By Krystel Spell

What Every Veteran Should Know About Protecting What You’ve Earned

You don’t need to be a millionaire to have a financial legacy. You just need a plan.

For Veterans and transitioning service members, it’s easy to assume that “legacy” means wealth, investments, property, or a trust fund. But your legacy can be as simple as ensuring your family knows where your important documents are, what benefits you’ve earned, and what you want done with the life you’ve built. 

In this article, we’re breaking down what a financial legacy really is, and how to build one no matter where you’re starting from. 

Your Legacy Starts with a Plan 

Your legacy is the roadmap that tells your loved ones how to navigate what comes next. 

That might look like: 

  • A basic will or written instructions 
  • A binder with your military paperwork and benefit details 
  • A conversation with your spouse, children, or trusted friend 
  • Naming beneficiaries on your bank accounts, insurance, or retirement plans 
  • Making sure someone knows where your passwords are stored 

You don’t have to have “it all together” to start. What matters is that you begin and form a plan. 

What Veterans Should Include in a Legacy Plan 

Here are a few important items that help alleviate stress and confusion down the line: 

  • VA Benefits: Include instructions for how your loved ones can access your VA benefits (like burial assistance, healthcare continuation, or survivor benefits). 
  • Banking Info: Make sure someone knows where your accounts are and how to access them. 
  • Life Insurance: SGLI, VGLI, or civilian policies should all have updated beneficiaries. 
  • Your Will: Even if it's a simple version, make sure your wishes are written down. 
  • Housing or Lease Info: Whether you rent or own, ensure your name on any deeds or leases is clear and there’s a plan in place. 
  • Important Contacts: A list of people your family can call (financial advisor, benefits coordinator, lawyer, etc.) 

Where to Start 

If this feels overwhelming, try this: 

  1. Pick one area, like life insurance or banking and check your beneficiaries. 
  2. Write down your VA login info and put it in a safe place. 
  3. Talk to someone you trust about where your important documents are. 

Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Progress builds financial confidence. 

Let Veteran Saves help. Take the Veteran Saves Pledge today and commit to one action toward your legacy.