The year-end 2018 edition of the AAFMAA Advantage newsletter is now available in the INTEL Center

Your 2018 AAFMAA Annual Policy Statements will be on their way to you soon. Your AAFMAA life insurance is a critical part of securing your loved ones’ financial future. Take a few minutes to review your 2018 AAFMAA statements and make sure the following information is still accurate.

The 2018 stock market was a wild ride. It began with the best-performing January in 29 years, the longest stretch without a 5% pullback, and the first 10% correction in years, which occurred over a three-week period. For the ensuing six months, the market worked its way to another record high in September. Then, for the first time since 1950, the market experienced another lightning-fast correction, with many more stocks declining even further.

When you’re planning a family road trip, you don’t just get in your car and start driving. You consider all the variables first. Formulating a solid plan is key for a successful road trip, and it is also the first step in a successful financial journey.

AAFMAA Member Benefits’ recent webinar, “Essential Documents Every Military Family Needs,” highlighted the many vital documents AAFMAA needs to support survivors after a Member passes away.

When you’re looking to purchase a new home, you probably first think of securing an affordable monthly payment. Buyers have several options when it comes to structuring a mortgage loan and, in recent years, many have chosen adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) to keep their payments affordable.

With all the various decisions that come with a home purchase, one of the most important is deciding between a 15-year mortgage and a 30-year mortgage. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, so there’s no across-the-board “correct” answer. Besides, every home buying scenario is unique, so your rate will be unique to you as well. Weighing the pros and cons of both options is a great first step for finding the loan that’s best for you. For instance, let’s assume the 15-year rate for a loan is 4.0% and the 30-year rate is 4.5% and see how both affect a home-buying scenario.