When you're 6 months post-military service, health and time will become your retirement priorities.  Everyone initially sweats finances when they're leaving the service.  But don't solely focus on your finances without considering how you spend your time, not just your money.  Deliberate thought about your daily schedule can lead to positvie actions that will have an impact on your physical and mental health.  

The Dr. Moynes "Phases of Retirement" framework, mentioned in more detail below, is an important retirement timeline marker that gives you insight into what retirees may feel depending on which phase of retirement they're in.  As you prepare to depart the military, designate time for you and your significant other to consider the phases of retirement and how you'll use your time to promote your health throught these phases.

Your health is arguably the most important priority because no matter how much money you have during retirement, good health will allow you to enjoy whatever you do.  Poor health will limit your daily enjoyment and satisfaction.  The same can be said for your spouse or partner.  Keep in mind that good habits, such as healthy eating and routine exercise, should be done before you leave the service. A mentor told me, "If you aren't reading 10 books a day, learning a new language, traveling the world, or exercising,  you won't do it after you leave the military.  You will have just as many stressors and distractions when you get out of the service."  If you have a dream for post-military life, start it now while you're still in the service.

Regarding your time after the military, many people envision their time consisting of vacations or weekend trips.  Vacations and weekend trips are such a small percentage of your time.  It's more important for you to consider what your Tuesday night will look like.  You should consider what your daily schedule will be after the service.  Planning your daily routine will also help to get you and your spouse/partner on the same page.  This is a necessary exercise that will help destress your life.

There will be stressful times and unexpected events that cause turmoil. That's why it's necessary to better understand the phases you may go through once you've crossed the bridge to civilian life.  I recommend watching the Dr. Riley Moynes TEDx Youtube that describes the stages of retirement (Phase I: Vacation/Honeymoon, Phase II: Search for Meaning, Phase III: Contribution, Phase IV: Rewire).  Learning about the four phases of retirement can insulate you from the negative stressors that accompany each phase.  

*Disclaimer.  For entertainment purposes only.  I am not a financial professional.  Modify your decision making as necessary.