🎙 Episode Summary

In this wide-ranging and deeply insightful conversation, John McConnell hosts David Pere, Marine Corps veteran and founder of Military to Millionaire, to discuss financial readiness, miscommunication stressors, and the practical path to wealth-building for veterans. David shares his journey from buying his first property using a VA loan to leading a nationwide Mastermind for service members and veterans seeking financial independence.

They cover strategies for transitioning from military to civilian life, how to tackle debt, smart approaches to investing in real estate, when refinancing actually makes sense, and why the Midwest may be a top pick for retirees. The episode emphasizes the long-term mindset, accountability, and spending intentionally on experience over things.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

🏠 Military to Millionaire Website:

https://www.frommilitarytomillionaire.com/

📘 The No B.S. Guide to Military Life on Amazon/Audible:

https://amzn.to/3SwfEUz

📅 Military Influencer Conference:

https://militaryinfluencer.com/

📘 Bottom Line Up Front: What You Need to Know Before You Leave the Military by John McConnell and Victor De La Flor:

https://amzn.to/43GInv4

💬 Military Retirement Group on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

🎥 YouTube Channels:

Military Retirement Podcast:

https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast

The Green Logbook:

https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook

From Military to Millionaire:

https://www.youtube.com/@Frommilitarytomillionaire

0:00 Opening quote from Marcus Aurelius

0:30 Introduction to the show & importance of communication

1:55 Miscommunication in military life and personal logistics

4:00 Stress, patience, and humility during transition periods

6:45 Civilian life lacks military’s support systems

8:10 Facebook group for military retirement support

9:10 Military Influencer Conference details

13:15 Introduction of guest: David Pere

15:00 From military service to real estate investor

16:00 Why “get-rich-quick” is a myth and the power of compounding

19:00 Using the VA loan for house-hacking (duplex/4-plex strategy)

23:30 Shifting from scarcity to wealth-building mindset

26:00 Paying off credit card debt vs. investing

30:50 Evaluating ROI of debt payoff vs. investments

35:00 When to invest and building a post-military financial runway

37:00 Budgeting: track spending and cut unnecessary costs

41:00 Spending on experiences vs. stuff (popcorn at home vs. theater)

46:00 Overview of David’s Mastermind and philosophy on money

48:00 Hot topic: Should you refinance your mortgage right now?

53:00 Choose investment strategy that fits your life goals

54:30 David's recommendation: House hacking, investing early

56:00 Signs of market shifts: auto industry as a bellwether

1:02:00 Best low-cost-of-living states for veterans

1:07:00 Missouri as an example of affordable living

1:11:00 Closing thoughts and how to connect with David

📌 Episode Summary

In this in-depth episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic sit down with Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joe Michel to demystify the complexities of Reserve and National Guard retirement. They cover critical knowledge gaps around the "gray area," COLA decisions, early retirement age reductions, Tricare, SBP, federal time buyback, and transitioning smoothly into civilian life. This is essential listening for anyone in Compo 2 or 3 (Title 32) preparing for retirement — whether you’re 5 years out or filing paperwork now.

📚 Books Mentioned

The Daily Laws by Robert Greene – https://amzn.to/43UlV2I

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene – https://amzn.to/43nziZe

The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday – https://amzn.to/4dH9Gtz

🔗 Links & Resources

🖥️ Tricare Plans & Benefits: https://tricare.mil

📖 Military Retirement Book: Bottom Line Up Front – https://amzn.to/43GInv4

👥 Military Retirement Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

🎥 The Green Logbook YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook

📄 Cola Trap White Paper (by Col. Fowler): [Likely a PDF shared in veteran groups, suggest linking to the podcast or YouTube video explaining it once released]

📊 Military Retirement Calculators: https://militarypay.defense.gov/Calculators

💡 Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Info: https://militarypay.defense.gov/Benefits/Survivor-Benefit-Program/

0:00 Opening reflection from The Daily Laws and adapting to change

1:18 Book discussion: Robert Greene, Ryan Holiday, and daily meditations

5:04 Transitioning mindsets and habits post-military

6:57 Intro to reserve and National Guard retirement differences

7:58 Deep dive into the "COLA trap" and retirement timing

9:54 Community service and post-retirement volunteerism

13:30 Guest intro: CWO4 Joe Michel and his reserve career

14:50 “Gray area” retirement and understanding eligibility at age 60

17:00 NDAA 2008: Lowering retirement age for certain service

20:00 Missing retirement points and how to fight for credit

23:00 COLA decision: Retired Reserve vs full discharge

26:00 Retirement education gaps in the military

29:00 Need for unit-level retirement SMEs (subject matter experts)

31:00 Preparing for civilian transition: uniform to “Mr.” mindset

34:00 TRS & TAP: Challenges of preparing for civilian life

37:00 Health coverage: Tricare Reserve Select, Tricare for Life, BENEFEDS

43:00 Buying back military time for federal employment

48:00 Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) overview for reservists

50:00 Personal records audits and DD214 accuracy

52:00 Retirement calculators and high-level pay math

58:00 Idea: A Reserve Retirement Masterclass or Webinar

1:03:00 Converting “tribal knowledge” into shared guidance

1:06:00 Meetup ideas and supporting the military retirement community

1:07:20 Closing notes: book promo, shoutouts, and next week’s guest

Juan “JP” Perez, a former U.S. Marine Infantryman and Scout Sniper who, after distinguished service in Afghanistan and a career in law enforcement, now dedicates his life to changing the veteran culture and empowering fellow veterans nationwide. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesavagesquadfam/

We talk about the challenges of being away from family during military travels, the itch to move and explore new places, and the importance of marking personal growth during military experiences. We also discuss JP's journey from the military to civilian life, his podcast, and the benefits of ice baths. The conversation highlights the need for veterans to find their new purpose and success after service. The conversation explores the themes of ego, self-reflection, and personal growth in the transition from military to civilian life. It emphasizes the importance of learning to be likable, talking to people, and respecting others' opinions. The conversation also touches on the use of dark humor and the need for veterans to feel proud of their accomplishments. The concept of taking responsibility and being harder on oneself while holding others accountable is discussed. The conversation highlights the need for veterans to take ownership of their own lives and not rely on external sources for help or validation. The importance of creativity and problem-solving skills learned in the military is also emphasized. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the victim mentality among veterans and the need to take control of one's own narrative and future. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss various therapies and treatments for PTSD and the importance of finding what works best for each individual. They mention the use of rapid eye movement therapy (EMDR), psilocybin, and other alternative treatments. They also touch on the need for better transition assistance for veterans and the importance of connecting younger and older veterans. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and the need for ongoing support and guidance.

00:00 Embracing Family and Personal Growth During Military Travels

03:16 Transitioning from the Military to Civilian Life: Finding Purpose and Success

04:06 The Power of Podcasting and Empowering the Veteran Community

08:56 The Benefits of Ice Baths for Physical and Mental Well-being

11:19 Letting Go of the Past and Embracing the Present and Future

18:44 Developing Charisma and Connection Skills for Civilian Life

29:48 Humbling the Ego and Embracing Personal and Professional Growth

37:01 Ego and the Desire for Recognition

38:00 Learning to Be Likable and Improving Communication Skills

39:17 Taking Responsibility and Holding Others Accountable

41:25 Taking Ownership of Your Own Life

45:07 The Cushy Bubble of the Military and Breaking Free

51:18 Embracing Individuality and Breaking Free from the Mold

56:18 Using the Calendar as a Map for Life

01:09:13 Overcoming the Victim Mentality

01:12:15 Exploring Therapies and Treatments for PTSD

01:13:10 The Need for Better Transition Assistance for Veterans

01:27:38 Connecting Younger and Older Veterans

01:34:56 Challenges of Transitioning to Civilian Life

🔗 Links (FULL URL TEXT — no hyperlink hiding):

Military Retirement Podcast Website:

https://www.militaryretirementpodcast.com

Military Retirement Group on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

Bottom Line Up Front Book (Amazon):

https://amzn.to/4jUiPky

The Green Logbook YouTube Channel:

https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook

Military Retirement Podcast YouTube Channel:

https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast

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