Military: 10 cash-saving tips for military families

Many families across the US are feeling the financial squeeze, with salaries in some industries seeming to stagnate while prices rise perpetually.

But a recent report by the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) revealed that finances are a central cause of anxiety for current and ex-military operatives and their families — 60 per cent of respondents said they don’t have enough money saved for three months of living expenses.

Finding discounts doesn’t completely resolve this situation, but it can help.

So whether they’re specifically aimed at ex-servicepeople or benefit the general population too, here are ten cash-saving tips for forces families.

1. Coach travel

Long-distance travel can be more affordable by coach — grab a 10 per cent discount on fares with the VetRewards scheme at greyhound.com.

2. Caribbean holidays

Members of the US and Canadian military can save an additional ten per cent on special promotions for Caribbean holidays at sandals.com — reward yourself with a well-earned vacation.

3. Theme parks

Visiting a theme park is the perfect family break — and you’ll find masses of military discounts available at legoland.com that mean you’ll have more cash to splash on treats.

4. Vehicles

Family life would be stuck in the slow lane without a suitable vehicle. And in recognition of the sacrifices military personnel make, there’s a $750 reward for eligible current troops and veterans at lexusfinancial.com.

5. Air travel

Ait travel is often the most convenient way to visit friends, family and comrades across the US. And you’ll find a five per cent discount on flight tickets with the Veterans Advantage scheme at united.com.

6. Airport parking

When you’re vacationing with kids, taking your own ride to the departure airport is often the most stress-free way to travel — get great deals on US airport parking at Looking4.com and jet off with peace of mind.

7. Computers

In the depths of the digital age, your family probably uses computer hardware and software daily. Military members and their families save up to 10 per cent on products at microsoft.com.

8. Sports gear

A blend of physical fitness and mental resilience makes military people such standout citizens. And personnel, their dependants and spouses enjoy a ten per cent discount on sports purchases at nike.com.

9. Home improvements

If you’re handy around the home with everything from minor repairs to major refurbishments, veterans can secure ten per cent off home improvement products at lowes.com.

10. Coupons

If you don’t know the lowdown about discount coupons yet, enter a whole new dimension of coast to coast savings on everything from restaurant meals to clothing and entertainment at groupon.com.

These ten cash-saving tips for forces families won’t make you a millionaire — but they might help you retain more hard-earned cash for the things that really matter in life.

These are our top ten money-saving tips. Let us know if we missed any in the comments section.