VMI82 I am a business owner pursuing Financial Planning Certification and as I near retirement I am fully aware how every year counts. I did not know the different classifications as Pima explained (Pima, thank you).
I was one of the world's top financial advisors, wrote a best selling book on the subject and spoke to over 100+ financial planning/advisor conferences. I sold that business in 2004 for a record sale. I think I know the topic well.
So well that I know how to read financials and see the handwriting on the wall that Soc Security is insolvent because the same politicians that raided it are the same ones that cut 1% from COLA.
Knowing the time value of money does not a substitute make for letting an Officer-in-the-making take responsibility for their results.
It robs them of an opportunity to take ownership of all aspects of their future and in my mind - begs the question: How strong a leader is the Military getting if the training wheels are not off?
No one wants to think THEY are Helicopter parents. The term of art is 'cognitive dissonance.'
But this forum is full of such behavior - and I have to point the finger at myself too by my very presence here. Mea Culpa.
It is hard to 'let go' and in truth - we never do as parents. BUT we can transition to mentoring as our children age up & out.
I know you perceive what I am suggesting as an attack (and so will many others) when in truth I am arguing for a course of action that will strengthen your child.
You cannot see the expression on my face or my genuine concern that nascent Lieutenants and Ensigns build the muscle of self reliance without parental oversight of matters like their retirement from an insolvent system.
I honestly believe they are in College or a SMC to build exactly those muscles, to grow and mature and will continue to do so when they enter the Fleet or Big Green or Blue.
We are still their parents ... but their results are now theirs and we don't have control, a vote or a say.
Besides (huge grin as I say this) they will not think we know a damn thing until they are 30 anyway.
So, please, if I can underline my tone of genuine concern and empathy: I am arguing for your child's/all of our children's best interest in saying we can all do a better job of letting go.
We are still here for them ... but we can no longer do it for them.