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

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

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

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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

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

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Illustration of the word RETIREMENT painted on a long road.

Ramp Up for Retirement Now – Because Later Never Comes

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

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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

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

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

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

Be Financially Smarter by Fall with This Summer Reading List

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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)

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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

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Military Spouses: The Unsung CFOs of Military Families

Let’s face it: Behind nearly every financially sound military family is a military spouse juggling more spreadsheets (and...

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