Category : Blog

Military Ranks For Each Branch

Military Ranks

Military ranks are an organizational structure used to order and dictate relationships in the armed forces. Military ranks are crucial to the success of the army because of the logistical implications. Could you imagine if the army was egalitarian?

Military Ranks

Flickr: mrsdkrebs/Creative Commons

Think of the military as a body and each department as an organ. They work together on different tasks to reach their collective goal to keep the body alive. In the Armed Forces, if there was no structure there would be no decision makers to determine what each organ (or department) needs to do. It would be chaotic to say the least.

Therefore, our Military has always had a hierarchical structure to maintain a well ordered and disciplined group. Over time, due to advances in technology and increased specialization, military ranks have become more complex. The United States Military is very powerful and the structure is equally intricate and can be baffling. Below is a list of military ranks for each branch of the military (Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps) in ascending order. 

A Letter Worth Reading – Military Housing Help

Military housing help can be hard to find. Amidst the politics, business issues and many other issues that can stymie the military housing help realm, good assistance can be hard to find. Today, we received an email.

Military Housing Help

Below is an email that forwarded to Military Housing Assistance Fund from one of our clients to another potential client. It’s worth a read if you are looking for military housing help!

A Letter Worth Reading – Military Housing Help

“Hello B,

Thank you for your note. My husband and I did use MHAF. We stumbled upon them accidentally and are glad we did.

These men are some of the best leaders in industry, dedicated to helping military families realize the American Dream… no I’m not paid to be their spokesperson. My experience – I cannot say enough about the kindness, dedication, expertise and patience MHAF had with our many questions and challenges. The leadership team screens all realtors to make sure that they are the best in the area and committed to working for military families.

Dodd-Frank – a law that changed home buying – impacts all organizations trying to assist home-buyers. This dictates how MHAF operates. They have a process they must use to comply with laws on any financial assistance/gain we have from working with them.

This process can seem frustrating to get into a house or have already started the process of buying a house then turned to them. Again, it is really a result of finance reform (Dodd-Frank), and the methods they developed to provide financial support and assistance.

We actually walked away from a house because we did not start with MHAF. In the end we found a BETTER house, better interest rate and because of MHAF we paid NO CLOSING COSTS. Not only that, two weeks after we moved into our home we received a check from MHAF for over $1,000. What a blessing!!

When we started our process we were living in a hotel and eager to get into a home but move only once. When we made MHAF aware of our need they worked so hard to get us processed and even got our closing date moved up 2 weeks. We were so grateful.

I’d like to make one more comment… their finance partner, is a veteran himself. He worked with us to get us qualified and gave us great financial advice. He works hard with those who may not qualify to help them and their finances so they can get qualified. He brings tremendous experience and insight and a true dedication to help you get the best loan for you.

At the time that we worked with them they did not know I was a columnist or talk show host… so I did not receive special treatment. It was in the midst of the process that I told them I wanted to have them on my show.

I can tell you that their leadership is top notch and they are committed to serving military while protecting us from tax liability. I hope this helps… and that you are soon in your dream home! Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any further assistance.

Warmly,

M”

Need military housing help? Contact us:

Call Us At: 720.932.8049

AAFMAA

Service to our country as a U.S. Military man or woman is the ultimate sacrifice. That’s why USMHAF takes your home ownership so seriously–and it is why we offer services that help you get 100% Free Gift Funds for closing costs.

People often ask us, on Facebook and via email, if USMHAF helps with financial planning, life insurance, and other services related to finances. While we help with Real Estate and VA Loans, we are not a financial planning company. Nevertheless, we want to make sure ALL soldiers have the opportunity to get the help they need.

USMHAF is a leading blogger on the issues facing the military community and its families, and is well aware of the uncertainties our active and veteran service members are feeling at this time ­ particularly from the threat of downsizing. While USMHAF may not be able to service your job and financial needs, there is a wonderful association run by military men and women for soldiers and veterans. If you’re looking for services that we don’t provide, check out AAFMAA and get the facts.

home-scroller_salute
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPzlizRB0KQ&feature=share&list=UUEy1hb8SxK-4UJmF68UM00A

We sync’d up with AAFMAA’s marketing coordinator to get the scoop on AFMAA at a high level, here’s what she had to say:

“AAFMAA has continuously provided members low-cost life insurance and superlative survivor assistance, including expedited death benefit payments, securing all Government benefits available, preparing government and insurance claims for the bereaved families of our members. Supporting the military family doesn’t end at the death of the military member, AAFMAA continues to support the deceased member’s spouse and minor children by informing them of all new or untapped Government benefits. ” -Kara Carlson, AAFMAA

While USMHAF isn’t affiliated with AAFMAA, we encourage you to take a moment and check this wonderful association out for the range of services they provide.

Whatever you’re looking for, closing cost assistance (with USMHAF) or financial services that extend outside our services (with someone like AAFMAA), make sure you choose to work with people who put your family and interests first.

IMAGE CREDIT: AAFMAA

What is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage?

Adjustable Rate Mortgage?

Adjustable Rate Mortgage? What is it?
credit: cali on flickr

Should you get an adjustable rate mortgage?

It depends. When buying a home, there are plenty of mortgage options — adjustable rate mortgages, fixed rate mortgage, interest only mortgage, and more. Today, however, we’ll focus on the Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM).

What is an adjustable rate mortgage?

An ARM is a mortgage where the interest rates can change. The rates fluctuate depending on what is happening in the greater economic landscape — usually ARMs allow for an annual interest rate change. This change is determined by the Treasury Bill Index.

“Okay, that kind of make sense, but what are the benefits of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage?

In general, Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) can allow for lower rates in the short term–which means lower payments. This is especially good if you are planning to sell or payoff your loan within the initial term. You can generally qualify based on the initial rate which is usually lower than a fixed mortgage, so sometimes you can qualify for more money.

“This sounds amazing! Sign Me Up” (CONS)

Hold on, it is important that understand both sides of story. Let us explain.

The are pros and cons to everything. For Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM), the negatives are as follows. When the initial term is up the rate goes to market: usually a margin of something like 2.25% + LIBOR (right now that isn’t bad at all because its something like 2.92%). Yet there is a lot of uncertainty and your rate can go up usually to a cap of 7% or 8% (5% plus the margin or 5% over the initial rate, though this depends on the specifics).

To summarize, with an ARM it is more than likely that you’ll be paying a different rate every year. While this can be a great thing, it also means that your rate can balloon up significantly in one year.

What should I do next?

Our blog is here simply to inform you, not to give financial advice. However, if you’re a Veteran or active U.S. Military man or woman–please contact us using the form on our front page, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We may be able to help you not only simply your mortgage process, but you probably qualify for FREE Gift Funds that can eliminate closing costs!

RELATED LINKS
Free Clossing Costs Gift Fund Information
VA Loan Calculators
Retired Marine & Double Amputee Carried By Wife In Beautiful Family Photos

Retired Marine & Double Amputee Carried By Wife In Beautiful Family Photos

Earlier this month, photography company Shutterhappy Photography posted a photo with the simple caption, “Cutest.Couple.Ever! Thank you, Sir, for your service and sacrifice!”

The image has since gone viral. With over 9k Likes on Facebook, thousands of shares on other social networks, and countless comments, the image is a hit.

amputee soldier marine

amputee marine

Pictured above is Kelly Cottle, 24, carrying her husband– a retired, double-amputee Marine. The Marine, Jesse Cottle, has a story that is both hard-to-hear and neccesary to hear. Read the full story here: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/photo-marine-carried-wife-viral-article-1.1438472

Join us in THANKING this soldier, and EVERY soldier who has given their lives, limbs and comfortable lifestyle back home to protect the freedom of our nation.

THANK YOU SOLDIERS & THANK YOU JESSE!

IMAGES via SHUTTERHAPPY PHOTOGRAPHY