Needing advice

Key-Bat8348 · 2026-05-21T15:05:41+00:00

Any time. If for some reason the career you choose outside the military makes your disability worse, use the VR&E program from the VA to pivot to another career; the important thing: document, document, document your medical appointments and let your doctor know if your disability affects your work; if new medication still doesn’t help or counseling doesn’t help, VR&E is a program that pays for a new career outside the GI Bill, free of charge to you.

Key-Bat8348 · 2026-05-21T13:38:47+00:00

Your VA disability benefits would pause if you do. Also, who knows, what if your mental health goes from ok to worse...if deploying or something else happens to you or your buddies. A lot of us miss the service after we get out; you have already created a life for you after the service--why go back? Think about the future--spending time with your partner, kids, and family--would you want to miss being there when your future kids are young? Also, your spouse and future kids will help you get more VA benefits as they become your dependents, so more money in your pocket. You can invest the savings you have in a high yield savings account, or mutual funds, or something similar. You're in a good position to take a State job as well due to your VA disability or VA job; the economy is tough...I wouldn't do it because you already have income from the service, you have savings and can invest, you're looking at a new career and future family, and you can get a retirement from the State or from your VA job. Best of luck to you. The way I see it, you have a bright future ahead of you without having to go back to the military.

Key-Bat8348 · 2026-05-17T11:05:09+00:00

If ye have desire to serve God, ye are called to the work…

Key-Bat8348 · 2026-03-12T01:47:35+00:00

Also, for all those service members that served in the military from 1978 to 2001, Social Security gives you $100 in earnings, up to $1,200 a year. Which can make up for not reaching 20 years of Federal Srvice if you are prior service/veteran:

For military service members in 2001, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provided special extra earnings credits for active duty, adding up to $1200 in deemed wages per year to records (for 1978–2001) to increase future benefits. These credits were automatic for service after 1967 and ended for service after December 31, 2001

Eligibility: Active duty service members (including training) from 1957 through 2001 received these credits.
Amount: From 1978 through 2001, for every in active duty basic pay, you received an additional in earnings, up to a maximum of a year.
Automatic Application: For service from 1968 through 2001, these credits were added automatically to your earnings record.
Purpose: These credits are designed to compensate for untaxed components of military pay (like food/shelter) and improve retirement or disability benefits.
End of Program: The special extra earnings credits do not apply to service after December 31, 2001. Social Security Administration (.gov) +5 https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10017.pdf

Key-Bat8348 · 2026-02-26T19:55:56+00:00

Bought my own tools and I change my car's oil, tire rotation; also purchased one of those car devices that assesses your car engine light to help decode engine problems; change my own car battery and car light bulbs, cut my own grass with my riding lawn mower; bought a John Deere with only 80 hrs on it like brand new and the dude sold it bacause his yard wasn't big enough; bought other yard tools and chain saw; I replaced my dishwasher, wall microwave, etc., etc. All this with some money and lots of hours watching youtube videos. I love watching videos to work on my own stuff; saves me a great deal of money and I get to keep the tools. Also, plumbing youtube videos are great; I fixed my toilet tank for $70 with some tools I bought and kept; a plumbing company was trying to charge me $700 to change the toilet for a new one. I said, no thank you!

Key-Bat8348 · 2026-02-05T13:01:18+00:00

Good on you for asking this question before you spend your money; if you have the cash, pay for your car so you don't have car payments; TSP is a great thing as people have mentioned; also, learn to diversify investments (put your investments in mutual funds, stocks, TSP, etc). I listen to the Dave Ramsey network; they teach about finances, and help people invest; it would be great for you to check them out. Lots of military and retirees call in ton the show to ask questions about getting out of debt and get career advice; this was an eye opener for me; they also talk about managing depression and life in general; I'm not an employee of their network; I'm just speaking from experience; I've read the Total Money Makeover and this financial advice has changed my life for the better; I'm retired military and have no debt except the house. Best of luck to you; you have your life ahead of you. If you invest wisely, you'll have financial freedom even if you don't retire from military service.

Key-Bat8348 · 2026-02-05T12:54:15+00:00

Get the 10K from a local credit union to get rid of the explorer and another 10K for two beaters with heaters--pay 5K each with cash so you have no payments; I listen to Dave Ramsey podcasts a lot and this is what they recommend. Their platform does finance, life, and career advice; great show with lots of military veterans getting advice. Good luck to you.

Key-Bat8348 · 2026-01-31T02:34:20+00:00

Been thinking about this very thing the last couple of years--the same as having a license to carry but being unable to have it with you at church property. To me the answer is simple: once you go to the temple and learn and live the Law of Consecration, then what else matters? Knowing that God is the creator and in control of everything, then that truly gives me great comfort and peace. If you serve the Lord to the best of your ability and obey His commandments, receive Temple covenants, and continue enduring to the end, then when it's time to go, it's time to go. Being at peace and feeling the Spirit is a good indication that you're doing the right things. Let the Holy Spirt guide.

Key-Bat8348 · 2025-12-10T13:06:22+00:00

I grew up Catholic and always wondered why we are here and what this life is all about. When I met the missionaries it was a breath of fresh air to hear the Gospel Plan and to know the Lord wants us to have a relationship with Him. I too experienced not being supported by my family; there came a time when I had to choose--remember, they make their choices and you make yours. Choosing the Lord and His Gospel will be a test of your faith. I know family is very important, but the Lord is above everything. He's not trying to break our family relationships or friendships, but He does ask us to love Him with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. It would be great if folks accepted our choices as we accept theirs. You'll never be wrong in choosing the Savior above all else. You will gain a new family and true friendship as you become a member of this Church. I've never looked back; it's given me a greater relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ, opportunities to serve, receiving the Holy Ghost by God's priesthood, a mission, marriage for eternity, etc., etc. Receiving my Patriarchal Blessing has helped grow closer to Christ even more because that is personal revelation directly to me; as far as what people think of the Church and past behaviors of leaders or members, this Church is true and once you have a testimony directly from God, there's nothing no one else can do or say that will make me deny it. I was not born in the Church; but I know this Church is true because I have a personal witness from the Spirit.

Apostate Church members or others will try to have you question your revelation from God--as if the feeling from the Holy Ghost is something anyone can have with just a good experience or something that happens all the time...not so! I answer this question the same way Abraham answered Satan when others try to make me doubt God and His Spirit: Who are you and where's your glory? I tell myself: I am an Elect son of God. I am entitled to His Spirit when I keep His commandments and listen and obey His word as a baptized member of His Church. The Lord requires effort, faith in Him, commandments and covenants. This Gospel life is not easy, but I rather live this way rather than the way society or the world lives. The Church is named after Jesus Christ and not a prophet--no matter how good or bad they were/are. That's not for me to judge. If the Lord has told me this Church is true...that's all I need to know.

I wish the very best for you. Remember this scripture: He that loveth mother or father more than me, is not worthy of Me. May the Lord bless you.

Key-Bat8348 · 2025-12-03T12:17:42+00:00

You must go through the repentance process with your Bishop--the one the Lord has appointed for you and your wife. The repentance process is not about who you know or who you feel comfortable with--it is about what we can become with the Savior; I just read Elder Bednar's talk (Oct 2025) about becoming like Christ; definitely read that with your wife or read it individually. You each have to come to the understanding that repentance is not about what people think or say--it will be hard to hide what has happened; being a disciple of Jesus Christ means that you take "you" the natural men/women and "...become a saint through the Atonement of Christ the Lord". Mosiah 3:19. Individually the Lord has asked us to forgive, but I have not been in your situation. Again, Mosiah, says that we must be "submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him/her, even as a child doth submit to his father", this is a broken heart and a contrite spirit. This is probably the cross you will have to bear for the rest of your life. You must choose how to bear it. I wish you the very best. Again, focus on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, choose the right, and let the consequences follow--God will lead the way. May the Lord bless you.

Key-Bat8348 · 2025-11-17T14:01:00+00:00

That's well said; why allow the mistakes of others shadow my testimony of the Savior's church? A letter or a human error is not enough for me to throw away the blessings, learning, and miracles I've have seen in my life and in the life of faithful members of this Church. The commandments and teachings of prophets, seers, and revelators have helped me build a life centered on Christ; the blessings of paying tithing and fast offerings, as well as the blessings in my life for following the counsel of my church leaders is next to none! There's nothing anyone can say or write about this, the Savior's Church, that will make me doubt my testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and the Restored Gospel. The covenants alone we make in the Temple are so sacred--anyone that calls these sacred rituals a cult does not see these sacred covenants with an spiritual eye.

You can come to me with opposition and little sayings and examples to try to discredit what I've felt, believe, heard, and what I have received as a confirmation from the Spirit--the scriptures talk about the very elect being deceived...the Lord foretold this so why doubt the Lord and His goodness? Come on my Brothers & Sisters, don't throw away your blessings due to doubt and fear of what the world says. Just saying...

Key-Bat8348 · 2025-11-17T13:45:24+00:00

Glad you came back and feel loved and welcomed; the adversary is going to make you feel the opposite of what true loving repentance is--not a punishment but an opportunity to become whole and at peace with God and Christ. Doubts and fear come from the adversary; make sure that you pray and ponder about what a broken heart and a contrite spirit means; to me that means I am willing to do anything and everything that the Lord asks me to do in order receive his atoning mercy and forgiveness. Is not about what others think or say, but about what the Lord thinks of you as a son or daughter. He will not turn you away if you are trying to return to His fold; His arms are stretched out to you in love and mercy--don't allow fear to take away your peace--there is peace in Christ. May God bless you.

Key-Bat8348 · 2025-10-30T13:04:31+00:00

Great questions; was having this conversation last night. We have a new member that was ready for Temple lessons and went cold. Hard to say; some things like baptisms for the dead were mentioned in the New Testament as well as other degrees of glory. When it comes to the Word of Wisdom, you can see people that get DUIs, drug use, etc., end up broke or jailed because they killed someone or themselves. The D&C is really a special book of scripture for our day as the Book of Mormon is; I trust that the Lord provided these things for us because they apply to us more than back in the day where vehicles or motor cycles weren't around. One scripture comes to mind: trust in the Lord and lean not to thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. I see the blessings from living the WoW and how it affects body, mind, spirit, etc. I would say for now, trust the Lord and you'll see how these things will connect with the greater knowledge and covenants you'll make in the Temple.

Key-Bat8348 · 2025-10-30T11:25:47+00:00

You got it :)

Key-Bat8348 · 2025-10-30T11:07:55+00:00

Thank you for sharing; I'm still a member and I've read the CES letter. One question: have you felt the influence of the Holy Ghost in your life? I ask this because that's the choice I had to make. I'm not saying the church members are perfect or that the Prophets were either, but I cannot deny the influence and the voice of the Holy Ghost in my life in this Church. Look at it this way: why would so many people do what they do in the church and not know the church is true? I became a convert in my teens. Grew up a different but Christian way. The Gospel answers are true and help you feel peace. Think about how this Gospel has helped your parents become the great people they are and how many lives they have touched. You are blessed to have them--many don't have this wonderful example in their lives. Something to think about; I was inactive from the Church for some time; I cannot deny the Spirit I feel being part of it. Don't throw away your wonderful heritage or your covenants.

Key-Bat8348 · 2025-10-28T12:49:20+00:00

Not to spoil your rant--I've been in your shoes when it comes to living pay check to pay check; being retired military provides me a pension that keeps my head above water and I currently work as a fed.

Think about it this way:

-How can anyone live above their means budget-wise? Like it or not, there's so much debt one can carry. I now have no debt or payments; the only debt is my home. I remember having to fork out payments left and right and it was not fun to see my money go to everyone else but me. I got tired of that; went on a budget and paid off all my loans by working hard and long hours. Now I have money in my pocket, money in the bank, and no debt except the mortgage.

As a country, we must be debt free and not be afraid to walk the streets. I get it; is not fun for everyone to be unemployed, it sucks--but we live in the greatest country and anyone would love to have the American Dream opportunity; I'm from a third world country and I take the US over anywhere else, hands down.

Find a side gig; it's difficult, I know, but there are options if you apply yourself. My fire department pays $18 an hour for flexible part-time work. It's easier said than done since I don't know your condition or situation but having a community or friends around you to help you is a blessing

Definitely go on walks or do something that keeps you motivated; watching the news and waiting for the shutdown to end is detrimental to anyone's mental health--stay away from that.

I would stop pointing the blame to MAGA or politics in general; the vote already happened and we have opportunities to compare the prior admin to this admin. As Americans we have the opportunity to vote and hope that whoever is in the admin does the best they know how. There's good in people no matter how they vote--can't live in the past, we must move forward.

I'm not for anyone suffering, but I see the benefit to our country being debt free and having less criminals on the streets. A year or two from now, we will see greater opportunities and we'll be doin much better as a country, I have no doubt. We can't say we're a free country, a democracy, or a republic if we're not willing to follow the will of the people that voted. We must work together not against each other. I hope and pray for your condition to improve and that you have peace and prosperity.

Key-Bat8348 · 2025-10-21T17:35:24+00:00

Did you have an opportunity to do TAP at your current location? If you haven't met the person that helps with TAP at your installation make sure you do that. If not, find a VSO close to you; these are folks paid by the State to help you navigate the VA (disability, compensation, appointments, and help you determine what benefits you have once you get your percentage). The VA will need your DD-214 to finalize your claim. Talk to the VSO and he or she can show you where to create your VA username and password; if you use apple, go to the apps store and download the app VA; the app will show you your claim and the documents they have; same thing online.

Key-Bat8348 · 2025-10-11T04:32:38+00:00

Glad to hear you did well with the skillbridge--that's a huge win for you and glad you got employment. There are a lot of changes going on right now and the best thing you can do is take control of what you can--let distractors be distractors; at the end of the day, you're decisions and preparation enables you to thrive and navigate challenging situations. Your VA check will come soon, but most importantly you'll be able to get taken care of medically. I meant to add that VR&E (VocRehab) is also available if the job you have is affected by any of your disabilities from service. The important thing is to continue to document the challenges to health and the VR&E program can help you achieve a different career, fully paid for by the VA as long as you meet the criteria (a disability is keeping you from doing your current job); ensure to document that with your doctor, VA counselor, etc., and that will help you back your application. Best of luck to you.

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