As a veteran who served multiple tours and navigated the financial rollercoaster of deployments, PCS moves, and transitioning to civilian life, I know firsthand how overwhelming military finances can be. Generic financial advice often misses the mark—things like blending retirement systems or optimizing VA benefits require specialized knowledge. That’s where the Military Financial Advisors Association (MFAA) comes in. In this post, I’ll share what MFAA is, why I joined, and why I believe its members are the best equipped to provide financial advice for active duty members, military spouses, and veterans. If you’re seeking fee-only financial planners for military families, read on.

The Military Financial Advisors Association (MFAA) is a nonprofit professional association of independent, fee-only financial planners who specialize in serving military and veteran families. Founded to address the unique financial challenges faced by those in uniform, MFAA brings together advisors who truly understand the military lifestyle.

At its core, MFAA’s mission is to ensure that service members, veterans, and their families have access to ethical, unbiased financial guidance. The organization’s objectives include expanding access to comprehensive financial planning, fostering a supportive community among members, driving business growth for advisors, mentoring military personnel transitioning into financial planning careers, promoting financial literacy within the military community, and encouraging pro bono services for those in need.

What sets MFAA apart is its strict membership criteria. Every member is either a military veteran or a military spouse, providing that invaluable lived experience. This isn’t just a checkbox—it’s what allows advisors to “speak the language” of military life, from acronyms like PCS (Permanent Change of Station) to the emotional toll of frequent relocations.

Additionally, all MFAA members operate on a fee-only basis, meaning compensation comes solely from client fees (like hourly rates, retainers, subscriptions, or project-based charges)—no commissions from product sales or hidden incentives. In my opinion, this model eliminates as many conflicts of interest as possible, ensuring advice is always in the client’s best interest.

Many MFAA members are affiliated with the XY Planning Network (XYPN), which provides cutting-edge tools for virtual services, worldwide accessibility, and flexible engagement models. This is crucial for military families who might be stationed overseas or moving often, as it means no asset minimums and advice tailored to your situation, wherever you are.

My journey to MFAA started during my own transition out of the military. After years of managing my finances piecemeal—deciding what to do with my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) after separation and wrestling with Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) decisions—I realized I needed a professional to help my wife and I understand all the nuances and decisions of our upcoming transition. Traditional financial planners felt disconnected; they didn’t get the intricacies of military pay, allowances like BAH, or the tax perks we would be giving up. That is when I found Daniel Kopp, a founding member of MFAA, and we decided he really got the military and was the right fit for us.

Fast forward a few years and I got the opportunity to join MFAA. I did not hesitate – it aligned perfectly with my values and experiences as a veteran. The community aspect was a game-changer—connecting with fellow veterans and spouses who share similar backgrounds fosters collaboration and mentorship.

The fee-only requirement was another big draw. Having seen friends get burned by commission-based advisors pushing unnecessary products, I wanted to commit to a fiduciary standard where clients come first. MFAA’s emphasis on pro bono work also resonated; I’ve been able to give back by offering free sessions to veterans facing financial hardships, like those dealing with service-connected disabilities.

Joining wasn’t just about personal growth—it boosted my practice too. The association’s focus on business development and ongoing education has helped me stay sharp on military-specific updates.

In a world full of financial advisors, MFAA members stand out because they’re not just experts—they’re insiders. Their deep familiarity with military-specific topics means they can provide financial advice for active duty and veterans that’s precise, empathetic, and actionable.

For example, MFAA advisors excel in areas like:

• Blended Retirement System (BRS): Guiding service members on opting in, matching contributions, and balancing pensions with TSP investments.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Advising on fund choices, Roth vs. traditional options, and rollovers during transitions.
• Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): Helping families weigh costs against benefits for long-term security.
• VA Disability Ratings and Benefits: Integrating these into holistic plans, from compensation to home loans.

This expertise comes from personal experience as veterans or spouses, combined with the fee-only model and XYPN tools, ensuring objective advice without corporate pressures.

The Military Financial Advisors Association (MFAA) isn’t just an organization—it’s a lifeline for military families seeking trustworthy guidance. I joined because it matched my veteran experiences and commitment to ethical advice, and I stay because it empowers me to make a real difference. If you’re active duty, a military spouse, or a veteran looking for fee-only financial planners for military families, MFAA members are uniquely positioned to help you thrive.

Ready to take the next step? Visit militaryfinancialadvisors.org to find an advisor or learn about membership. Remember, this isn’t personalized advice—consult a qualified professional for your situation.