Family Archives ~ The Military Move

The Pros and Cons of Buying New Construction

September 7, 2023 No Comments

Buying a new construction home can offer several advantages, but it also comes with its own set of drawbacks. To make an informed decision, consider the following pros and cons of purchasing a newly built home:

Pros of Buying a New Construction Home:

Customization: Many builders allow buyers to customize various aspects of the home, including floor plans, finishes, and sometimes even the layout. This enables you to create a living space tailored to your preferences.
Energy Efficiency: New homes are often designed with the latest energy-efficient technologies, such as energy-efficient appliances, windows, insulation, and heating/cooling systems. This can lead to lower utility bills and a reduced environmental impact.
Warranty: New construction homes typically come with warranties that cover structural issues and major systems for a certain period (e.g., 10 years). This provides peace of mind and protection against unexpected repair costs.
Modern Amenities: New homes often feature contemporary amenities and design trends, such as open floor plans, large walk-in closets, high ceilings, and updated kitchens and bathrooms.
Reduced Maintenance: Since everything is brand new, you’re less likely to encounter immediate maintenance and repair issues that older homes might have. This can save you time and money in the short term.
Safety and Building Codes: New homes are built to current building codes and safety standards, which can provide a higher level of structural integrity and safety compared to older homes.
Technology Integration: New homes are often equipped with modern technology, such as smart home features like security systems, built-in speakers, and programmable thermostats.

Cons of Buying a New Construction Home:

Higher Cost: New construction homes typically come with a premium price tag compared to older homes with similar square footage and location. You may pay more for the convenience and newness.
Limited Character: Some people prefer the character and uniqueness of older homes, which may have historic charm or architectural details that newer homes lack.
Incomplete Landscaping: Newly constructed homes may have bare yards without mature trees or landscaping. It can take time and effort to create an outdoor space that matches your vision.
New Neighborhood Development: If you move into a newly developed area, it might take time for essential amenities like schools, shopping centers, and public transportation to become available.
Punch List Items: After moving in, you may discover minor issues or incomplete work that need to be addressed. Builders often provide a “punch list” to fix such problems, but it can be inconvenient.
Limited Room for Negotiation: Builders may be less willing to negotiate on price compared to individual sellers of older homes. However, there could still be room for negotiation on upgrades or closing costs.
Unforeseen Issues: While new homes are less likely to have immediate maintenance problems, they can still have construction defects or issues that become apparent over time.

In summary, buying a newly constructed home offers modern amenities, energy efficiency, and peace of mind with warranties, but it can come with a higher cost and potential drawbacks like limited character and incomplete landscaping. It’s essential to carefully weigh these pros and cons and consider your personal preferences and priorities before making a decision. Additionally, conducting thorough research and inspections during the home-buying process is crucial to ensure the quality of the newly constructed property.

If you know someone looking to move near a military base – please send them our website below where we provide loads of base information.

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If you are looking for a home in Washington – check us out at www.kelseyandjorge.com

Family, Finances, Housing, Moving

Essential Tips for First Time Home Buyers

August 30, 2023 No Comments

Certainly buying a home for the first-time can be an exciting yet daunting experience.

Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the process and make informed decisions:

Assess Your Finances:

Review your financial situation and determine how much you can comfortably afford for a down payment, monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.

Set a Realistic Budget:

Based on your financial assessment, set a clear budget for your home purchase. First-time homebuyers should remember to consider additional costs such as closing costs, moving expenses, and potential renovations.

Check Your Credit Score:

A good credit score is crucial for obtaining a favorable mortgage rate. Review your credit report, correct any errors, and work on improving your credit score if needed.

Pre-Approval for a Mortgage:

Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start house hunting. This will help you understand your budget and show sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

Work with a Realtor:

A qualified real estate agent can guide you through the buying process, help you find suitable properties, negotiate offers, and provide valuable insights about the local market.

Location and Research:

Research the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Consider factors like proximity to work, schools, public transportation, and amenities.

Prioritize Your Needs:

Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves in a home. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on properties that align with your priorities.

Home Inspection:

Once you’ve found a potential home, invest in a professional home inspection to uncover any underlying issues that might not be apparent at first glance.

Negotiate Wisely:

Don’t hesitate to negotiate the price and terms of the deal. Your real estate agent can provide guidance on making a competitive offer.

Understand Closing Costs:

Closing costs include various fees associated with the home purchase, such as attorney fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, and more. Be prepared for these additional costs.

Read Contracts Carefully:

Review all contracts and documents carefully before signing. If something is unclear, seek legal advice or clarification from your real estate agent.

Future Resale Value:

While buying a home is a personal decision, consider the potential resale value of the property in case you decide to move in the future.

Don’t Rush:

Take your time to find the right property. Rushing into a decision could lead to regrets later on.

Emergency Fund:

It’s a good idea to have an emergency fund in place to cover unexpected home repairs or other financial challenges that may arise after the purchase.

Learn About Homeownership:

Educate yourself about the responsibilities of homeownership, including maintenance tasks, property taxes, homeowners’ association (HOA) rules (if applicable), and local regulations.

Remember that every real estate market is unique, so these tips should be adapted to your specific circumstances and location. With careful planning and research, you can make your first-home buying experience a successful one-

If you know someone looking to move near a military base – please send them our website below where we provide loads of base information.

If you are looking for a home in Washington – check us out at www.kelseyandjorge.com

Family, Housing, Maintenance

10 Summer Maintenance Tips

July 5, 2023 No Comments

Here are 10 home summer maintenance tips to help you keep your home in good condition all year long:

Check and clean your air conditioning system: Before the hot weather hits, inspect your air conditioning system. Clean or replace the filters, remove any debris around the unit, and consider scheduling a professional tune-up to ensure it’s running efficiently.
Inspect and clean your gutters: Summer can bring occasional rainstorms, so make sure your gutters are clear of debris to prevent water damage. Remove leaves, sticks, and any other obstructions that may be blocking the flow of water. This maintenance tip can also help prevent house fires.
Check and maintain your outdoor plumbing: Inspect outdoor faucets, hoses, and sprinkler systems for leaks or damage. Repair or replace any faulty components to prevent water waste and potential water damage.
Inspect and clean your windows and screens: Remove dust and dirt from your windows and screens. Clean the glass inside and out, and repair or replace any damaged screens to keep bugs out while enjoying fresh air.
Trim trees and shrubs: Overgrown branches near your house can pose a risk during storms or high winds. Trim back any trees or shrubs that are too close to your home to prevent potential damage.

Clean and seal your outdoor deck or patio: Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your outdoor living spaces. Clean your deck or patio thoroughly, and if needed, apply a fresh coat of sealant or stain to protect it from the elements.
Inspect and clean your outdoor grill: If you enjoy outdoor cooking, inspect and clean your grill before the summer season. Check for gas leaks, clean the grates, and make sure all parts are in good working condition.
Check and maintain your pool: If you have a pool, inspect the pool equipment, such as the filter, pump, and skimmer. Clean or replace the filters, check water chemistry levels, and ensure all safety measures, such as fences and gates, are in place and functioning properly.
Inspect and clean your outdoor lighting: Check your outdoor lights, including pathway lights, porch lights, and security lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs, clean fixtures, and ensure the lights are working correctly for safety and ambiance.
Check for pest infestations: Summer can bring unwanted pests into your home. Inspect your home for signs of infestation, such as ants, mosquitoes, or termites. Take appropriate measures to prevent and control pests, such as sealing entry points and using insect repellents.

Remember, safety is paramount when performing maintenance tasks. If you’re unsure about any task or feel uncomfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

Looking to buy or sell a home, or do you just need information on your next PCS location? Check out our PCS Unit Map below.

Family, Finances

What are the requirements for a VA loan?

June 30, 2023 No Comments

A VA loan is a mortgage loan program offered to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and select military spouses by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To qualify for a VA loan, you need to meet certain requirements.

Here are the key criteria:

Eligibility: You must meet the VA’s eligibility requirements, which typically include:

a. Active-duty service members: Generally, you need to serve for at least 90 consecutive days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime.

b. Veterans: You must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable after completing the required service period.

c. National Guard or Reserve members: You may be eligible if you have completed at least six years of service and have been honorably discharged, placed on the retired list, or transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve.

d. Military spouses: Certain surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or due to a service-related disability may be eligible.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE): You need to obtain a valid Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. This document verifies your eligibility for a VA loan and can be obtained through the VA directly or with the assistance of a lender.
Occupancy: You must intend to use the property as your primary residence. VA loans are not available for investment properties or vacation homes.
Creditworthiness: While the VA does not have a strict minimum credit score requirement, lenders typically establish their own criteria. Generally, a higher credit score improves your chances of loan approval and may offer more favorable terms.
Income and Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): You need to demonstrate sufficient income to cover the loan payments and meet the VA’s residual income guidelines. Lenders also assess your DTI, which compares your monthly debt obligations to your gross monthly income. Generally, a lower DTI is favorable.
Property Requirements: The property you intend to purchase with a VA loan must meet certain standards set by the VA. These requirements ensure the property is safe, structurally sound, and suitable for habitation.

It’s important to note that while these are the general requirements, specific lenders may have additional criteria or overlays. Consulting with a VA-approved lender will provide you with the most accurate information based on your circumstances.

If you are looking to buy/sell or information on unit resources, check out out our Military Map below.

Family, Travel

Making Successful Moves with Pets

April 20, 2019 No Comments

I volunteer at an animal shelter and a frequent reason for owners surrendering their animals is they are moving, and they feel it is too difficult to take their pets.

We always took our pets with us when we moved, so I needed help understanding the problem. So, I asked a group of military wives to assist me to determine if a “How To” article would help or if moving is an excuse to not have a pet. Most thought it was an excuse, but there were some valid points made for not taking pets on a move. Below I provide I tips on how to move with an animal.

I would like to extend a thank you to the Kings Bay Military Wives Group on Facebook for helping me with this article.

We have made many moves with pets, so I thought I would share how we did it. I added some tips and links as well.

*This post may contain affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. To see my full disclosure click here. Thanks for supporting us!

Welcoming Pooky Home

My husband Michael and I got married when he was stationed at Pearl Harbor Navy Base. It was my introduction to military life. We had to wait until we moved to base housing, as our first apartment didn’t allow pets.

We went to the Humane Society in Honolulu and looked for our new dog. We found this little guy who had just come in. He came to the gate, but, wasn’t barking, he just wagged his tail shyly while cowering in the corner, terrified. We went to the desk and they told us he had to stay on stray hold for a few more days, and we should call on the last day to see if he was still there. We did, and he was.

We named him Pooky after Garfield’s Teddy Bear. Pooky was a love, he chewed on our stuff, he ran off from time to time, and had his own crazy character. But, mostly, he gave us so much love.

Our Move with Pooky

When it was time to move we arranged his travel with the airline and bought him a travel cage. Did I mention that we had a baby eight months after we got him and is now a little over a year old? Yes, we had a toddler, a dog and all our belongings. We were going from Hawaii to Washington State, in November.

We made sure our hotel was pet friendly ,and we had gotten a referral to some old Navy housing that did accept pets.

We got our household goods and unpacked, but it was the holidays and as typical military families do, we went to visit family for Thanksgiving. The four of us, my husband, our son, Pooky and me were back on a plane for the visit. That was our first move with a pet.

The next one came when we went from Washington to Georgia. By this time, we had a toddler and a baby. Given the personality of the boys and the length of the trip, we thought taking the dog in the car with us would be tough. We called the airlines, and for a small fee they would ship Pooky solo, if we had someone pick him up. Our family held onto him until we could get there.

We enjoyed our Christmas with the family, but we then had to find a pet friendly place at our new base. It was a brand-new base and there wasn’t much housing on or off base, and it was harder to rent with a pet, so we bought our first house. That was Pooky’s last move with us, but he did take some trips. When Pooky crossed the Rainbow Bridge we got our next shelter animal.

We went to the base and found a sweet little girl named Snowy. Snowy was a lively two-year-old Beagle mix. She was also a known runner and who could blame her, she was two and had already been passed between four families due to, you guessed it; moving. The poor girl had never known stability with a family. That effects animals as much as it would affect a child passed between foster homes.

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Our Journey with Snowy

A few years after we got Snowy it was time to move back to the West Coast. This time my husband went ahead of us. He found a temporary apartment that was pet friendly while we waited for our Navy housing to be ready. Once in, we put up a fence for Snowy to have her own free space and took her on many trips in the car to see the mountains of Washington and the great Northwest.

Our next move was when my husband retired from the Navy and we had to find civilian housing that was pet friendly. It was more challenging, but we did it.

When you get a pet, they are a part of your home and household and just as with any family member, you find a way to make the relationship work no matter what happens. Advanced planning is essential.

We still travel a lot with our pets. it is work but they are worth it. To us, they are part of our family, a gilded member, and dogs as well as cats are social animals, they become part of a “pack”, whether human or of their own kind, and are loyal to that, and will protect it’s other members and they are affected as much by loss of that pack or any member of it, as much as you or I would be affected by the loss of a spouse or child, they feel that.

Why do you think they are so happy when one returns from work, or a trip and they have been home alone, even if only for a few minutes?

Moving Tips with Pets

Below find some tips and links to help with making your trip or move with your pet less stressful:

Research your new location as soon as you know you will be moving. You need to find out how the new home works for all the members of your family. Schools and Doctors for the kids, employment for the adults, breed restrictions and veterinarians for the pets.

If you find you are moving to an area where there are breed restrictions, you need to be aware of this before you go. (The ridiculousness of these rules is a whole other article.) Make sure where you live accepts the pet you have or will get, make sure your pet will fit into your living situation. A cat or a small dog will probably work better in a two-bedroom apartment with no yard rather than a Lab or Great Dane.

These are simple steps that will help avoid heartache and headache.

At this point you may have to make some tough choices. There are some circumstances under which it may be in the pet’s best interest to live with someone else rather than making the move. You may want to check out Pets for Patriots as a possible place for your pet.

I am not suggesting anyone shirk their responsibilities but putting a sixteen-year-old dog or cat into a long quarantine may not be in the pet’s best interest. We did rehome two animals for what we thought would be in their best interests.

In both cases. we made sure they went to trustworthy families. The second one only lasted six months, and we got him back. Pooky was part Husky. They are runners, and when he kept running off we thought he would be happier at my parent’s house in the country. My folks realized he missed us and brought him back, that was the last time we tried “re-homing.”

It would be very hard on me, now, to find a new home for my pets, and I think I would prefer not to move if I couldn’t take my pets, they are our family and you don’t just abandon your family. But the US military doesn’t always have that as an option, and when the orders have you going overseas you need to know and obey that county’s rules.

The Trip Itself

For the trip itself this depends on whether you are driving or flying. If you are flying, you will need to pick an airline that will allow your pets to fly with you. Find out the requirements and procedures and talk to your vet before the trip, they often prescribe a mild sedative you can give your pet before their flight to ease their anxiety.

You can imagine it’s very traumatic for them to be separated from people they know, trust, and love. Then they are trapped in a cage on a noisy, scary plane ride. Most people are nervous about flying, and we understand what is going on. Image what it’s like for the pet who has no idea what is going on!

I know we have had some horror stories in the news about airlines and lost pets. Let’s remember, something only makes the news if it is unusual. I believe most airlines get it right more than they do wrong. Here are a few airlines that take pets; these allow pets in the cabin.

If you are going by train, check the rules just as you would for the airline. If you are traveling in the car with a pet, remember, they need a break just as you do.

Plan to stop at places where they can safely stretch their legs and play, just like you would for the kids. Rest areas have a place for pets and many hotels welcome your pet.

Bring their familiar items like their crate or bed, some toys and treats. These will make Max or Fluffy feel more at home.

If you have a more unusual pet like a pig or a snake you will have to do a little more checking to see what hotels and rest areas allow.

Owning pets is a privilege and a responsibility. You have a living friend that is close by and greets you at the door with enthusiasm, no matter what mood you are in or what you are dressed like. It is a relationship like no other.

They are here for a short time and trust me, when that friend leaves you miss them. Make the effort to keep them for as long as you can, but if you must, also make sure they find a loving, safe new home.

About the Author

Lisa lives with her retired US Navy Submariner husband in South Georgia. She is a former homeschool mom of two active boys who are now adults. She volunteers at an animal shelter. She writes children’s educational books as well as articles for adults.

Family, Health

The Secret to Coping with PTSD

July 23, 2018 No Comments

Dogs are widely utilized to assist men and women who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. There are a number of specific reasons why dogs can help heal a person afflicted with PTSD.

Dogs are Vigilant in Watching Over Their Owners

One of the reasons dogs can assist in coping with PTSD arises from the fact that they are truly vigilant. Researchers have concluded that the vigilance of a dog, in relationship to his or her owner, is akin to soldiers and the buddy system in the military.

A person who has a nightmare with a dog in the room can better appreciate the level of vigilance associated with a canine.

When a person wakes up from a nightmare, a dog provides cues and information to assure his or her owner was not experiencing something real.

Dogs can be helpful in this manner when it comes to assisting their owners suffering from the symptoms of PTSD.

A dog’s vigilance aids a person afflicted with post-traumatic stress in discerning what is a real issue and what is a symptom of the condition.

Dogs are Protective of Their Owners

Another attribute of dogs that contribute to their ability to aid in healing a person with PTSD is found in the fact that canines are highly protective of their owners.

Many dogs are literally inclined to fight to their very death if it meant protecting their owners from harm.

This type of protective behavior is highly beneficial to a person diagnosed with PTSD. The protective behavior of canines wards off perceived threats to an owner with post-traumatic stress.

Moreover, a person with this diagnosis is more confident to go about activities of daily living knowing he has a protective friend at his or her side.

Dogs Love Their Owners Unconditionally

A key problem many individuals with PTSD have is a perception that they are unloved. In addition, trust is a major issue for individuals diagnosed with PTSD.

Another one of the different reasons why dogs aid in healing a person afflicted with PTSD is the fact that canines love unconditionally.

A person with PTSD never has to question whether or not his or her canine companion loves him or her.

Further, a person with PTSD has a real difficult time maintaining, let alone establishing, loving relationships with other people.

A symptom of the condition is that individuals with PTSD perceive themselves as being unlovable. This line of negative thinking is discounted in the face of the devotion of a canine.

In addition, a dog is thoroughly trustworthy.

From this trust of a canine, a person with PTSD is able to begin building a foundation upon which he or she can start trusting fellow humans.

Dogs Understand and Remember Feelings of Love

Another way in which a dog is helpful in healing PTSD is that they are not turncoats. This is associated with the unconditional love of a dog towards his owner.

The reality is that even the best behaved dog is not perfect. He or she will cause problems and need to be scolded.

With that noted, a dog does not hold grudges or stop caring for his or her owner merely because he has been disciplined for doing something wrong. In other words, a canine has the ability to understand he or she has made some sort of mistake.

But, a dog also remembers and maintains the feelings of love he or she has for his human — and that his human has in return.

Dogs Encourage an Owner to Get Out of the House

Many people with PTSD hole up at home. They fear and dread going out in public and limit their time away from home. A dog aids in healing a person with PTSD by making it easier for a person with that condition to get out of the house.

By getting out of the home with greater frequency, a person with PTSD is able to engage in positive activities. This includes interacting in a positive manner with other people.

Getting out of the home provides a person with PTSD with ever increasing control over his or her life, all because of the supportive assistance of a loving canine.

With increasing regularity, specially trained dogs are becoming key components in the lives of individuals with PTSD.

These canines truly provide a person with PTSD the support and security necessary to begin living a happier, healthier life.

In fact, even pooches lacking in special training can prove to be utterly invaluable to a person with PTSD.

If you found this advice, or any of my advice helpful, please consider buying from one of my affiliates at no additional cost to you and supporting The Military Move. When you click and make a purchase within 24 hours (at no additional charge), we receive a small donation. Thank you!

About the Author

Jessica Kane is a writer for Handicapped Pets, your most trusted source for dog wheelchairs and harnesses.

Family, Travel

The Best Tips for Military Families at Disney

April 10, 2018 No Comments

Disney World is one of the most magical places on Earth. From the smells, the treats, the rides, the characters, and the smiling and friendly staff, Disney is a favorite vacation location for us.

Want to know how we did Disney in a week for less than $2,500 for a family of 4 (at the time it was 3 adults, both parents, a grandparent, and 1 child)? I will share my budget and tips for how we made amazing memories in the happiest place on earth!

We love Disney so much, my daughter and I have been 4x in the last two years with a combination of different family members and friends.

Buy Military Tickets

We bought Military Tickets through the ITT office at our local base. The great part of this was that we plugged this into the MyDisney app and were able to order our Magic Bands ahead of time.

This also let us choose our Fast Passes, which saves you major time.

You can get these tickets also at Shades of Green; however, if you are not staying there – plan to get there, park, go in, stand in line, buy tickets, etc.

I do not recommend this if you plan on going to the parks the first day you get there – as this is wasting valuable time.

You can also get military rates at the park, but you will pay taxes on it.

One exception is the Florida Resident Tickets. If the member has a home of record in Florida, this can be a cheap option as well.

Call Disney Reservations

We did not stay at Shades of Green. We went during Spring Break – one of the busiest times of year.

They were completely booked.

However, we still stayed on the grounds.

Staying on the grounds means you don’t have to pay for transportation or parking at the gate ($20 per park).

By calling Disney, they will give you military rates (usually up to 40% depending on the class of hotel) on your stay.

When you call, they will ask you if you prefer Value, Moderate, or Deluxe rooms and will find you the cheapest resort with availability.

My daughter was into Disney movies at the time so we chose the Disney All-Star Movie Resort – we got it for less than a $100 a night (about $94).

On another note, we also stayed in Coronado Springs during our Christmas stay and got a great rate ($120) because they were doing construction – which we did not care because we were in the park.

They gave us these cool pins as well. If you, or child, collects pins – these were a fun addition that you can’t buy at the shops or kiosks.

Bring Your Own Food

When you can, bring your own food. We chose not to do the dining plan.

BUT, we still ate on the grounds every day.

We even had breakfast at Be Our Guest (the Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant), and several other quick service Disney restaurants.

However, this area we could save money by bringing food with us. We were within driving distance, so we could use this to our advantage.

We bought food from the store that we could supplement for snacks and mostly breakfast.

If your room has a full freezer/fridge – take advantage of frozen breakfast foods, for example.

Cereals, croissants, pastries, and bagels are great for some breakfast meals where you do not have to pay in the park.

We also brought tons of snacks in our backpacks (Sun Chips, packets of nuts, Motts gummies, really any snack food that doesn’t melt in the HOT Florida sun! This saved us from buying tons of ice cream, popcorn, and pretzels.

Bring a Backpack

A backpack can serve as a diaper bag for young children, but it also helps with older children too.

If they are old enough, they can carry their own string back pack (like this one).

We carried bottled water (we brought a case with us) in our backpack as bottled water is about $4.00 a bottle in the park (obviously, tap water is free, or go to Starbucks – they give you free water).

We stuck all of our snacks in there as well.

Backpacks are also a great place for holding ALL the things that will occupy your time in the long lines (should you go during a high season time).

Prepare for Lines, Heat, and Rain

Long lines in peak season means bored children.

Many rides have entertaining features, but there are some that well, are less thrilling.

Bring things to occupy their time.

We brought bubbles, stickers and a notebook, and a cheap digital camera.

It is hot in Florida – of course. You can fall victim to the heat. Be sure to pack sunscreen and these cool mini-spray fans.

We each had one, which are powered on batteries – and could mist ourselves whenever, wherever.

Also prepare by bringing ponchos. Ponchos in Disney World are much more expensive. Get yours here.

It is Florida and can rain at any moment – be prepared for it! Usually when it rains, the parks clear out, so use that time to jump in line for rides.

Check out this Disney Crowd Calendar from Touring Plans here to help you plan.

Disney Magic

To add to the experience, we packed Disney trinkets that we found at the Dollar Tree and Walmart (coloring books, figurines, stickers, stuffed animals like Minnie/Mickey).

This limits how much you buy in the parks – which will be way more expensive.

Each night after she went to bed, we stuck a Disney item out for her to find in the morning – starting the magic each morning.

If you are driving to Disney, you can find a lot of Disney items at the neighborhood Walmarts for a great price (collectibles, t-shirts, etc.).

Our Disney Budget

Hotel Stay – $94 per night for 5 nights = $470

Tickets through ITT – 5 days @ $984 or 4 days @ $904 for 3 adults, 1 child

Food – Lunch and dinner – $30 per person per day – $600

Character Dining Experience (Breakfast) – $140

Gifts (from home) – $20

Other incidentals (snacks, gifts, parent’s Starbucks) – $280 = 4 people at 5 days – $14 per person per day

Grand Total – $2,494

Can you spend more? Of course! Did we experience Disney on this budget? Most definitely! See some of my pro tips below!

Other Fabulous Tips

Umbrella Strollers

If you have a child under 5 – it is ideal to have a stroller of some sort. I have brought both of my strollers on different occasions.

Disney is HUGE. That is a lot of walking, no matter how many times you go back to the hotel.

Your child will be whining, your arms, shoulders, and neck will hurt from picking them up. Trust me, stick them in it and everyone will be happy!

Buy a cheap $20 umbrella stroller and take it with you.

It folds up on the buses if you stay on one of the many gorgeous properties, and when you have to do stroller parking – it takes up little room.

Not only that, but you can use it to reserve some space for the parades.

Park Hopper Tickets

When you purchase your tickets – be sure to add Park Hopper.

For Military tickets – it is usually included and well worth it.

Sometimes you want to do Animal Kingdom in the mornings and Magic Kingdom at night.

Animal Kingdom is VERY WARM especially from about March to October. So hitting it before peak sun is great.

Also, the animals tend to find shady parts to lie in during afternoon hours, which makes the Safari Ride not as enjoyable.

But there are a lot of exhibits to see neat things – and of course, I hear the new Pandora area is fabulous.

Magic Bands & Fast Passes

See that orange band on my daughter above?

Those are Magic Bands. You can get them even with ITT tickets.

They are the best technology Disney has come up with.

Your hotel room card, your Fast Pass, and your Credit Card can all be stored on this wristband.

You can select who has the Credit Card on their band (if you are worried there band may fall off). However, we never had an issue (even with 3 year old wrists).

You don’t have to carry cash with you, they just touch the Mickey and it goes straight onto your hotel bill.

It also stores your Fast Passes – which you MUST do if you want to maximize your time.

Fast Pass reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.

Popular rides (Peter Pan, Splash Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain) go quick, so make sure to book them.

You can also book passes to see characters.

She loved seeing all the princesses and her favorite Disney Jr characters (they are at Hollywood Studios).

Once you use your 3 Fast Passes you can get more that day (but generally, it is what is leftover).

Get the MyDisney App

If you have a Smartphone – you MUST have the MyDisney App.

Download it on every adult phone.

It has maps of the parks, wait times of every ride and character experience, times for the parades, and park hours.

You can also link your reservations so that you have access to your Fast Pass reservations.

Experience Disney During the Holidays

This is not a budget tip, but more of a confirmation if you are asking yourself this question. Should we do a special event?

Disney World has different special events throughout the year.

No-So-Scary Halloween

Very Merry Christmas Party

Star Wars Galactic Nights

We took a special trip last year to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It was an additional expense, but we loved it.

You get in at 4pm and experience Magic Kingdom decorated for Christmas.

Why did we enjoy this?

Limited crowds – so lines were much shorter.

Free goodies. They have the BEST Snickerdoodle cookies and hot chocolate. Seriously!

Characters are out in the park, and there is a short line to see them.

Disney Springs has Christmas trees decorated with all the major movie themes. Great to see them in the morning and go to the park in the evening.

Fireworks In Magic Kingdom

One of the best experiences at the Magic Kingdom is their nightly fireworks.

However, it is BEYOND crowded.

Everyone crowds to main street or the circular area right in front of the castle about 30-45 minutes before it starts.

However, we found a great area to see the fireworks as our own little secret (especially if you have seen the show before).

If you go to Adventureland, find the Swiss Family Treehouse. The bottom has a great view as well as the top (and it was filled with 3 families) – much more enjoyable.

However, you don’t get to see Tinkerbell fly.

If you HAVE seen the fireworks – this is the time when the busiest rides have hardly any wait – take advantage.

Go to Epcot

I hear the question asked, “If we can’t do all of the parks, which one should we drop?”

Do not choose Epcot to drop – if you have small children.

Here is why…

Epcot is filled with many countries – all with food and places to sit. You know what kids love? FOOD!

Not only that, but there are some very fun rides at Epcot.

The “Golf Ball” at Epcot was one of my daughter’s favorite rides – it is slow, but it takes them on a neat journey through time.

You also have the Frozen ride, Soarin™, The Land – which you ride on a slow moving boat and see all the hydroponics and greenhouses they have, the boat in Mexico (with Donald Duck), Finding Nemo (and the aquarium after it), Fast Track, and Mission Space.

If nothing else, hit it on it’s late hour days and do a 1/2 day with your Disney Park Hopper.

About the Author

Kelsey Ramirez is a Real Estate Broker in western Washington. She is also a veteran elementary school teacher, military wife, and mom to two daughters. She is the founder of The Military Move, a military-based website to help families in the PCS process. Kelsey loves to travel, write, and create amazing content. She has her Masters in Technology, which she uses to learn all new things digital.

With three decades of military support, Kelsey’s mission is to help new and existing military families in their unique adventures through all military topics including PCSing, budgeting, school choice and rights, housing, and especially just being a military spouse.

Family, Parenting, Travel

Tips When Traveling With Your Infant

February 15, 2018 No Comments

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of 1 Natural Way, a TRICARE breast pump provider. All opinions are entirely my own. If you have questions about my full disclosure, click here.

When I was 19, I traveled to Spain with my family for a family vacation. The first leg was with my step-mother and two-year-old sister from Atlanta to England. When we went to de-board the plane, my sister fell out right there in the aisle – full out wailing, and complete humiliation for me!

My stepmother walked right off the plane.

And there I was. Like a cat herder – railing it in.

If that is not natural birth control, I don’t know what is.

I vowed that I would do everything I could to have a plan with my own children. Yes, I know you are laughing because plans usually go out the window with children.

However, traveling seems to go smoother when we can plan – no matter what happens after that.

Luckily, I have traveled with both of my children as infants and luckily learned some things along the way.

1. Have an FAA Approved Car Seat

If you are flying when traveling with a newborn or infant, you have two choices with the airlines, travel with the baby on your lap or purchase an extra seat.

Now I know budgets are slim, but if you can – purchase the extra seat. My father is a pilot, so I have traveled a lot.

Turbulence is unpredictable, and it can be very dangerous. Just like there are crazy drivers, well there are crazy pockets of air up there.

If baby is secure in an FAA approved car seat, there is no worries that you or your spouse, or even big sister (like me), has to secure baby.

2. Wear Your Baby

Another great investment is a sling or baby carrier. This gives you free hands to pull luggage, hold another child’s hand, or if you cannot buy an additional plane ticket – keep baby secure on you.

You can wear baby on an airplane, hiking, on a ferry ride, and on trains. Baby wearing has become real popular, but actually is an old tradition in many cultures.

Many find that wearing their baby when they travel allows baby to be close to the heart, which helps them stay calm and sleep while in motion – mimicking that feeling in the womb.

My oldest daughter and I were in Disney for Christmas, and I saw so many moms wearing their babies. This is a brilliant way to lose the stroller and keep baby close.

I have tried several on, and must tell you to be sure to find one that supports your back and is breathable if you are traveling somewhere hot!

3. Travel with a Breast Pump

The best part about breastfeeding is the convenience – no heating or cooling bottles, or bottles period.

However, it is unsafe to take a baby out of it’s car seat during transit.

My husband was driving us from Orlando to South Georgia, and a car next to us slammed on his brakes causing several cars to react and wreak.

In seconds, accidents can happen. The safest thing to do is stop somewhere safe, or if necessary, feed the baby while he/she is secure with a bottle.

Many airports have implemented breastfeeding rooms for you to feed/pump with privacy. This would be a handy time to use it.

Do you not have one yet? Do you need an extra one?

1 Natural Way offers a FREE popular Medela, Spectra and Kiinde brand breast pump through Tricare.

How Do I Get My Free Breast Pump?

Easy really! These 5 steps are as easy as commenting on your friend’s next post.

It takes less than 5 minutes, and your Tricare breast pump will be on its way!

It is that easy!

Step 1 – Fill out our insurance information form found here

Step 2 – Select your breast pump model (Tricare covers all models they offer)

Step 3 – Enroll in their Monthly breastfeeding accessories program (called
Resupply)

Step 4 – Provide them with a prescription or your doctor’s information, and they will obtain one for you

Step 5 – Your pump and supplies will ship right to your front door via UPS or USPS

In addition to your free breast pump, 1 Natural Way also offers breast pump accessories, compression socks and postpartum care supplies. Get yours here.

4. Backpacks Make Great Baby Bags

So I had a great weekender bag with a cute purple pattern that I could fit all my baby stuff into (actually for both kids and myself).

However, after about..oh 8 trips, I was juggling a weekender bag on my shoulder, a baby on the other (or in my front carrier), trying to hold my other child’s hand, and rolling a suitcase.

Just imagine that image – you have all seen THAT single mom traveling.

Yep, that was me!

Well, I am here to tell you that I purchased another beautiful turquoise and grey flowered backpack (just as cute), but it is SO much more functional.

I can place all of my 5 year old’s extra clothes, all my 7 month old’s essentials, bottles, a book or tablet for me, a wristlet with my ID and credit cards, and my phone. No purse, no diaper bag – my handy dandy all-in-one bag.

Also, if you do, invest in one that has multiple compartments. To stay organized, of course.

5. Have a Baby Travel Kit

Besides packing for yourself and older children, be sure to pack a travel kit (in your backpack) for baby.

Include diapers, wipes, pacifiers (if used), bottles, your Tricare breast pump, breast cover for when it allows, baby blankets (I prefer Muslin ones), baby food and spoon, teethers, and some soft baby toys.

I usually pack all bottles and baby food in a small insulated lunch box with an ice pack to keep them chilled.

What you pack will depend on the age of your newborn or infant, but be sure to include extras until you can access your baggage.

This also helps if you are traveling by car, train, or ferry.

6. Travel with Bottles

Many moms choose to wear their babies. However, many airlines expect you to take your baby out of the carrier for take-off and landing.

When you are flying, air pressure in the cabin changes during take-off and landing.

This can be irritable for babies ears.

While children and adults can chew gum, babies cannot. This is why sucking on a nipple during these two events can help alleviate that problem.

Depending on the mom, it may be easier to provide your child with your pumped milk than trying to take off the carrier.

If your baby is a bottle drinker, try to time a bottle (even if it is a small one) around take-off and landing.

If your baby breastfeeds, that breast pump from 1 Natural Way will come in handy here since you will have a bottle ready that you or your spouse (or even big sister again) can feed.

This also helps if you have just fed recently but need baby to suck to prevent popping in the ears.

Do you have any travel tips for my readers, leave it in the comments below.

About the Author

Family, Spouses

Power of Attorney – 5 Reasons You Must Have One

January 26, 2018 6 Comments

I can’t tell you how many times I have called a company to deal with my husband’s bills or handle something, and I get, “We can’t discuss that with you!” Sound familiar?

I handle everything in my household – EVERYTHING. So that was a big issue for me. Even if you don’t handle everything, there may come a day when your spouse is deployed or gone and you will need to manage things.

This is why you must make getting a Power of Attorney a TOP priority.

I will give you 5 reasons this is so important and how it can help your family.

Power of Attorney - In Simple Terms

So what is a Power of Attorney?

It is a legal document that allows you to act on behalf of another person. Both people are present when you apply for one, and you need a witness to sign as well.

Your base should have resources to have this done in under an hour (as well as witness for you). Ours was done at our PSD office. However, you can download a PDF copy of one here.

There are TWO kinds – General and Special.

A general POA allows you to do most things. However, some companies or banks want it spelled out. This is where a special POA comes into play. I have both.

A special POA spells out EXACTLY what can or cannot be done. The person may wish that you can handle their bills, but not withdraw money or take out loans. This gives you some access, but not all.

How much access you have all depends on the person granting the access – which is a serious conversation you should have. Here is some more in depth information to read up on should you want too.

Below are 5 reasons, or areas, on why you need one.

1. Mortgage or Rental Agreements

My situation is unique. Our mortgage is only in my husband’s name, so they would never talk to me without his authorization. When Hurricane Irma hit and we had damage, they would not speak to me about the insurance claims (which I am co-listed on).

When you get a specific POA, ensure that you can handle mortgage or rental agreements. This means you can dispute and/or verify payments, claims, interest, property taxes, escrow, etc.

If you are in a rental, you may need to deal with the property management team if you are not listed on the lease (which can occur for engaged couples, those dating, even Newlyweds).

One of the biggest reasons – your spouse has to transfer, but you do not have a buyer yet on your house. Well to keep your spouse from traveling back and forth for closings and such – you can add real estate transactions.

Moving soon? Check out the resources on the moving page or grab my complete Moving Guide and PCS Notebook Guide for FREE here.

2. Banking

My husband and I have been together for 11 years. He trusts me implicitly. He knows that my goals are for financial freedom, retirement, college tuition for our girls – basically, I am not going to frivolously spend all his money when he away.

If you and your significant other have the same goals, you may want to consider adding banking to your POA. I can take loans (which I hate, but can do) for let’s say a new vehicle if I had too, or repairs on our house that aren’t covered by insurance, etc.

I was even able to lower my husband’s interest rate on his credit card.

3. DEERS

Is your spouse deployed for the birth of your child? I hope not, but in the unfortunate case that he/she is, you will need to register your child in DEERS. Having this listed on your POA will help you add or enroll dependents as well Tricare.

4. Household Goods and Vehicles

One of worst things about moving is . . . well moving. When you have to PCS without your spouse, you need to be able to deal with shipping and receiving your stuff (including your vehicles). You may also need to be the person to deal with claims on damaged or missing items to ensure you receive reimbursement. Read the article on why I stalk my movers here.

Side note – To ship a vehicle, you must provide a VIN number and a location on your POA – to ship goods, they can put to any location.

Moving soon? Grab your PCS guides here.

5. Military Housing

Unlike buying a house where you need attorneys and banks, military housing/quarters typically deals with the member. Regardless if you are on the lease or not, they will want to speak with the member to accept and pay monthly allotments. In order to accept or decline, sign for housing, and possess the unit, I would include this. It also allows you to speak with them about monthly allotments.

At many locations, housing is mandatory or requires a waiver to decline housing. This is where this will be necessary if your significant other is deployed.

Power of Attorneys are important for military spouses as well as civilians. There are specific types for whatever sector you are in – this covering military POAs specifically.

Be sure to call all of the places you do business with before your spouse deploys to ensure they will accept your POA and that they do not have one of their own.

I recommend sitting down and discussing how and in what ways you can be more involved.

About the Author

Family, Housing, Moving, Travel

The Complete Moving Guide

December 30, 2017 No Comments

I have made several military moves in my lifetime. From California to South Carolina, Maryland to Georgia, I have learned a few tricks along the way to create a quick and easy complete DIY guide.

Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences for any person. Whether you are doing it yourself or having help, there are countless things that are bound to…well drive you a little nuts.

Even government moves can be stressful. It really depends on what type of person you are and what you prefer.

*This post contains affiliate links – if you purchase something from this post, I receive a small commission with NO extra cost to you. To see my full disclosure click here. Thanks for supporting us!

Getting Prepared

I love having a plan. It helps me lower my stress and know just what I intend to do. I have created a moving checklist and how-to guide to help any first-time or veteran mover. You can download it by signing up below for FREE.

I will also give you my FREE PCS Notebook Guide to show you all the important things that I keep together. This has helped me complete all necessary things with our rentals/mortgage, registering for schools, bordering animals, and much more.

Another part of moving is making sure you have everything organized beside just your household goods. You need to have your life basically organized so that when you travel to your new location, you are ready to go.

Need to register the kids for school? No problem. Need to get your car insurance redirected? No issues.

A few weeks ago, I had to go to the DMV to get a hard copy of my car title (since I like to have it on hand). The lady was shocked at my PCS Binder and how organized I was – she even thanked me.

Guess what! I want to give it to you for FREE – just for reading because I know you will LOVE it, and it will help you complete your mover’s toolbox.

Enter you info below and it will be emailed right over to you.

Additionally, when you sign up, you will receive your PCS Expense and Budget Worksheet to help determine your costs for your DITY move.

The lady was shocked at my PCS Binder - she even thanked me.

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Government Moves

When you do a government move – ALWAYS do the counseling. Either the active member or the spouse – do not skip this.

“Why? I’m too busy!”

No, you’re not! Not for this! Make yourself available.

When you do a government move, you are giving them most if not all of your stuff. Some may get damaged or lost, and you need to know the process to file a claim to get that started.

You will have POC’s – point of contacts – you will need to save in your phone as well. It is a very detailed and drawn out process and can be the deciding point of how much money you receive.

I have an upcoming post on how to deal with government moves/movers in greater detail that you can check out.

DITY Moves

Are you doing a Do-IT-Yourself move?

Many service members like these moves because they can keep an eye on their stuff – keeping them in control. Some believe they can do it cheaper than a full government move allowing them to make some money.

I have done both moves and both have their pros and cons. Shoot me any questions you may have in the comments below.

We made a good amount of money on our DITY move and you can check out some of my tips here.

Many service members like these moves because they can keep an eye on their stuff.

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Welcoming Pooky Home

Our Move with Pooky

Our Journey with Snowy

Moving Tips with Pets

The Trip Itself

About the Author

Dogs are Vigilant in Watching Over Their Owners

Dogs are Protective of Their Owners

Dogs Love Their Owners Unconditionally

Dogs Understand and Remember Feelings of Love

Dogs Encourage an Owner to Get Out of the House

About the Author

Buy Military Tickets

Call Disney Reservations

Bring Your Own Food

Bring a Backpack

Prepare for Lines, Heat, and Rain

Disney Magic

Our Disney Budget

Other Fabulous Tips

Umbrella Strollers

Park Hopper Tickets

Magic Bands & Fast Passes

Get the MyDisney App

Experience Disney During the Holidays

Fireworks In Magic Kingdom

Go to Epcot

About the Author

1. Have an FAA Approved Car Seat

2. Wear Your Baby

3. Travel with a Breast Pump

How Do I Get My Free Breast Pump?

4. Backpacks Make Great Baby Bags

5. Have a Baby Travel Kit

6. Travel with Bottles

About the Author

Power of Attorney - In Simple Terms

1. Mortgage or Rental Agreements

2. Banking

3. DEERS

4. Household Goods and Vehicles

5. Military Housing

About the Author

Getting Prepared

Get your Moving Day Checklist Here

Government Moves

DITY Moves

About the Author