Most first-term enlistments with each branch of the military are four years in length. After that, some individuals choose to leave the military behind, while others take on additional enlistments. Just 17 percent of soldiers stay in the military for 20 years or longer.

No matter when you retire, making the adjustment back to civilian life can be stressful and confusing. Keep reading to learn three tips to make the process easier.

Protect Your Family With Life Insurance

While you’re serving in the military, you may be eligible for a low-cost life insurance policy. But upon retirement, that plan will expire, leaving your family unprotected if the worst does occur.

Before you are set to retire, you should purchase a life insurance policy to ensure that you don’t have a lapse of coverage. Don’t just purchase from anywhere, though. Veterans and active servicemen and women can enjoy discounted term and permanent life insurance policies through USAA. 

For as little fast $12 a month, your family could receive the funds they need to cover funeral costs, living expenses and more. You’ll also enjoy flexible coverage that you can adjust as your needs change, and a dedicated team there to help if your family does find themselves needing to access your policy. 

Don’t Forget to Factor Living Expenses Into Your Budget

Your military life insurance policy isn’t the only thing that ends when your service does. From housing allowances to health insurance to child care and everything in between, the many benefits you enjoyed low cost or free while serving will also come to an end. 

If you’ll be starting a new career after retiring from the military and are deciding what kind of salary you can live on, don’t forget to factor in the cost of these living expenses. 

Think about what your food costs will be like without having meals provided by the military or being able to purchase them from a commissary. If you previously lived on base, you should research the cost of rent in the area that you plan to live in. While you may not need to own a car while you’re active duty, you’ll likely need one now, unless you plan to move to a city with great public transportation.

Planning your finances ahead of your retirement will help you better prepare for the adjustment, and help you better choose your next job or career.

Take Advantage of Your Veteran Benefits

Though you may be leaving the military behind, you’ll still enjoy a variety of benefits as a result of your service. 

You can use your GI Bill benefit to earn a two- or four-year degree, or for many trade school programs. Your veteran health benefits will help you get the medical care you need, whether for regular check-ups or emergency care. Many companies provide exclusive discounts for veterans, helping you save on your essential expenses.

The Veteran Crisis Hotline is also there for when you need to talk, with trained experts ready to offer their help and support.

Preparing for Retirement

Preparing for retirement from the military can be confusing. With a little planning, like getting a new life insurance policy, factoring your cost of living and taking advantage of your veteran benefits, you can start enjoying your retirement stress-free.