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

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Midyear Financial Tuneup for Military Families: Your Money Needs Regular Care Too

If July had a motto, it could look something like this: "Still time to make this year awesome."

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

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

Just like our nation's founders took bold action to secure a better future, we can take a few deliberate steps to build...

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

Here's How to Maximize VA Benefits over Your Lifetime

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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

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started on your financial journey, these books provide valuable insights...

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)

Summer should be about fun, relaxation and making great memories, not financial stress. A little insurance review before the...

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

Here are four steps to help make your PCS smoother, smarter and less financially frustrating.

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...

The words "estate planning" appear in black letters sideways on lined notebook papers, on a wood desktop surrounded by office items and coffee.

Wills and More: These Are the Legal Documents Every Military Household Needs

Estate planning isn’t just about protecting your assets; it’s about protecting your family from unnecessary stress and...

A hand holding a pen appears to be checking items on a list amid graphic icons representing forms of insurance.

Preparing for the Worst: 5 Steps to Review and Update Insurance Policies for Financial Security

The key to staying protected is making insurance reviews a regular part of your financial routine -- because the last thing...

On red background, cash money with handwritten note EMERGENCY FUND, financial goal to save money for contingency fund, set money aside for unexpected expenses or safety net for future distress.

Your 2025 Emergency Fund: How Military Households Can Weather the Storm

A readily accessible pool of cash in the form of an emergency fund provides a crucial buffer against financial shocks...

Social security card and American money dollar bills close up concept

Retirement Savings To-Do Lists for Military Households

The key to a successful retirement isn't just saving; it's setting up guaranteed lifetime income so that your essential...

A pie baking in a dark oven with sideways lighting appears to be made out of U.S. bills.

7 Financial Fundamentals for Military Families

Let’s take a look at the essential ingredients that make up a well-rounded financial life.

Man is dropping coins into a blue piggy bank, symbolizing the act of saving and financial responsibility.

How Military Families Can Take Control of Their Finances

The fundamental principle of financial success boils down to a simple yet powerful concept we shared with our kids: Spend...

Hands hold a printed mock-up of a credit report, implying a person is reading the report.

How Military Families Can Manage Debt and Build a Stronger Credit Score

Approach debt with caution, respect and a plan, and you'll ensure it works for you -- not against you.

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