2025 Retirement Changes: What Every Firefighter Needs to Know
If you’re balancing a pension with additional retirement savings, 2025’s rule changes directly impact your options. Whether you’re a rookie still building out your financial plan or a veteran officer looking to maximize your final years of service, these updates change how much you can put away and how those savings work with your existing […]
New Year, New Financial Resolutions: A Firefighter’s Guide to 2025
The New Year is almost here, and while you’re already fit for duty, we can all make some improvements, especially when it comes to finances. But what kinds of financial resolutions should you make? Things like cutting up your credit cards, cooking at home instead of ordering in, and cutting down on takeout coffees while […]
Year-end Tax Tips for Firefighters
Taxes – who loves them? Well, they do fund our infrastructure, national security, and public services that keep our country running. We all benefit from what we pay into the system. However, there’s a big difference between paying your fair share and leaving money on the table because you don’t know the rules of the […]
Single vs. Married Financial Planning: Tailoring Your Approach
If you’re like most firefighters, you’re married and own a home. In fact, the rates of marriage and home ownership among American firefighters are typically higher than national averages. A recent FireRescue1 study showed that 77% of male firefighters are currently married¹, while a 2014 Ancestry.com study revealed that 84% of firefighters own their homes² […]
The Order of Investing for Firefighters
Alright, so you’re making a solid, consistent income, but you also have debt hanging around. Now you’re wondering: should you start investing or focus on wiping out that debt first? Maybe it seems logical to go all-in on paying off that debt before even thinking about investing. Or maybe you’ve heard that the earlier you […]
Debt Strategies Every Firefighter Should Know
Debt has become a part of life for most Americans, and firefighters are no exception. With mortgages, car loans, student debt, and credit cards, many of us find ourselves sinking into debt that keeps us chained to work just to make ends meet. But the truth is, debt keeps people stuck in the rat race. […]
Are You Ready to Retire? (A Checklist for Firefighters)
As a firefighter, deciding to retire isn’t as simple as hanging up your gear and saying you’re done. It takes careful planning to ensure your financial security and stability in the years ahead. With so many moving parts—pensions, savings, healthcare costs, and more—it’s easy to feel uncertain about whether you’re truly ready to make the […]
Avoid These Key Mistakes in Firefighter Retirement Planning
Retirement planning isn’t just about numbers—especially for firefighters and first responders, who face unique financial challenges after years of service. From pension benefits and medical costs to inflation, there’s a lot at stake. One wrong move could mean leaving thousands of dollars on the table at best or even facing a ruined retirement. While it […]
When Should I Convert to Roth? (If Ever)
As a firefighter, your career likely offers a pension that provides stability during retirement. But for those of you with additional savings options, such as a 457(b) or even a Solo 401(k), you may be wondering when you should convert your traditional contributions to Roth–if ever. Roth accounts allow your investments to grow tax-free, don’t […]
Are You Financially Prepared for a Disability?
Firefighting is one of the most physically demanding and perilous professions. The inherent risks don’t just come from flames and smoke but also from the strenuous physical activities that can lead to injuries or long-term health issues. Moreover, life outside the fire station isn’t without hazards. Off-duty accidents—like a car crash or a sports injury […]