What Edge Members Learned About Managing Money
When we asked Edge members to share their best budget tips and the small changes that improved their financial lives, we received inspiring stories from across the military community. From paying off mortgages to building emergency funds during PCS moves, these real experiences prove that smart budgeting isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
A volunteer judging panel composed of representatives from GoVA’s partners and sponsors including the FDIC, BB Americas Bank, Blue Star Families, and MFAN reviewed all submissions and selected four winning entries that showcase the transformative power of intentional money management. Here’s what they learned and how you can apply their strategies to your own financial journey.
From Paycheck to Paycheck to Debt-Free Living
Shanna Rodgers’ journey captures what many military families dream about: true financial freedom. She paid off both her car and home through disciplined tracking and intentional choices.
“I tracked every dollar—using a simple spreadsheet and free budget apps,” Shanna shares. “Knowing where my money was going gave me power over it.” She lived below her means by saying no to impulse buys, planning meals carefully, and finding creative ways to have fun without spending much.
What stands out most is her commitment to celebrating progress. Every small win deserved recognition—from $500 debt paydowns to completing car loan payments. “I kept my ‘why’ front and center: I wanted stability for my family. A peaceful place to call ours. A future with less stress and more freedom.”
Her message to those in the messy middle? “You’re not behind—you’re becoming.”
Finding Money You Didn’t Know You Were Losing
Hilda Calix Araujo’s story will resonate with anyone who’s wondered where their paycheck disappeared. Just a couple of years ago, she constantly scrambled by payday despite thinking she was budgeting well.
The Edge helped her discover comparison sites for better deals and techniques for negotiating bills. “I learned how small habits like tracking expenses, automating savings, and following the 50/30/20 rule can make a huge difference,” Hilda says.
The key insight? Small changes in everyday habits create significant long-term results.
Budgeting Through PCS Moves and Income Changes
For military families, budgeting becomes even more critical during major life transitions. Leona Jordan’s experience highlights this reality perfectly. After a PCS move and dropping down to one income, budget focus became essential rather than optional.
“Biggest wins for budgeting is reducing non-essential spending—for example, not buying alcohol out,” Leona shares. Her family started using discount codes and cashback for online shopping, made healthy but budget-friendly food swaps to non-branded items, and kept close watch on bills to avoid overpaying.
The result? “We ran a budget spreadsheet and feel that we are in a good position now to not stress, which takes a big weight off our free time together.” That peace of mind during a difficult transition is invaluable for military families navigating constant change.
Making Your Budget Work for Your Dreams
Maria Overton’s approach demonstrates how budgeting isn’t about deprivation—it’s about making room for what matters most. She started by listing monthly bills alongside her desires (investing, coffee, girls’ night out).
“The Edge helped me realize that although I enjoy a girl’s night out, it’s better to budget for that extra expense so I can afford it,” Maria explains. She treats investing as one of her bills and actively looks for discounts and freebies.
Her financial goals include learning about investing, managing a portfolio, and understanding real estate. By creating a structured budget, she’s building room for both present enjoyment and future wealth.
Other Winning Strategies from the Military Community
Beyond our panel’s top selections, other Edge members shared valuable insights:
Curtis Wilcott and his wife sold their business and headed into retirement completely debt-free by identifying wasted spending and using online apps to find forgotten subscriptions. Their agreement not to spend over a certain amount without consulting each other proved crucial.
Jerome Padmore discovered a simple but effective change: reducing eating out and redirecting that money toward savings and debt payoff.
Jared Coogan found that visualizing his budget worked far better than just thinking about it, helping him distinguish between wants and needs.
Linda Cerase broke the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle by automatically putting money into an account with limited access, creating separation between her and temptation.
Your Turn to Transform Your Budget
These stories prove that successful budgeting doesn’t require complicated systems or financial degrees. It requires tracking your spending, identifying what truly matters to you, making intentional choices, celebrating progress along the way, and adjusting when life changes.
Ready to write your own budget success story? Join The Edge today to access the same free tools, calculators, and resources that helped these military families take control of their finances. Whether you’re dealing with a PCS move, working toward debt freedom, or building wealth for the future, you’ll find practical guidance designed specifically for the military community.
Your financial transformation starts with a single decision to take control. Make that decision today!