JJ Montanaro

Joseph "JJ" Montanaro is a certified financial planner professional (CFP^®). He is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, and earned his bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. He also holds a master’s degree in personal financial planning from Kansas State. JJ is a director on the USAA Military Advocacy team.

Montanaro has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is a regular contributor to Military.com and also writes monthly personal finance columns for American Legion and Military Spouse magazines. Before entering the financial services industry, he served in the Army for six years on active duty, and in 2009, he retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve.

Latest Articles

Social security card and American money dollar bills close up concept

Retirement Savings To-Do Lists for Military Households

The key to a successful retirement isn't just saving; it's setting up guaranteed lifetime income so that your essential...

In tones of light blue and red, a piggy bank in a Santa cap, a calculator, gifts and a tree decoration make up an arrangement.

4 Steps to Maximize Your Holiday Budget

By planning ahead and sticking to these four tactics, you can enjoy the spirit of the holidays without the stress of...

In an atrium with model airplanes and paratroopers hanging from a long skylight, military retirees talk to people at tables.

Here's How to Maximize VA Benefits over Your Lifetime

VA benefits can play a critical role in a veteran's financial plan. Here's a three-tiered look at how to make the most of...

The words "pay off your mortgage" appear on a notebook resting on the wood top of a desk near office supplies and coffee.

5 Reasons to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early Rather Than Wait

Over the years, one of the most common questions I’ve received from clients has been, “Should we pay off our mortgage or...

School supplies surround a blue piggy bank.

Back to School Is a Good Time to Teach Kids Financial Readiness

The small, everyday choices you make teach your kids how to think about money, spend wisely, save for the future and talk...

4 Secrets to Retiring Happy from Military.com’s Longtime Financial Columnist JJ Montanaro

A great retirement isn’t just about having enough money. It’s about knowing what you’ll do with your time, who you’ll spend...

Illustration of the word RETIREMENT painted on a long road.

Ramp Up for Retirement Now – Because Later Never Comes

The key to a successful retirement isn’t just saving. Instead, setting up an income plan, planning for contingencies and...

Ominous dark coloring in an illustration of a downward chart suggests a negative trend.

Why September's Typical Stock Slump Shouldn't Scare You

The “September Effect” makes for catchy headlines, but it shouldn’t dictate your financial behavior.

4 Midyear Money Moves for a December to Remember

Whether your big goal is paying off debt, building your emergency fund or just surviving a few days of theme park madness...

A stack of U.S. $100 bills on top of a generic calendar page.

Midyear Financial Tuneup for Military Families: Your Money Needs Regular Care Too

If July had a motto, it could look something like this: "Still time to make this year awesome."

A US $100 bill and the US flag meld in a photo illustration.

Declare Your Financial Independence: A Fourth of July Guide to Freedom

Just like our nation's founders took bold action to secure a better future, we can take a few deliberate steps to build...

Three US $100 bills stick up from the sand on a beach.

Be Financially Smarter by Fall with This Summer Reading List

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started on your financial journey, these books provide valuable insights...

A mix of different U.S. bills are jumbled around a desktop with a brass-colored compass.

Understanding Military Pay: A Key to Building Your Financial Future

Let's take a look at how military pay works, the built-in advantages it offers and how you can use it to pay down debt, save...

house cutout under paper umbrella in sand

Summer Insurance Checkup: Protecting Your Fun (and Your Wallet)

Summer should be about fun, relaxation and making great memories, not financial stress. A little insurance review before the...

A toy moving truck is on top of scattered U.S. $100 bills.

PCS Season Survival Guide: Financial Tips for Military Families on the Move

Here are four steps to help make your PCS smoother, smarter and less financially frustrating.

Military News

Get the Military Insider Newsletter

Get the latest on pay updates, benefit changes and award-winning military content. Right in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice.

Thank you for subscribing!

View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page.

One last step.

Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to:

Most Popular Military News

Command Sgt. Maj. John Brown, senior enlisted advisor of the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, provides a rousing speech to the Soldiers of Bravo Battery before departing on a deployment to the United States Central Command area of responsibility on August 19, 2024 at Kadena Air Force Base, Japan. (U.S. Army photos by Capt. Frank Spatt)

Which Americans Will Be Automatically Registered for Military Draft, and When?

Last year's defense bill passed by Congress paved the way for the new automatic registration process.

A VA Clinic Gave Veterans GLP-1s for Weight Loss. A Year Later, Everything Improved

Researchers tracked 201 veterans prescribed semaglutide, the drug sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. After one...

Marine Corps veteran Al Duran. (Facebook)

WWII Veteran Who Lied About His Age to Serve Takes Honor Flight

Joining the military at 16 to serve in World War II to service in Korea and Vietnam, humble Al Duran has lived quite a life.

A federal class-action lawsuit accuses a company, Trajector, of taking advantage of disabled veterans and their spouses. (Adobe)

Disabled Veterans Charged Up to $20K to File VA Benefits Claims: Lawsuit

The company being sued told Military.com it doesn't charge for VA claims. Plaintiffs disagree, citing purported deceptive...

3 Big Military PCS Changes Are Coming at Once. Here’s What to Know Before 2026 Peak Season

In 2026, three major changes are affecting military household goods moves: a new permanent agency to run the system, the end...

Latest Military Videos

Apollo Astronaut Schmitt Cheers on New Generation of Moon Missions

Apollo astronaut Schmitt cheers on new generation of moon missions.

Chernobyl Anniversary: Hear from Those Who Were on the Frontline

Chernobyl anniversary: Hear from those who were on the frontline.

US Soldier Charged with Using Classified Intel to Win $400K Polymarket Bet on Maduro Raid

US soldier charged with using classified intel to win $400K Polymarket bet on Maduro raid.

Views Across Southern Lebanon Show Widespread Destruction

Views across southern Lebanon show widespread destruction from Israel's razing of villages.

Investigations and Features

In One of the Marines' Most Iconic Jobs, a Stunning Pattern of Suicide

Marine Corps drill instructors are a national symbol of discipline. But for some, their imposing persona belies a dark...

Army Capt. Jeremy Kuykendall and his wife Kate, cradle their daughter

Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight

A Military.com investigation into military day care centers revealed that service branch rules generally prioritize...

Army News

Pedestrians walk past a mural depicting former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, a week after U.S. forces captured him. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Army Soldier Indicted After Making $400k on Nicolas Maduro Capture

U.S. Army soldier Gannon Ken Van Dyke allegedly made more than $400,000 through Polymarket on the successful capture of...

A Soldier signs a banner for the Resiliency Stand-To Fort Jackson held, Nov. 16-17. (Fort Jackson Public Affairs Office)

'Tie You to a Tree and Beat You': Black Army Captain's Allegations Against Supervisor

A captain claims a supervisor made a racially charged joke last year. The supervisor says he can't "recall," with legal...

Navy News

A container ship is seen in the Strait of Hormuz

The US protected ships from Iran in the Strait of Hormuz in the '80s. Could it again?

The “Tanker war” grew out of the fierce eight-year war between Iraq and Iran in the 1980s.

The sun rises behind tankers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran.

US Says it's Hunting for Explosive Mines in Latest Push to Open the Strait of Hormuz

Sweeping for underwater explosives could take months despite a tenuous ceasefire between the United States and Iran in the...

Air Force News

'Military Child of the Year' awards wait to be presented to past honorees at an awards gala. (Operation Homefront)

'Military Child of the Year' Awards Honor Seven Teens from Seven Services

Lila Morgan is 18 years old but has written a book, started a nonprofit, and is graduating college soon. She credits her...

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flies over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility during Operation Epic Fury, March 9, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Air Force Extends A-10 Warthog Through 2030 After Combat Missions in Iran

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced that three A-10 squadrons will keep flying through 2030, following the Warthog's...

Space Force News

'Military Child of the Year' Awards Honor Seven Teens from Seven Services

Lila Morgan is 18 years old but has written a book, started a nonprofit, and is graduating college soon. She credits her...

Robbie Robertson, Sedaro CEO and co-founder, presents a live demo to USSF leadership Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at Spacepower Conference in Orlando, FL. (Photo courtesy of SFA)

National Spacepower Center: Advancing US and Allied Spacepower

The Space Force Association launched the National Spacepower Center in Dec. 2025 to connect government, academia and industry...

Marine Corps News

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, serves as the guest speaker for the Class II Logistics Facility ribbon cutting ceremony, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 14, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sergeant Jordan E. Gilbert)

Camp Lejeune Opens New Logistics Facility to Equip Marines Faster

Marines at Camp Lejeune now issue, turn in and repair gear under one roof at the new 109,000-square-foot Class II Logistics...

'Military Child of the Year' Awards Honor Seven Teens from Seven Services

Lila Morgan is 18 years old but has written a book, started a nonprofit, and is graduating college soon. She credits her...

Coast Guard News

'Military Child of the Year' Awards Honor Seven Teens from Seven Services

Lila Morgan is 18 years old but has written a book, started a nonprofit, and is graduating college soon. She credits her...

An HC-130 Hercules airplane crew offloads supplies in Saipan.

Coast Guard Searches for 6 People After Losing Contact with Boat Following Typhoon Sinlaku

A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircraft was launched to search for the six people on board, but it had to return to Guam...

JJ Montanaro

Latest Articles

Military News

Select Service

Get the Military Insider Newsletter

Most Popular Military News

Latest Military Videos

Investigations and Features

Army News

Navy News

Air Force News

Space Force News

Marine Corps News

Coast Guard News