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📌 Episode Summary

In this heartfelt and motivating episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, hosts John and Vic sit down with Brian Arrington, founder and CEO of Vets2Industry, to explore the mindset shift every service member needs before they transition: Don’t just retire from something — retire to something. Brian shares hard-earned wisdom from his own transition journey, the founding of Vets2Industry, and his mission to connect every veteran and family member to the opportunities, resources, and community they need to thrive. If you’re preparing to separate, retire, or just want to feel re-inspired, this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Links & Resources

🧭 Vets2Industry — Free resources for veterans and families

📘 Bottom Line Up Front by John McConnell — https://amzn.to/4jUiPky

👥 Military Retirement Facebook Group — https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

📺 The Green Logbook YouTube Channel — https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook

🎧 Military Retirement Podcast — https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast

🧠 Key Quote

“If you don’t have a mission when you leave, you’ll feel lost. The military gives you structure — so make sure you’re retiring to something that keeps you going.” — Brian Arrington

⏱️ Key Topics & Timestamps

Time Topic

0:00 Opening thoughts: What it means to “retire to something”

0:30 Introducing Brian Arrington and the mission of Vets2Industry

1:20 Brian’s transition story — how he found purpose through service

2:30 Why community and identity vanish after transition — and how to reclaim them

3:30 The importance of having a post-military plan and mission

4:00 Common mistakes service members make when separating

5:00 The story behind Vets2Industry and who it’s for

6:00 Final thoughts: don’t just exit. Build your next chapter.

💬 Key Quote

“I didn't walk away from retirement — I walked towards more choices.”

📌 Key Takeaways

Retirement Isn’t Always the Goal: Not everyone who joins the military does so intending to serve 20 years. And that’s okay.

Build a Plan Based on Your Values: Your future doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. There’s more than one path to a good life.

Ask the Right Questions: Instead of asking “Should I stay for the pension?”, ask “What kind of life do I want to build?”

📕 Bottom Line Up Front Book - https://amzn.to/4kDSRml

👥 Military Retirement Facebook Group — https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

📺 The Green Logbook YouTube Channel — https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook

🎧 Military Retirement Podcast — https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast

🎙 Episode Summary

In this wide-ranging and deeply insightful conversation, John McConnell hosts David Pere, Marine Corps veteran and founder of Military to Millionaire, to discuss financial readiness, miscommunication stressors, and the practical path to wealth-building for veterans. David shares his journey from buying his first property using a VA loan to leading a nationwide Mastermind for service members and veterans seeking financial independence.

They cover strategies for transitioning from military to civilian life, how to tackle debt, smart approaches to investing in real estate, when refinancing actually makes sense, and why the Midwest may be a top pick for retirees. The episode emphasizes the long-term mindset, accountability, and spending intentionally on experience over things.

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

🏠 Military to Millionaire Website:

https://www.frommilitarytomillionaire.com/

📘 The No B.S. Guide to Military Life on Amazon/Audible:

https://amzn.to/3SwfEUz

📅 Military Influencer Conference:

https://militaryinfluencer.com/

📘 Bottom Line Up Front: What You Need to Know Before You Leave the Military by John McConnell and Victor De La Flor:

https://amzn.to/43GInv4

💬 Military Retirement Group on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

🎥 YouTube Channels:

Military Retirement Podcast:

https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast

The Green Logbook:

https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook

From Military to Millionaire:

https://www.youtube.com/@Frommilitarytomillionaire

0:00 Opening quote from Marcus Aurelius

0:30 Introduction to the show & importance of communication

1:55 Miscommunication in military life and personal logistics

4:00 Stress, patience, and humility during transition periods

6:45 Civilian life lacks military’s support systems

8:10 Facebook group for military retirement support

9:10 Military Influencer Conference details

13:15 Introduction of guest: David Pere

15:00 From military service to real estate investor

16:00 Why “get-rich-quick” is a myth and the power of compounding

19:00 Using the VA loan for house-hacking (duplex/4-plex strategy)

23:30 Shifting from scarcity to wealth-building mindset

26:00 Paying off credit card debt vs. investing

30:50 Evaluating ROI of debt payoff vs. investments

35:00 When to invest and building a post-military financial runway

37:00 Budgeting: track spending and cut unnecessary costs

41:00 Spending on experiences vs. stuff (popcorn at home vs. theater)

46:00 Overview of David’s Mastermind and philosophy on money

48:00 Hot topic: Should you refinance your mortgage right now?

53:00 Choose investment strategy that fits your life goals

54:30 David's recommendation: House hacking, investing early

56:00 Signs of market shifts: auto industry as a bellwether

1:02:00 Best low-cost-of-living states for veterans

1:07:00 Missouri as an example of affordable living

1:11:00 Closing thoughts and how to connect with David