Saul Simon CFP®’s Post

APOD makes a difference to the well-being of military families in Australia.🎖️👨👩👧🏠 Over the past four years, we have now delivered over $55.5M in savings back to military families, and this is a collaborative saving, where your own money has been stretched further. Paul Broadbridge, APOD CEO, stated, “At APOD, we understand the unique challenges faced by military families. Our mission is to ease their financial burdens by providing meaningful discounts that stretch budgets further. The $55.5 million in savings we’ve delivered over the past four years is a testament to our commitment to improving the wellbeing of our defence community. Together, with the support of our partners, we can continue to make a real difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.” 🇦🇺🪖 #FinancialWellbeing is essential for military families in Australia, and discounts are a direct contributor to this wellbeing. They provide a buffer against the uncertainties of military life, reduce stress, and help mitigate risks associated with veteran suicide, domestic violence, and homelessness. We are proud to see that APOD has contributed conservatively $55.5 million back to veteran families, and we look forward to seeing this increase exponentially as we work with our community and retail business partners. 😊 Please visit our blog to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g7xzF9Xb #apodcommunity #veteranbenefits #defencediscounts 📸: Defence Media

We share concerns from many experts & advocates following today's #SCOTUS decision to strike down #JohnsonVGrantsPass. It will surely have devastating impacts on unhoused people in this country — many of whom also struggle with #foodinsecurity. Those who are unhoused are vulnerable in so many ways, which often includes struggling to feed themselves and their families. Punishing people who struggle is anathema to both our Jewish and American values. As our friends at the NATIONAL COALITION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS and University of California, Los Angeles - School of Law pointed out, many of America’s #veterans who fought for our country will be impacted by this decision. They deserve support — not barriers or punishments — as they reintegrate into civilian life following military service. The #JohnsonVGrantsPass decision represents the cruelty towards & desire to stigmatize those most in need. It mirrors and emboldens rhetoric we see and hear every day, and it emboldens us to continue to fight for #veterans & all those who are struggling.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s release of "Shining a Light - Stories of Trauma, Tragedy & Hope" marks a significant step in sharing the experiences of our veterans and their families. At the Families of Veterans Guild (FOVG), we believe that this collection of lived experiences should drive profound and necessary changes. We want to see a fundamental system transformation. For too long, we've been addressing symptoms rather than solving underlying issues. Every actor in this system, whether governmental or non-governmental, must take responsibility for making meaningful changes. We call for pathways to support families of veterans that are currently lacking. Investment in the veteran community sector is essential to build capacity, drive innovation, and foster partnerships that can support our families effectively. We need an independent body to oversee these changes and ensure accountability, as we cannot fail those who have bravely shared their stories. Join us in advocating for real reform and support for our veterans' families. Read more about what we hope to achieve and the impact of the Royal Commission’s findings on our blog. https://lnkd.in/gbUi6pWE

This is about more than just us—it’s about everyone who has fought for our #exceptional military families before us, and those standing with us now. We are honored to continue this important work. Supporting our most vulnerable families isn’t something we can do alone. We need to come together to improve policies and processes at every level—local community, state and federal. We must also be innovative and consider ways to make life easier for these families, like how to transfer IEPs and Medicaid waivers across state lines, to ensure that these families have the support they need. Partners in PROMISE, Executive Director Michelle Norman stated, “These are quality of life issues that impact readiness and retention. We need to do everything we can to support these military families.” Improving the EFMP program will improve military readiness and retention. It’s going to take all of us working together to make it happen. Join us in advocating for our #exceptional military families by supporting initiatives that improve the EFMP program and enhance the quality of life for those who serve. Whether it’s contacting your local representatives, sharing this message, or getting involved with organizations like Partners in PROMISE, every action counts. #PartnersInPROMISE #CommunityMatters #SupportOurFamilies #MilitaryStrong #AdvocacyInAction #militaryfamilies #EFMP #ExceptionalFamilies #SpecialNeedsAdvocacy #EducationForAll #Changemakers #military #specialEducation #CNNHomefront

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that veterans are at 72% higher risk of suicide than those who have not served. To address this issue, HMP Global is partnering with Stop Soldier Suicide — a national nonprofit working to reduce the military suicide rate by 40% by 2030 — for the 2024 Day of Giving. On Friday, August 16, a portion of all HMP Global event and program registrations will support Stop Soldier Suicide’s lifesaving work. To participate in the 2024 Day of Giving, register for TCIV West on August 16 at https://bit.ly/46EPq8L. #SupportingVeterans #SuicidePrevention #HealthcareMadePractical #DayofGiving2024 #TCIVWest #TCIV #TreatmentCenterInvestment #ValuationRetreat #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveNetworking #FinancialEducation #InvestmentOpportunities #GrowthStrategies #BusinessTransformation #HealthcareInvestment #FinancialCommunity #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessConnections #IndustryInsights #ExecutiveEvents #Scottsdale #Arizona #TCIVWest2024

As we step into the new year, it is imperative to remember that our Veterans and military communities are in need of our support more than ever..... Suicide rates among these brave individuals are alarmingly high, and it's time for us to join hands to address this CRITICAL ISSUE head on. Help Our Heroes, in collaboration with Strategic Engagement Consulting (SEC) , has been tirelessly working to garner support from various state legislators, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Missouri and Kansas U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Governors Challenge of both states, Kansas City Mayors Challenge, Missouri Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and many other philanthropic organizations. Our goal is to build a robust coalition that will help increase suicide awareness and prevention, providing our Veterans and military communities the resources they so rightfully deserve and earned. But we cannot accomplish this without your help and support........ If your organization offers mental health services, counseling, or innovative solutions that can contribute to this initiative, we invite you to reach out to John C King and Blake Richardson, MHA. Your involvement could prove instrumental in saving lives. Help Our Heroes is also seeking funding to support mental health resources, state legislation in Missouri and Kansas, policy program management, technical support and maintenance, veteran/military advocacy, outreach, and transitioning military resources. Your generous donations will ensure this program becomes a bill, gets passed in legislation, and ensures our Veterans and military communities have easy access to the necessary resources. It's time to give back to those who've given so much for us. Let's stand together in this initiative. For donations or further information, visit https://lnkd.in/gR5rfFrQ Thank you for your help and support, in advance! Together, we can make a difference. #HelpOurHeroes #VeteransSupport #SuicidePrevention

We should all have a look at this book to gain a better understanding of what war can do to people

Day 16: Building a $17k/mo income after going broke this year. Here’s a lesson I learned from being homeless in San Diego that would have prevented me from going broke in my business, if only I had learned it sooner. For context purposes: I was homeless back in 2012 when I left the military, but the lessons learned happened this year. (Late bloomer) Ask me anything 👇 #monthlycashflow #buildingwealth #businessjourney #incomegoals #sidehustlejourney

Wrapping up Financial Wellness Month with a powerful reminder that EVERYBODY can enhance their financial well-being. 3 out of 5 Americans spend their entire paycheck or more each month, and half don't have $400 for emergencies. At STEP, we've supported 8,000+ military families, providing 160,000+ counseling hours. Together, let's take small daily steps to reduce financial stress and improve our lives. Go to our website at teamstepusa.org and click apply for assistance at the top, and let STEP help you take control of your finances today. Read this Op-Ed article: https://lnkd.in/gCzcc8yE #stepexperian Experian

I understand the value of higher education. I went to North Carolina State University on a full academic scholarship. Without it, I would have come out of school with over $100K in debt. Even with my scholarship, I worked all 4 years to cover my expenses. I was incredibly fortunate to only have #debt from my graduate school education. And it took me over 10 years to pay that off. I now have a 5 year old daughter and a husband who is retired from the military on 100% #disability. We elected to make our permanent residence in Virginia BECAUSE of VMSDEP. We have saved for our daughter's college education, but with inflation, it is estimated that a 4-year degree from an in-state institution will cost over $140,000 by the time she enrolls in 2037 (https://lnkd.in/eZA-qU8e). We don't have that. We won't have that. And, she could take out loans to cover the rest as is suggested by this new plan, except we will never qualify because my husband's disability benefit has to be counted as income. I want our college and university systems to thrive. I understand how expensive that education system is to provide. But the answer is NOT to take away one of the most significant financial benefits of being a VA state resident from our service men, women, and their families. Please help me in protecting this earned benefit for my daughter and for all of the other military families who value education but will not be able to afford if if this passes. #vmsdep #militaryfamily #disabledveteran #veteran #military