Military service members preparing to transition into civilian life will have an opportunity later this month to learn strategies for building long-term financial stability through a free educational program hosted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, in partnership with the VA, will present “Build Wealth Beyond Your Military Career” on May 26, 2026, at noon Eastern as part of the agency’s ongoing “Transition Tuesday Talks” series.
The interactive presentation is designed to help veterans and active-duty military personnel navigate one of the most challenging periods many service members face: transitioning from military life into the civilian workforce.
Financial experts say the shift can be difficult for many veterans because military life often provides structured benefits including housing allowances, healthcare, retirement systems, and predictable income. Once service members leave the military, they are frequently faced with adjusting to new employment systems, healthcare options, insurance plans, retirement accounts, and long-term financial planning decisions.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, financial stress is one of the most common concerns reported by veterans transitioning to civilian life. Employment uncertainty, relocation expenses, changes in family income, and unfamiliar investment options can create added pressure during an already significant life adjustment.
The SEC program aims to help veterans better understand those financial changes while introducing tools designed to support long-term wealth building and investment protection.
Topics will include how to continue saving for retirement through employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, strategies for diversification and asset allocation, and understanding how investment fees can affect long-term returns. Organizers will also discuss ways veterans can recognize and avoid investment scams, which often target military families and retirees.
Financial planners frequently stress that strong financial habits developed early during the transition process can help create long-term stability for veterans and their families. Establishing emergency savings, managing debt responsibly, maintaining retirement contributions, and understanding employer benefits are often considered key steps toward successful civilian financial planning.
Experts also note that military veterans often possess strengths that can support strong financial discipline, including planning skills, structure, and long-term goal orientation developed during military service.
The program comes at a time when financial literacy and retirement preparedness are becoming increasingly important nationwide. According to the Federal Reserve, many Americans continue to feel financially vulnerable due to inflation, rising housing costs, and uncertainty surrounding retirement savings.
Veterans may also face unique risks related to fraud and investment scams. The SEC has repeatedly warned that scammers frequently target military communities with promises of guaranteed returns, quick profits, or exclusive investment opportunities tied to veterans benefits.
By understanding concepts such as diversification — spreading investments across different asset types — and asset allocation strategies tailored to age and risk tolerance, financial experts say veterans can reduce exposure to unnecessary financial risk while building wealth steadily over time.
The virtual event is free to attend and open to veterans, active-duty military personnel, transitioning service members, and military families.
Additional financial planning resources and educational tools for veterans are available through the SEC’s investor education website at Investor.gov Veterans Resources.
