Jen McDonald is the Content Editor for MilitaryByOwner Advertising. She's an experienced editor and the award-winning author of the books YOU ARE NOT ALONE: ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE HEART OF A MILITARY SPOUSE and MILSPOUSE MATTERS: SHARING STRENGTH THROUGH OUR STORIES. Jen is the host of the Milspouse Matters podcast, and has written hundreds of articles and essays which have been published in other books and numerous publications. She was a military spouse for 30 years and is the mom of four, including one son in the military. One of her happiest roles now is being a grandmother. She and her veteran Air Force husband have been stationed all around the world from Europe to the Pacific and won’t count how many houses they’ve lived in because that would be too depressing. Her passion is encouraging young military spouses and regularly sharing about topics like military life, parenting, homeschooling...and now grandparenting! See more from Jen at her site,
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If you're moving into military housing, you probably have questions about whether or not your family's beloved dog is allowed. Privatized housing companies have created their own policies regarding ba...
Birthday parties. Game day gatherings. Family get-togethers. Due to its charming layout and tranquil ambience, your house has become the place to be! With the holidays quickly approaching, you may fin...
As a renter, you may not feel much sense of responsibility to the home you're currently living in. We tend to think that when any problem arises, it’s automatically the landlord's duty to fix it. Most...
We asked, and you answered! As part of our ongoing series of favorite duty stations, we’re now turning our attention to your most-loved Air Force bases around the world. Check out the favorite Army po...
The VA loan is widely used by active duty and veteran servicemembers because it’s buyer-friendly for many reasons, such as no requirement for a down payment or private mortgage insurance. It's a great...
The United States is home to an abundance of military bases that not only serve as crucial defense centers but also offer incredible opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you have a passion f...
Whether you're setting out on an island sightseeing tour or want to build up your strength before you tackle an early morning waterfall hike, you probably need coffee. And maybe some breakfast! Or per...
Welcome to the ROK, the Republic of Korea! This OCONUS location sits in a beautiful part of the world, offering access to incredible food, diverse culture, and an adventure far from home. Although Seo...
It’s time to sell your home, and you, like most home sellers, hope to walk away with a little extra cash in your pocket. And you probably already know what you’ll do with it. You’ll use it for your do...
Recently, my spouse came home from work and shared unexpected news. We have military orders for a new assignment. So, apparently, we will not be enjoying the upcoming season in this home. The good new...
Permanent Change of Station is a term associated with intense feelings ranging from elation to terror, depending on your personality and previous PCS experiences. Add to this the highly personal natur...
Living in base housing always posed a challenge for our visiting friends, especially for special gatherings like birthday parties. Gate regulations frequently changed and were unpredictable; sometimes...
For years, military spouses have been begging employers for remote work options and making do with the smattering of telework options, mostly over-the-phone customer service, which is hard work during...
Did you know there are rebates and incentives for military home buyers and sellers that will help save some money the next time you PCS? It’s no secret that we all like to save money— especially when ...
If you’re looking for help with a PCS move to Fort Cavazos, Texas (formerly known as Fort Hood) or just curious about what the hype is about, you’re in the right spot! MilitaryByOwner has extensive re...
Nearly 40% of military spouses in the workforce have careers that require professional licensing. If you’re one of the tens of thousands of military spouses who have earned licensure, you need to know...
It's a rite of passage for active duty military members to daydream and plan for retirement “one day.” For some, the plan is to retire completely, enjoy a no-schedule day, and simply wake up each morn...
You probably know this by now, but your monthly rent payment doesn’t cover your entire cost of living. Rent pays for a roof over your head, but there’s a lot more that needs consideration. If you’re s...
What you'll learn in this post: Why Good Photos Matter Capture Your Home at Its Best Don'ts for Staging Your Home Focus on This When Staging Your Home Don’ts for Your Home Listing Photos Focus on This...
The trials and tribulations military families encounter while searching for their next rental home can be exhausting. Emotions run high and the urge to just get the whole process finished is overwhelm...
If you watch any international vacation-home-finder show, you’re likely impressed with just how simple the portrayal of buying a home in a foreign country can be. In fact, many military members long t...
Every few years or more, non-military and military landlords have the difficult task of finding the best renters for their property. The vetting process is time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, of...
When faced with a deployment (or two or three!), the entire family must make a difficult decision. Should you move back "home" near family and friends where you have deployment support, stay put at yo...
Are you on the fence, deciding whether or not to list your property as a For Sale By Owner? It's a tough call, especially for first time FSBO sellers. The prospect of saving money and selling the hous...
As a military homeowner, you know that you must take advantage of every opportunity to market your property properly when advertising your home for sale or for rent. Your marketing strategy should inc...
An assignment to Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, puts you right in the middle of the action in the northeastern U.S. This region has a very high concentration of important historic areas, beautif...
Located in the bustling heart of Central Texas, just west of Interstate 35 and about 70 miles north of Austin, lies one of the Army’s largest installations, Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood). Ask serv...
Located in picturesque Montgomery, Alabama, Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex is a proud Air Force hub, and home to both historical flight operations and training units, dating back to the Wrigh...
Fort Campbell has plenty to explore and do in the surrounding areas, but while you're stationed there, don’t miss out on venturing a little farther for day trips, long weekends, or summer vacations. L...
Italy is one of the most visited countries in Europe, and for very good reason! With a beautiful, diverse landscape, rich history and culture, plus world-renowned cuisine, Italy attracts tourists from...
Owning a rental property is a business, and the point of a business is to earn money. So, when you’re searching for a rental house, keep in mind that landlords work in dollar signs, and motivation for...
Thinking about your credit score isn't associated with warm, fuzzy feelings—frustration might be more like it. Your credit score can stand between you and what you want, like renting or buying a home....
If you’re a renter, you know how important it is to have a healthy relationship with your landlord. While the property is yours to live in, your landlord is the one who owns it and is ultimately respo...
There’s a whole lot of military action in North Carolina, and two of the leading producers are Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) near Fayetteville and Camp Lejeune, near Sneads Ferry and Jacksonville...
Before we sat on traffic clogged multi-lane highways most days, America had a love affair with trains. Getting us coast to coast, ambling through mountains, prairies, and forests, the train is a stapl...
