When your military career ends, the mission doesn’t, but figuring out what’s next, or what truly lights you up, can be one of the hardest transitions. It’s not just about finding a new job. It’s about rediscovering what matters most and learning how to fund the life you want, not the one you think you’re supposed to have.
In this episode, Omen Quelvog and I discuss values-first financial planning. Omen shares what it is, why it matters, and how it can help you and your family navigate life after service with intention. You’ll hear how to rethink your next chapter, what abundance really means, and why military retirees might be more financially ready than they realize.
Omen is the founder of Formynder Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning firm helping military families build purpose-filled lives after service. A retired Marine Corps officer with 25 years of service, he holds the Military Qualified Financial Planner® designation and is a candidate for CFP® certification.
https://milmo.co/podcast/values-first-financial-planning
02:15 – Why values first financial planning matters for military families
04:10 – Starting with your “why” before creating a financial plan
06:02 – Common money challenges during the transition to civilian life
08:15 – How defining your “North Star” shapes every financial decision
10:05 – The emotional side of money and why it’s often overlooked
12:20 – Real-life examples of aligning spending with values
14:05 – The role of intentional trade-offs in living your ideal life
16:12 – How to filter out distractions and stay focused on priorities
18:30 – First questions to ask if you’ve never done values-based planning
20:45 – Bridging the gap between short-term needs and long-term goals
23:00 – Why flexibility is key in military-to-civilian transitions
25:12 – Building resilience through purpose-driven financial choices
27:05 – How this approach strengthens family relationships
29:15 – Final advice for living with clarity and intention
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