Omen and Rob welcome their second guest, Air Force veteran and financial planner Erik Baskin, for a candid roundtable on what it’s really like to leave the military before reaching pension eligibility. Erik shares his journey from hospital administrator to successful firm owner, and the trio compare their different career arcs, transitions, and the trade-offs between stability, entrepreneurship, and personal values.

📰 This Week’s Headline

Government Shutdown & Emergency Funds: The hosts discuss the October 1st government shutdown, its impact on federal workers, and why emergency funds are more important than ever. They share practical tips for managing expenses, using financial institution support, and finding silver linings in unexpected downtime.

💡 Key Topics & Takeaways

• Career Transitions: Comparing the experiences of leaving the military at 5, 20, and 25 years, and how timing affects financial and personal outcomes.
• Entrepreneurship vs. Stability: Why Erik chose to “burn the boats” and launch his own firm, and how military service can be a powerful launching pad for business ownership.
• Financial Planning for Transitions: The math behind leaving early—calculating the value of pensions, healthcare, GI Bill, and other benefits. Why liquid savings and a strong financial runway are critical for flexibility.
• Healthcare After Service: Navigating health insurance options post-military, including marketplace plans, Medi-Share, VA healthcare, and ChampVA for families.
• Veteran Benefits: VA disability, VA loans (including IRRRL streamlined refinancing), GI Bill, and how to maximize these lifelong advantages.
• Values & Community: The importance of aligning career decisions with personal values, family priorities, and finding a supportive tribe after leaving the military.

🏆 Game Time Segment

Erik plays trivia for Omen: In 2021, what was the total amount of loans guaranteed by the VA loan program? A) $155 billion B) $290 billion C) $341 billion D) $447 billion

🏡 Off Duty

Rob and Omen swap stories about hobbies, marathon training, buying new gear, and the realities of staying active (and watching your diet) as life moves forward. Omen shares his quest to qualify for the Boston Marathon, while balancing other physical habits such as lifting, cycling, and balancing with the joys of family time.

📚 Resources & Links

• BBC: Why the US Government Has Shut Down and What Happens Now
• Erik Baskin – Baskin Financial Planning
• Veteran Finance Podcast
• DoD Retirement Calculators
• Connect with Rob
• Connect with Omen

📬 Get In Touch

Have questions or want your topic featured on the show? Email: fiscalfoxhole@gmail.com Rob and Omen are accepting new clients and happy to chat about your financial game plan.