Achieving Financial Wellness for Veterans
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
At the DAV Department of Louisiana, we’re dedicated to helping our state’s veterans—and their families—achieve lasting financial stability. Whether you’re newly transitioning from military service or starting fresh with new goals, financial wellness is a journey, and we want to empower you with the right tools and resources.
Key VA Financial Resources Every Louisiana Veteran Should Know
Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) supports secure delivery of your VA benefits via direct deposit and gives you free credit or financial counseling sessions to answer your toughest financial questions.
VA Educational & Career Counseling provides guidance for maximizing your GI Bill benefits and setting a clear path forward in your civilian career.
VA Home Loans: Designed for veterans, these loans can make homeownership affordable, saving thousands over the life of your mortgage.
Disability Compensation offers tax-free monthly support for service-connected disabilities.
VALife: Whole-life insurance ensures financial protection for service-connected veterans often turned down by private insurers.
Practical Steps Toward Financial Empowerment
Apply Early: Review and apply for your VA benefits as soon as possible. Understanding your eligibility can lead to faster support and more options.
Explore Employment Tools: Use job boards and Department of Labor resources to match your military skills with civilian positions.
Educate Yourself: Turn to trusted government agencies like CFPB, FDIC, and DoD for budgeting, savings, and consumer protection tools.
Be Prepared: Plan for emergencies by learning about safety nets and federal assistance programs.
Bolster Your Resume: Use American Job Centers for resume writing, interview preparation, and job search guidance.
Smart Habits for Lasting Success
Track your expenses for at least a week, and take note of your biggest spending categories. This will help you budget more effectively and spot savings opportunities.
Understand your financial priorities: distinguish between “needs” and “wants,” and budget accordingly.
Use official budgeting worksheets and online calculators for straightforward, actionable support.
Stay vigilant against scams. Only share personal or financial information with trusted sources, and guard against suspicious offers and unsolicited contacts.
For those dealing with debt, seek help from accredited counselors; avoid offers promising instant solutions.
Seek out veteran discounts—for everything from groceries to technology—and take pride in the benefits you’ve earned.
Answers to Common Veteran Concerns
Employment won’t affect your VA or Social Security benefits, so feel free to pursue new career opportunities.
Always pay your credit card bills in full to avoid high interest, and resist the temptation to settle for minimum payments.
Track your spending and identify hidden “money leaks”—small constant expenses can add up significantly over time.
Learn how to recognize and report scams through the FTC and other official channels.
A Path Forward
Financial wellness is about more than just income—it’s about making informed decisions, building security, and providing for your family with confidence. The DAV Department of Louisiana is proud to support you every step of the way with guidance and access to resources tailored for your unique situation as a veteran. Remember, taking control of your finances is an act of independence and care for your future.
For Louisiana veterans, financial wellness is within reach—let DAV Department of Louisiana help you start your journey today.
