Financial Readiness Course

Welcome & Introduction Warm-Up

Introduce yourself and the course. Ask participants about their service branch and retirement status. Set expectations: this is education, not personal financial advice. Distribute any printed materials.

Module 1: Retirement Timelines Presentation

Walk through the 12 slides covering retirement pay, Social Security optimization, TSP withdrawals, and VA claims. Distribute the Retirement Transition Checklist handout at the start.

• Walk through the retirement pay calculation (High-3 vs BRS)
• Cover Social Security filing age strategy (62 vs 67 vs 70)
• Cover all 5 TSP fund options and withdrawal rules
• Highlight TAP and VSO resources

Module 1 Discussion Discussion

"How many of you have already gone through your transition? What was the hardest part administratively?" Let veterans share experiences. Those who have been through it can mentor those who haven't.

Module 2: Disability Compensation Presentation

Cover the VA Waiver, CRDP vs CRSC comparison, annual election, and Social Security interaction. This is the most complex module -- go slowly through the side-by-side comparison slide.

• Use the stat cards to make dollar-for-dollar offset concrete
• Clarify that CRDP is automatic, CRSC requires DD 2860
• Stress: VA disability does NOT reduce Social Security

Break Break

10-minute break. Encourage participants to write down any questions that came up during Modules 1-2. Offer to answer individual questions during break.

Module 3: Healthcare & Long-Term Care Presentation

Cover Medicare enrollment at 65, TRICARE for Life coordination, and Aid & Attendance. The 2026 A&A rates are a highlight -- many veterans don't know this benefit exists.

• Emphasize: Medicare Parts A & B required to keep TRICARE for Life
• TRICARE for Life = Medicare pays first, TRICARE covers the rest
• Aid & Attendance net worth limit: $163,699 (2026)

Module 4: Managing Your Retirement Income Presentation

Explain retirement income as a system: payment sources, tax forms, AGI, Social Security taxation, Medicare IRMAA, RMD timing, state tax treatment, and the hidden costs warning (property taxes, insurance).

• Use the systems map before the TSP worksheet so students see what each agency controls
• Explain how a traditional withdrawal can affect AGI, Social Security taxation, Medicare premiums, and state taxes
• Remind: VA disability is tax-free at federal AND state levels

Module 4 Discussion Discussion

"Has anyone here considered relocating in retirement for tax reasons? What other factors did you weigh?" This is often a lively discussion -- veterans have strong opinions about where to retire.

Module 5: Legacy Planning Presentation

Cover SBP overview, premiums, pros and cons, DIC interaction, and financial modeling recommendation. This is the most personal module -- be sensitive to the topic of end-of-life planning.

• Stress the irrevocable nature of the SBP election
• The pros/cons slides are great for structured comparison
• End with the financial advisor recommendation

Course Review & Study Resources Review

Navigate to the Study Resources section. Show the quiz and flashcards. Walk through one quiz question as an example. Point out the podcast, study guide, and infographic for at-home review.

• Open the quiz to show the format (10 multiple-choice questions)
• Demonstrate one flashcard flip
• Mention the audio overview for those who prefer listening

Q&A and Wrap-Up Application

Open the floor for final questions. Summarize the three most important takeaways. Remind participants of the financial advisor disclaimer. Thank them for their service and participation.