TIPS AND TOOLS
Vetting Charity Organizations
It’s important to vet an organization, program, or resource before donating or getting involved. If you don’t properly evaluate an organization, it can cost you time, money, and energy. It could even put you and your family at risk of things like fraud or identity theft. Before you get involved, look up organizations on these credible watchdog websites:
If you believe a fee you paid to an attorney or claims agent was too high or otherwise unreasonable and you would like to challenge it, you can file a motion challenging the reasonableness of the fee. For more information, download and view the VA Accreditation Program’s How to Challenge a Fee brochure.
