You’ve probably noticed in the news that financial advisors offering retirement products and services are required to put their clients’ interests first as of 9 June 2017. This new regulation, known as the Department of Labor (DOL) Fiduciary Rule, won’t be enforced until 1 January 2018. To comply with the rule, brokers must transition their retirement products and services to the DOL fiduciary standard from the suitability standard required by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Rule 2111, which allows them to offer their clients solutions that may not necessarily be in their best interests.

The market continued its steady advance, albeit with fits and starts during the month. The 1.6% “correction” of May 17 – the biggest losing day of the year so far - lasted all of one day. Anyone trying to time that decline missed it if they blinked. By the end of the month, the S&P 500 was up 1.4% (8.66% YTD), thanks to technology driven names that now comprise nearly one-fourth of the index.

If something were to happen to you today, is your family protected?  When we first started serving, it was relatively simple to provide financial security for our loved ones. The $400,000 life insurance coverage we received through SGLI most likely met all of our needs. Not only do rising prices make life increasingly expensive, but, as life’s circumstances change – we marry, buy a house, have children, and perhaps need to care for others – we have greater responsibilities and a need for better financial protection.

On 1 January 2018, everyone entering the military will be part of the new “Blended Retirement System” (BRS), which includes a 401(k)-like defined contribution plan that vests at two years, provides a continuation bonus around 12 years of service, and then establishes a defined benefit pension at retirement after 20, or more, years.

Part of the 2017 insurance guide that Military Times published this week included a breakdown and comparison of different life insurance offerings. Active Duty servicemembers and veterans of the United States military have multiple options for coverage, and, as AAFMAA COO Mike Meese told  narrowing them down and selecting the best one does not have to be a painful process.

Earlier this week, on March 20th, the Military Times published an insurance guide for people looking to know more about the upcoming changes to the military retirement system. In the article, "Insurance Guide 2017: How the new retirement system may change your insurance plans," AAFMAA COO Mike Meese summarized the changes, and some of the effects that the new system will have on the financial security of the military families who choose to enroll.