SwitchWize Research Desk
Military & Veterans Money Guide 2026
The 2026 TSP contribution limits, the SCRA 6% interest rate cap, what the Post-9/11 GI Bill actually covers, and how a VA loan really compares to a conventional mortgage -- plus every SwitchWize calculator relevant to a military or veteran household in one place.
Last reviewed September 3, 2026 · SwitchWize Research Desk
TSP contribution limit
$24,500
Plus an $8,000 catch-up at 50+, or $11,250 if you turn 60-63 in 2026.
SCRA interest cap
6%
Maximum rate on most pre-service debt while you are on qualifying active duty.
GI Bill full benefit
36 months
Active duty needed for 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition, housing, and book benefits.
VA loan down payment
$0
Most eligible borrowers pay no down payment and no private mortgage insurance.
Built for the decisions unique to service
A military or veteran household runs on a different set of rules than most personal finance content assumes -- TSP instead of a 401(k), SCRA protections while on active duty, GI Bill benefits that can transfer to family, and VA loan terms that beat conventional financing in real, specific ways. Every calculator below applies to one of those decisions directly.
Buying a home with VA benefits
Retirement, TSP, and Social Security
Retirement Number Calculator
Turn a retirement target into the monthly savings needed to close the gap.
Compound Interest Calculator
Project TSP or other retirement account growth over time.
Social Security Calculator
Find the optimal age to start claiming benefits after a military career.
RMD Planner
Calculate required minimum distributions once retirement accounts mature.
Protecting your income
Disability Income Gap Calculator
See the gap between VA disability compensation and your full working income.
Life Insurance Needs Calculator
Estimate how much coverage your family needs beyond SGLI or VGLI.
Emergency Fund Calculator
Size a cash cushion for PCS moves, deployments, and transition periods.
Credit and debt while serving
Frequently asked questions
How much can I contribute to the TSP in 2026?▾
The 2026 elective deferral limit is $24,500. Participants 50 and older can add a $8,000 catch-up contribution, and a special SECURE 2.0 catch-up of $11,250 applies to those turning 60, 61, 62, or 63 in 2026.
What is the SCRA 6% interest rate cap?▾
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act caps interest on most debt taken on before active duty began at 6% a year while you serve, and requires the lender to forgive (not just defer) the interest above that cap. It also generally requires a court order before a landlord can evict you or a lender can foreclose on a pre-service mortgage while you are on qualifying active duty.
How much does the Post-9/11 GI Bill actually cover?▾
At 100% eligibility (36 months of active duty, a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, or a 30-day service-connected discharge), it covers full in-state public tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance based on the school's ZIP code, and up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies. Benefits below 100% scale down based on total active-duty time.
Do VA loans really require no down payment?▾
Yes, for most eligible borrowers with full entitlement. VA loans also do not require private mortgage insurance, which is a real, ongoing monthly savings compared to a conventional loan with less than 20% down. A one-time VA funding fee applies instead, though it can be waived for veterans with a service-connected disability rating.
This page provides general information, not personalized financial, tax, benefits, or legal advice. TSP, SCRA, GI Bill, and VA loan rules can change and depend on your specific service record and situation -- confirm your own eligibility and figures with the VA, your service branch, TSP.gov, or a qualified professional before acting.