7 SIMPLE Steps That Made Me a Millionaire in the Military | From Military to Millionaire Podcast
7 SIMPLE Steps That Made Me a Millionaire in the Military
Hosted by: David PereEpisode Type: Personal Finance, Wealth BuildingLength: ~16 minutesWatch on YouTube: 7 SIMPLE Steps That Made Me a Millionaire in the Military
💥 What This Episode Covers:
Marine Corps veteran and real estate investor David Pere breaks down the exact seven steps he followed to go from broke E-2 to millionaire—all while still active duty.
This episode is your blueprint if you:
Are new to the military and want to use it as a launchpad for wealth
Feel stuck financially and want a practical, no-fluff roadmap
Want to use benefits like the VA loan and TSP to build long-term freedom
🧩 The 7 Steps to Military Wealth:
1. Get Promoted Early & OftenMax out your promotion points (PT, education, MOS performance). Promotions = pay raises without more hours worked.
2. Max Out Your TSP (Thrift Savings Plan)Invest early—preferably Roth—and leverage the BRS match. David breaks down fund options and recommends Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins.
3. Build an Emergency FundStart with one month of expenses, then aim for 6 months. Dry powder beats credit card reliance every time.
4. Eliminate Bad Debt & Build CreditPay off consumer debt and establish credit history with small, manageable usage. A strong score opens doors in real estate and business.
5. Use the VA Loan to House HackBuy a duplex, triplex, or a single-family home with roommates. Let BAH and rent from others cover your mortgage = live for free.
6. Actually Use Your Military BenefitsFrom the SCRA to tuition assistance to the GI Bill—these are valuable tools. David shares hacks like the waived AMEX fees and $117k adaptive housing grant for disabled vets.
7. (Bonus) Start a BusinessIf you’re inclined, document your journey, blog, consult, or launch a side hustle. David built From Military to Millionaire while still in uniform.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
You can absolutely get rich in the military—with just your service pay and smart choices.
Most service members delay action and miss out on years of compounding.
Discipline + access to free housing, tax-advantaged income, and government benefits = the ultimate wealth-building combo.
Don’t wait 7 years to start like David did—start now, even if you’re just checking into boot camp.
📘 Recommended Resources:
🎯 Free Download: The No B.S. Guide to Military Life — Get the Book
🎧 Podcast Ep: Interview w/ JL Collins on the TSP
📺 Webinar: VA House Hacking Deep Dive
📲 Connect With Us:
Subscribe on YouTube: From Military to MillionaireFollow David: Instagram | FacebookWeekly Newsletter: Tactical finance tips for the military community — Join Now