Winter 2009 USAA Magazine - USAA.com

A LEVEL OF PASSIONRIVALED ONLY BY ALOVE OF COUNTRY.Tune in Saturday, December 12,2:30 p.m. ET onUSAA IS THE PROUD PRESENTER OF AMERICA’S GAMEThis year marks the 110th Army-Navy Game, one of college football’s moststoried rivalries. It’s a game rich in heritage and tradition — something weunderstand. USAA has served the financial needs of the military and theirfamilies for over 87 years, which is why we’re honored to present thisnational treasure.Find out more at armynavygame.comUSAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. © 2009 USAA. 92500-1009

message from the CEONow serving allwho have servedhonorablyJosue (Joe) Robles Jr.Maj. General, USA (Ret.)President and Chief Executive OfficerEarlier this year, I received the following letterfrom a USAA member:I was very excited when I saw that USAA is nowbeing offered to those honorably separated from themilitary and jumped to send the link to my Dad. Wewere both disappointed to find out that the cutoff datefor this was after 1996. Being a veteran myself, andhaving served in Iraq for 14 months, I still think Vietnam wasone of the hardest conflicts this country has been a part ofin the last 50 years and have all the respect in the world formy Dad’s service over there. Now that you are allowing moreveterans membership, why not all those who have served?I am very pleased to let you know that eligibility formembership is now open to anyone who has ever servedhonorably in the U.S. Armed Forces.Our mission states “USAA seeks to be the provider ofchoice for the military community.” Not just the officercommunity. Not just military retirees. Not just those whoserved after 1995. We are carefully and responsiblymanaging USAA’s growth and have taken incremental stepsin expanding membership eligibility to bring us to thispoint. We wanted to be very sure that USAA has the capital,the operational capacity and the capability to preciselyunderwrite and price for risk at the individual level.All those requirements are firmly in place. USAAis now the only property and casualty insurer tohold the highest ratings for financial strength fromMoody’s, Standard & Poor’s and A.M. Best. Membersatisfaction remains consistently high and iscurrently at 93 percent, through your choice of telephone,online or mobile — anywhere in the world. And ourproducts and services continue to be competitively pricedbased on the individual risk.If you know veterans who served honorably but haven’tbecome USAA members, please share this news with themso that they may know the value of USAA and, by joining,facilitate future membership for spouses and children. nSee additional legal information on Page 30.usaa.com Winter 2009 usaa magazine3

cover featureUSAAA MEMBER’S GUIDE TO FINANCIAL SECURITYWinter 2009 • Volume 45 • Number 4In Every IssueUSAA Online 5Check out ratings andreviews, webinars, videos andmore at USAA.COM.16cLimbingout of debtA member revealsher 10 steps tobecoming debt free.By Kerry HannonFYI 6Track down year-end cardeals, enjoy USAA accessanywhere and find tips onbuying foreclosures.Ask a USAA Expert 26John Toohey offersadvice on managingretirement money.Member Savings 27Our guide highlightsproducts and servicesespecially for you.FeaturesMember Snapshot 32Meet Kai Ryssdal ofpublic radio’s Marketplace.COVEr Photo: Randal FordKickoff: USAAteams up withArmy-Navy.614 20 22Sweet DealGet the lowdownon new Roth IRArules for 2010.By Jean ChatzkyTragedyto TriumphTaryn Davis and NicoleHart help militarywidows help each other.By Shari BiedigerBe YourOwn BossUSAA members sharelessons learned forstarting a business.By Dennis McCafferty4usaa magazine winter 2009

FYIKickoff: USAA TeamsUp With Army-NavyWatch USAA make historyin Philadelphia as the firsteverpresenting sponsorof the Army-Navy footballgame. USAA continues todemonstrate its commitmentto honoring the militarycommunity through this10-year sponsorship of thegame. Can’t make the game?Tune in to the 110th Army-Navy game on Dec. 12 at2:30 p.m. (EST) on CBS.USAATakesTop SpotUSAA rankedNo. 1 onMilitary Spousemagazine’s 2009“Top 10 MilitarySpouse FriendlyEmployers” list.For details, go toUSAA.COM(Search:Military Spouse).Illustration by Chris Whetzel6usaa magazine WINTER 2009 (800) 531-USAA (8722)

AccessAnywhereUSAA debuts mobile appfor BlackBerry ® .When USAA launched a mobile app for iPhoneusers earlier this year, we heard from ourmembers who have BlackBerry mobile devices.And we listened. In February, we’ll launch amobile app that gives users of the BlackBerry Bold, Curve,Pearl and Storm secure access to their accounts as well asan ATM locator, a loan calculator, a rental car locator and anaccident checklist. USAA introduced the app for iPhoneusers in May and then in August unveiled another feature,Deposit@Mobile, for the iPhone. This feature lets qualifyingmembers * point, shoot and deposit checks using their phone’scamera. In early 2010, Deposit@Mobile will be available formost BlackBerry devices, as well. It’s fast, free and secure.Go to USAA.COM/Mobile andsign up to get instant accessto your accounts no matterwhere you are.*You must qualify for USAA’s remote deposit services; eligibility for USAAproperty and casualty insurance and credit qualification required. Depositsmay not be available for immediate withdrawal. To take advantage ofMOBILE.USAA.COM, you must be registered on USAA.COM.Going Mobile See who’s banking with USAA.Photography by Mark Wagoner and courtesy of USAA membersDid I already sayI love this bank?Retired Army Sgt.Holly White,Austin, TexasI can’t remember thelast time I stepped insidea bank to deposit money.I can now do it on the go,and that’s incredible!Air Force CadetTomas Ramos,Port Orange, Fla.Just deposited threechecks in less thanfive minutes with myhusband’s iPhone.This totally rocks!Anissa Power Busby,New Orleans, La.Love the app! It has beenreally useful since I didn’tbring my laptop to Iraq.USAA has changed thegame in online banking.Army Sgt.Johnny Taylor,Fort Meade, Md.usaa.com WINTER 2009 usaa magazine9

FYIMedicareDeadlinesDon’t miss these dates.Nov. 15–Dec. 31: Enroll ina Part D Prescription DrugPlan, switch providers ordrop out.Nov. 15–March 31: Enrollin a Medicare Advantageplan or switch from regularMedicare to MedicareAdvantage.We can help protect youfrom health care and prescriptiondrug expenses.Go to USAA.COM(Search: Medicare).Photography by JupiterGoGreenfor GreenTax credits coversome energyupgrade expenses.Want to potentially reduce taxes and energy bills at the sametime? Install Energy Star ® –qualified insulation, windows,doors, roofing, heating and cooling systems, water heatersor fuel-efficient stoves in your primary residence. You may beable to receive a federal tax credit for 30 percent of the cost, up to$1,500 for products put in service in 2009 and 2010. Consult a taxadvisor before making any large purchases.Additional tax credits are available through2016 for 30 percent of the cost of qualified geothermalheat pumps, solar panels, solar waterheaters, small wind energy systems and fuelcells installed on existing homes or newconstruction. And there’s no cap — an importantperk given the high cost of some of these items.Photography by Bunsen Bookworm/CorbisCautionNot all Energy Starproducts qualifyfor tax credits.Read the rules atenergystar.gov/taxcredits.10usaa magazine WINTER 2009 (800) 531-USAA (8722)

Foreclosure Buyers BewareStories of shockingly low home prices have attracted new buyers to theforeclosure market recently. But not everyone hits the jackpot. Impulsive oruneducated buyers often find themselves holding the deed to a money pit.Here are some tips to help you come out a winner.ILLUSTRATION BY harry CampbellDODON’TDODON’TDODOYour homework.Search reputableonline databasessuch as RealtyTrac.com for foreclosures.When consideringunfamiliar areas,research neighborhoods,schools andmarket prices.Buy property atauction unless youare comfortablewith substantial risk.Auction propertiesmay be in poor conditionor have liensagainst them thatwill cause you legalheadaches. Buyingbank-held foreclosuresis safer.Drive a hard bargain.Generally, aforeclosed propertyshould be at least 20percent lower thansimilar homes. Ifthere’s a glut of foreclosures,you may beable to negotiate aneven better price.Make an offer beforeinspecting the home.Look for water orinsect damage andstructural problems.Hire a professionalto check electrical,plumbing and HVACsystems. If majorrepairs or upgradesare needed, ask acontractor to estimatecosts.Work with a realestate agent whois experienced inforeclosures and canaccess multiple listingservice data.Get financing beforeyou shop. USAAoffers loan prequalification,which maygive you greaterbargaining power.New Rules FOR Credit CardsMost changes required by the new credit card law take effect in February 2010.To learn more, go to USAA.COM (Search: 7 Ways the New Credit Card Law Affects You).usaa.com WINTER 2009 usaa magazine11

FAuto 101Smart FinancingYIBuying a new car?Visit USAA.COM(Search: Car BuyingService) and run thenumbers. If you needto finance, considerthe loan termscarefully. It’s no funto be upside-down,owing more thanyour car is worth.CashDownLoanTermsOption 120%3YR@9%Option 210%5YR@9%Option 30%7YR@9%AFTER After2 YEARS 2 yearsCarValueYouOwe$17,000$7,069$17,000$14,429$17,000$19,376Example for illustrative purposes only to show how a borrower can end up owing more thanthe value of the car purchased.Rainy-Day Funds Drying Up?Sprinkle in some CDs.A variable-rate certificate of deposit may bea good place to sock away emergency fundsthese days. Unlike a fixed-rate CD, the variable-rateCD works like a savings account.You can deposit more money into it over timein minimum increments of $50. Interest rateson these accounts are generally higher thanthose of traditional savings accounts, and canfluctuate based on market changes. So if ratesincrease after you’ve invested, you won’t belocked into a lower rate.USAA’s variable-rate CDs are available insix- and 12-month terms, with a $250 minimumdeposit. For details, go to USAA.COM(Search: Certificate of Deposit).ILLUSTRATION BY Miguel Davilla12usaa magazine WINTER 2009 (800) 531-USAA (8722)

mail callDEPLOYED PARENTSI read the story “Breaking the News” (Fall 2009) byAlison Buckholtz. A sincere “thank you” to all ourservice men and women and their families for theirsacrifices while being deployed to the combat zones.The statistics on deployed parents — two, three andfour times deployed — are hard to read. There are somany of us who pray every day and throughout eachday for all in combat. Please know we hold you dearly,and you are not alone. n Lillian Kelly, Sacramento, Calif.Your Home, AloneDon’t let crooks stealyour holiday cheer.Plan to travel this winter? Make sure you’re not aneasy mark for thieves. To deter break-ins:n Ask a neighbor you trust to check on your homewhile you’re away.n Stop newspaper and mail deliveries.n Lock all windows and doors, including those in yourgarage and basement.n Ask someone to shovel snow, if needed, duringyour absence.n Use timers on exterior and interior lights and radios tomake your house appear occupied.n Put away tools and ladders — no need to help the badguys break in.n Advise your security company of your plans.n Don’t “tweet” that you’re traveling.Don’t have a home securitysystem? Go to USAA.COM/HomeSecurity. USAA memberscan save up to 44 percenton installation of an ADT HomeSecurity System and can getmonitoring for less than $1/day.Photography by getty imagesFacing our third deployment, my husband and I wereeager to read “Breaking the News.” Our children are 2and 4, and we are always looking for suggestions tomake any aspect of deployment easier on them. Wewere very disappointed in the article and, frankly, thinkit does your readers a great disservice. The suggestionof buying good memories and distractions as a way tomitigate the pain of deployment is irresponsible. Thisis certainly not a solution for most military members.I think it would be more helpful to remind militaryfamilies that their children are receiving invaluablelessons in service and patriotism. n Karen Ruedisueli,Fort Drum, N.Y.LOOKING AHEADJust enjoyed the most recent USAA Magazine (Fall 2009).Sounds like you needed to include the latest update thatfolks are saying we’re now out of the recession, althoughthere will be some climbing still to do. It remains a greatmagazine with lots of useful information. Can’t wait tohear what you all say next time. n Kathryn ElizabethKrastin, Austin, TexasT@lk to UsBe our fan on Facebook®. Log on toFacebook.com/USAA.Twitter® users can follow USAA attwitter.com/usaa_news.E-mail us. Log on to our Web site at USAA.COMand click Contact Us.Write a letter. USAA Magazine, Mail Call, E-1-E,9800 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX78288-3533. Please include a daytimetelephone number.All or part of your letter may be printed in an upcoming issue. It may be edited for clarity and length. Theopinions expressed here are those of individual members and not necessarily of USAA. If you have commentsregarding an individual claim or concerns that do not pertain to items in the magazine, please refer toUSAA.COM for a comprehensive list of contact numbers.usaa.com WINTER 2009 usaa magazine13

Jean Chatzky, award-winningjournalist, best-selling authorand motivational speaker, ishelping millions of men andwomen battle debt. That’swhy we’ve tapped her towrite a personal financecolumn just for our readers ineach issue of USAA Magazine.Chatzky’s newest book, TheDifference: How Anyone CanProsper in Even the ToughestTimes (Crown Business),debuted in March.Sweet DealNew rules for 2010 give more peopleaccess to one of the best savings plans for retirement.Is the Roth IRA right for you?For questionsabout Roth IRAconversions,call USAA at(800) 531-8722.Photography courtesy of Jean Chatzky14usaa magazine winter 2009 (800) 531-USAA (8722)

By Jean Chatzkydollars & senseThe lowdown on Roth IRAs has always been good. Since these accounts werecreated in 1997, I’ve heard them referred to as “too good to be true,” even “giftsfrom the Congressional gods.” Now, for a brief while, they are about to geteven better. But I’m getting ahead of myself. For the uninitiated, the differencebetween a Roth Individual Retirement Account and a traditional IRA is this:Traditional IRAs. You can deposit $5,000 — up to $6,000 ifyou’re over 50 — into a retirement account today. You may or maynot get a tax deduction on the amount you deposit, depending onyour income and whether you have a qualified retirement planlike a 401(k) at work. But, in either case, when you pull themoney out at retirement — which you must begin to do by age70½ — you will pay income taxes on that money at your currentrate. And if you need to pull money out before you hit age 59½you’ll likely pay a 10 percent penalty in addition to income taxes.»See “IRA Break” on Page 8.«Roth IRAs. You pay income taxes on the money at yourcurrent rate before you make the deposit. But you don’thave to pay taxes upon withdrawal. You don’t have towithdraw the money at 70½ — or ever. You can pass theentire account to your heirs if you like. Unlike a traditionalIRA that penalizes you for early withdrawals, you canwithdraw contributions from a Roth with no tax and nopenalty if you’re over age 59½ and otherwise meet therequirements for a qualified distribution.As I said: Good.Unfortunately, people with theirfunds in 401(k)s or IRA rolloveraccounts have often felt like Rothswere out of their reach. Why? Becauseif your household had a modifiedadjusted gross income of $100,000 ormore, you didn’t qualify.For 2010, that changes. BeginningJan. 1, any household with any incomecan convert a traditional IRA to a Roth.The conversion, of course, isn’t free.When you convert a traditional IRA toa Roth, you must pay the income taxeson the amount of money that youconvert at your current rate. But, ifyou convert in 2010, you’ll have theopportunity to recognize half theincome when you file your 2011 taxesand the other half on your 2012 return.It’s a move that makes sense for manypeople. By answering the followingquestions you can decide if it makessense for you.Be IRA-aware. A recent surveycommissioned by USAAfound the new Roth conversionrules may go unnoticed anduntapped by many. The surveyshowed that only 9 percent ofrespondents with householdincome of more than $100,000 and27 percent of all respondents who ownan IRA planned on taking advantageof the opportunity to turn theirtax-deferred savings into tax-freeretirement income next year.For details, go to USAA.COM(Search: Roth Survey).QDo I expect my tax rate to decline substantially inthe future? If you do, it likely makes sense to forgo theconversion and pay taxes on your IRA later rather than now.The closer you are to retirement (and making withdrawals),the stronger this argument is. If you have significant assets,it may be in your best interest to convert because financialanalysts are saying tax rates may go up.QDo I have the money to pay taxes on my conversionwithout raiding my IRA itself? If the answer is no, aconversion doesn’t make sense. Pulling money out of theaccount itself pre-retirement will subject you to that onerous10 percent penalty. You also lose the tax-free growth onmoney sheltered within the account. Understand, it isn’t anall-or-nothing proposition. You can convert some traditionalassets to a Roth — those on which you have the money to paythe taxes — but not the others, then hope for an opportunityto do the same sometime in the future.QDo I trust the governmentto leave Roths untouched?If you’ve been following theheadlines — in particular the healthcare debate — you know that thedeficit is big and getting bigger,which means that some taxes will,in the future, be going up. Althoughit’s unlikely that the government willdecide to tax withdrawals (that wouldbe double taxation), the ability topass the account on to your heirsmay find itself on the chopping block.All in all, your best defense islikely a good offense. Just as youdon’t want all your eggs in onebasket, you don’t want all of yourretirement funds subject to the sametax treatment. Having some in aRoth, others in a traditional IRA andstill others in discretionary accountsmakes you an agile investor — ableto deal with whatever curve ballsCongress throws your way. nusaa.comwinter 2009 usaa magazine15

MemberNoemi Wikstromshares the pathshe followed toget her financeson track.16usaa magazine Winter 2009 (800) 531-USAA (8722)

Sometimes it only takes a small stumbleto wind up in deep debt. Ready to get out? A USAA memberand a financial expert point you in the right direction.By Kerry Hannon » Photography by Ed McCullochofWinter 2009 usaa magazine17

Noemi Wikstrom stared inside the emptyrefrigerator. The phone rang, and sheknew who it was — debt collectors.The 30-year-old single mother wasbroke. Unable to feed her three children, ages 7 to12, she had no choice but to send them to live withrelatives. “I felt like the worst mother on earth, butI had to be honest with myself,” she recalls. “I wasearning around $20,000 a year as a senior airmanwith the Air Force and was $50,000 in debt.”That was five years ago. But her predicamentstarted when she was a 19-year-old divorced mom,raising young children without child support andliving in Puerto Rico. Earning minimum wage as a“I was earning around $20,000a year as a senior airmanwith the Air Force and was$50,000 in debt.”USAA member Noemi Wikstrom with herdaughter, Mandi, and husband, Chris10 Steps to Financial RecoveryBUDGETAND SAVECUTSPENDINGTRACK DAILYEXPENSESSETGOALS1 2 34Noemi Wikstrom,now on her wayto being debt free,recounts the10 steps shetook to improveher financialsituation.J.J. Montanaro,a USAA financialexpert andCERTIFIEDFINANCIALPLANNER practitioner,offers his take oneach step ofWikstrom’srecovery process.WikstromI saved $100 andput it into a savingsaccount. Then,I put 10 percent ofmy income intothis account, nomatter what. Ididn’t even missthe money. It waslike paying a bill,but I was payingmyself.MontanaroSystematicallyadding money toan emergencysavings fund is amust, especially incrazy economictimes like these.Smart move,Noemi.WikstromI stopped buyingnew clothes andfound ways to trimgrocery bills, likebuying groundmeat over steakand ramen noodlesover pizza. I alsomoved in with afriend for a year,which cut mymonthly rent from$875 to $100.MontanaroThe roof overyour head may beyour most costlyexpense. Lookfor options likedownsizing,getting a roommateor moving in with asympathetic friendfor a while.WikstromI carry a notebookand write downeverything I spendmoney on.MontanaroMost of the time it’snot the big itemsthat get you intotrouble. Noemi’stechnique helpsyou track littleexpenses thatadd up.WikstromI wanted to be freeof all my revolvingdebt in five yearsand have a healthysavings accountso I could pay forfood and gas, andsupport mychildren.MontanaroIt’s smart to setup checkpointsto your finaldestination. Gettingrid of the firstcredit card bill orreducing your debtby $1,000 are goodshort-term goals.See additional legalinformation on Page 30.18usaa magazine winter 2009 (800) 531-USAA (8722)

eceptionist, she owed $1,000 on a maxed-outcredit card with a 25 percent interest rate. Thatdebt ballooned.In 2001, she enlisted in the Air Force and movedto Colorado. Financially, things didn’t improve.Desperate, she turned to payday loans for everydayexpenses, bounced checks and racked up bankfees. Then came $7,000 in unexpected medicalbills after a digestive disorder diagnosis.“I didn’t know where to start to clean up mylife,” recalls Wikstrom, now a civilian whocontracts with the Navy as an operational satellitetechnician. “Nobody can help you if you don’t takethe first steps to help yourself.” nWhat’syour debtsituation? Goto USAA.COM,click theAdvice &Planning taband take thefree financialassessment.TAKE ASECOND JOBPAY OFF HIGHINTEREST LOANSSYSTEMATICALLYPAY BILLSAUTOMATICALLYONLINEFIND OUT YOURCREDIT SCOREFIX CREDITREPORT ERRORS5 678910DO PERIODICCHECKUPSIllustrations by Oliver MundayWikstromAfter my day job,I worked at aphoto shop for$5.25 an hour.I was able to payan extra $6,000toward my debt.MontanaroNoemi is a textbookexample of workingboth ends of theequation — cuttingexpenses andincreasing income— to hammerdown debt.WikstromFirst, I took care ofmy three paydayloans. Then, Imoved down mylist of creditorsfrom $10,000 pastdue on an auto loanto $7,000 inmedical bills.MontanaroSome folks startwith the smallestloan just to seeprogress, but froma numbercrunchingstandpoint herstrategy makessense.WikstromNo more latepaymentfees!Paying bills onlinehelped keep mein the rhythmof budgeting.MontanaroPaying bills ontime helps ratchetup your creditscore. Online billpaying helps makethis happen.WikstromWhen I couldn’tget a car loan or anew credit card,I checked myscore and it was491. Today, it’saround 648 — notperfect by anymeans but a bigimprovement.MontanaroA good credit scorecan translate toloans when youneed them andthousands ofdollars in interestsavings. Scoresrange from the300s to 850, withmost folks falling inthe 600s and 700s.Strive for a scoreof at least 720 to740 to get betterrates on creditcards, auto loansand mortgages.WikstromTo continueimproving my score,I regularly checkmy credit report.I’ve found errors inthe past, and it wasa tedious process toget them corrected.I had to write lettersto the credit bureausand send proof thatI was right.MontanaroGo to the official site,AnnualCreditReport.com, to request afree credit reportfrom each of thethree reportingagencies — Experian,Equifax andTransUnion — every12 months. Keep inmind, your creditscore does not comewith the free report.You’ll have topurchase your scorefrom each bureau.WikstromI take USAA’sfree financialassessment everysix months.MontanaroAssessing yoursituation regularlyshould be part ofyour financialregimen. Gettingout of debt ispossible, but ittakes patience.Congratulations,Noemi.usaa.comWinter 2009 usaa magazine19

Taryn Davis (left) andNicole Hart (right)help widows supporteach other and lookto the future. VisitAmericanWidowProject.orgfor more information.20usaa magazine winter 2009 (800) 531-USAA (8722)

By leaning on each other, military widowsTaryn Davis and Nicole Hart found the strength to builda new life — for themselves and others like them.By Shari Biediger » Photography by Jeffery SalterNicole misses David’s smile. Taryn missesMichael’s accepting ways. In the midst oflosing the men they loved most, early intheir marriages, these military widowsgrieve for those things and so much more.Yet, two years later, Nicole Hart laughs again,and Taryn Davis accepts her loss and looks to thefuture. “All those things I miss about him are my‘teachers’ now,” says Taryn. “The things he lived forand did — those are getting me through my days.”Taryn, 23, established the nonprofit AmericanWidow Project in 2007 when she reached out toother young war widows to film a documentaryabout what she calls their tragedy and their triumph.Nicole joined her, and today the two women run theAmericanWidowProject.org Web site and scheduleevents around the country to connect with othermilitary widows.Nicole, who turned 24 in April, says the eventsare about experiencing life again. “Once I got involvedwith the project, it shocked me that I could domore than just exist,” she says. “I could actually liveand enjoy life.”Still, it pains them both to think about othermilitary spouses who have lost their soul mates andmay be feeling isolated and alone, as they once did.“The sad reality for me is I don’t get to hear myhusband say every day he loves me,” says Taryn. “ButI get to feel his love by working with widows, meetingpeople and seeing that they still honor his sacrifice.” ntoTragedyTriumph« american widow project »usaa.comwinter 2009 usaa magazine21

BEYour OwnBossThink starting a business is out of reach? Entrepreneurial members share the lessonsthey’ve learned to help you live your dream. | By Dennis McCafferty | Illustration by ShoutWhen Chris Charbonneau quit his corporate sales job inMaryland pending a layoff last fall, he had a decision tomake: Look for work in a bad economy, or carve out aniche with a business of his own.Hoping to cash in on the green movement, he and his wife, Kate,both avid recyclers, decided to pursue an idea they had been tossingaround — creating reusable nylon tote bags to carry groceries, shoppingmall purchases or just about anything else under 40 pounds. A keyselling point? The bags collapse into a small pouch that can be tuckedinto a purse or backpack.“My wife and I had plenty of those 99-cent reusable bags grocerystores sell. But we were constantly leaving them behind when wewalked out the door to go shopping,” says Charbonneau. “We neededsomething we could stash in my wife’s purse or easily hold in one hand.So we came up with our own solution.”It remains to be seen whether Charbonneau’s idea will take off. But asa budding entrepreneur in a tough economy, he’s in good company. MoreFind out how theseUSAA membersput their dreamsinto action.22usaa magazine winter 2009 (800) 531-USAA (8722)

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USAA MEMBER PROFILESthan half of the firms currently on the Fortune500 list began during a recession and/or a MakeMakebear market, according to research by theAaPlanPlanEwing Marion Kauffman Foundation.Other USAA members are following asimilar path. Sol Scott lost her job in Januarywhen the luxury real estate business she worked for in Floridashut its doors. Now, she runs her own concierge and lifestylemanagement company that caters to celebrities, sports figuresand other affluent clients. Maj. Doug Crandall, who separatedfrom the Army in June 2008 after 13 years of service, workedin customer service nine months before quitting in April towrite a book about one of his military heroes and launch aleadership-development business in Richland, Wash. AndMeg Ferguson is still glad she turned down a dream jobat a software company five years ago to start her ownPhiladelphia-area online marketing firm.They all shared one key ingredient for any new business:a plan. “It’s nice to talk about noble dreams, but what manypeople fail to do is develop a comprehensive plan,” saysJames King, director of the New York State Small BusinessDevelopment Center, a partner program of the SmallBusiness Administration.Chris CharbonneauAnnapolis, Md.BusinessJoey Totes Inc.,eco-friendlyreusable bagsPrevious JobSalesman for a forestproducts companyVisionCombine a passionfor recycling with anidea that couldchange consumerbehaviorLesson LearnedYou get what youpay for — don’tscrimp on thingsthat matter mostSol ScottWeston, Fla.BusinessSconetti, conciergeand lifestylemanagementcompany foraffluent clientsPrevious JobMarketing directorfor a luxury realestate businessVisionFind balancebetween careerand lifeLesson LearnedSave for a rainy dayKnow what you wantDoWhen Ferguson turned down a lucrativeYourResearchexecutive position with bonus and benefitsin 2004, she did it for one reason: Shewanted more.“I just wasn’t happy in the corporate world,” she says.“I finally confronted the truth about myself, and realized thatI wanted the freedom to carve out my own niche.”With help from the Small Business Administration, shespent six months shaping her vision — determining whatproducts and services she would offer, outlining goals,assessing competitors, developing a pricing strategy, identifyinga customer base and nailing down other essentials of abusiness plan.With a home computer, no employees and one clientwho happened to be a friend, she opened an onlinemarketing firm.Through networking, positive word of mouth and a strongmarketing plan, she now has more than 50 clients andregularly bids on large contracts for multimillion-dollarnational and global companies, universities and governmentProtect YourselfWhen you strike out on your own, you no longer have insurance and retirement planstraditionally supplied by employers. Make sure you’re covered in these essential areas, saysBruce Phillips of the National Federation of Independent Business Research Foundation:Health: Get on a spouse’semployer-sponsored plan.Otherwise, join a tradeassociation that offers groupinsurance for members.Retirement: Look into aSimplified Employee Pension(SEP) IRA. This providesa way to sock awaytax-deductible funds forretirement since you don’t havean employer-sponsored 401(k).Liability: Purchase anumbrella policy to protectyour personal assets in casesomeone slips and falls onyour property.Life: Consider term lifeinsurance — you pay onlyfor a set period of time,and rates are typicallylower than permanentlife insurance.Disability: Explore disabilityinsurance, which replaces aportion of your income lostdue to an illness or accident.USAA offerssome of the mostcompetitiveumbrella andlife insurancepolicies around.Let a USAAfinancial professionalhelp youwith insuranceor IRA decisions.Go to USAA.COMto learn more.24usaa magazine winter 2009 (800) 531-USAA (8722)

USAA MEMBER PROFILESMaj. Doug CrandallRichland, Wash.BusinessAuthor ofI Can and founderof Blue Rudder,a leadershipdevelopmentfirmPrevious JobCustomerservice repVisionChange lives, inspirecharacter andguide leadersLesson LearnedGet a part-time jobthat provides healthinsurance until yourbusiness takes offMeg FergusonWayne, Pa.BusinessVision HouseMarketing, an onlinemarketing firmPrevious JobMarketing executivefor a softwarecompanyVisionFree myself fromcorporate life andcontrol my destinyLesson LearnedDon’t give awayservices toland clientsagencies. “Ironically, I work longer and harder now than I everdid,” she says. “And I’ll never look back!”Figure out fundingSaveYour business may not require a huge investmentto get started, but you’ll need some cashInAdvanceto market your product or service, buysupplies and keep the lights on.If you know you’ll want to do this in the next two tofive years or so, start socking away money now. Then, in thefuture, you can draw from a savings fund or cash in a certificateof deposit when it matures — and possibly avoid takingout a loan to cover startup costs.By setting up shop at home and ordering 1,000 businesscards for free from an online site, Ferguson kept initial costslow and didn’t have to borrow any money to start her marketingbusiness. Charbonneau siphoned about $5,000 fromsavings to develop a tote bag prototype and conduct marketresearch. Scott relied on her marketing background to designher own logo and brand identity for her business, and took$5,000 from personal bank accounts to pay for an onlinedomain name, office supplies and marketing materials.Charbonneau and Ferguson also consulted financial professionalsfor guidance. Of these three, all but Ferguson relied ontheir working spouses for monetary support as they got theirbusinesses off the ground. Ferguson’s one client helped herstay afloat until she could build her customer base.Crandall didn’t have any cushion. With four children ages 6usaa.comto 13 at home and a spouse who was a stay-at-home mom,his decision to write a book and launch a business during arecession forced some tough choices. He used a $15,000 taxrefund, mostly from being a first-time home buyer, to payhousehold expenses for three months as he wrote andresearched his book. He also took out more than $8,000 fromhis investments, refinanced his home and canceled cable TV.“Yes, it seems kind of stupid to do this in the currenteconomy,” Crandall admits. But he says he felt driven by astrong spiritual calling to write about Army Capt. ScottySmiley, a blind Iraq war veteran whom he met while teachingat West Point. His wife agreed the project was worth the risk.Their instinct paid off four months ago when Simon &Schuster announced it would publish the book next fall. Now,Crandall is pouring his energy into a leadership-developmentbusiness and is working on a second book.Measure your successNo matter how you calculate success, youshould compare it against the objectives setforth in your business plan. It’s not enoughto say you want to build brand awarenessor make a profit. You need to set firm,specific targets.Charbonneau, for example, aims to sell 10,000 tote bags,available in various sizes and prices, to produce revenue of$50,000 for the year. Ferguson wants to maintain or increaseher 96 percent client retention rate. Scott wants to doubleher profit each quarter and net a six-figure annual salary.And Crandall hopes to sell 25,000 copies of his first bookand have three anchor clients for his burgeoning leadershipdevelopmentservice by this time next year.With careful preparation, planning and perseverance, allfour have a shot at reaching, or even exceeding, their goals.And maybe, with a little luck, they’ll reach them soonerrather than later. nResourcesSetSpecificGoalsn Counselors to America’s Small BusinessKnown as SCORE ® , this nonprofit association providesfree counseling and mentoring to entrepreneurs.SCORE.org • (800) 634-0245n Small Business AdministrationAn independent government agency that helpsAmericans start, build and grow businesses.SBA.gov • (800) 827-5722n National Federation of Independent BusinessA nonprofit association that represents small andindependent businesses in the United States.NFIB.com • (800) 634-2669n Business.govThe U.S. government’s official Web site to help smallbusinesses start and operate while staying compliantwith laws and regulations.winter 2009 usaa magazine25

ask a usaa expertBy John TooheyGame PlanDon’t drop the ball on managingyour retirement money.No matter your age, the recession surely has youwondering how today’s money woes may affect your future.John Toohey, USAA vice president of Equity Investments,offers tips for keeping your retirement plan on track, whetheryou’re retiring in three years or 30-plus. He gives one piece ofadvice to everyone: Diversify and rebalance your portfolio.Near or Living in RetirementIf you haven’t left your job yet, examineyour expected retirement earningsfrom your workplace retirement plan,investments, Social Security and anyother sources. And you may want totest out living for six months on thatamount. Income too tight? Considerworking longer, downsizing expensesor tweaking your retirement portfolio.A financial advisor can suggest whetheryou’d benefit from a focus on incomeproducinginvestments like incomeannuities, corporate bonds, municipalbonds, fixed annuities or high qualitydividend-paying stocks.1–2 Decades From RetirementCheck your diversification and rebalanceyour portfolio. Annual review ofyour asset allocation can help enforcea buy low, sell high practice that maylower your risk and potentially improveinvestment returns. It’s important tohave a mix of stocks, bonds, cash andother investments designed for you,your financial objectives and your tolerancefor market swings. Talk to a USAAfinancial advisor to help make sureyour asset allocation is on track, as wellas evaluate whether your investmentmix is right for your time horizon. Andlook into catch-up contributions if you’re50 or older, so you can contribute moreto 401(k) and Roth IRA plans.2–3 Decades From RetirementFolks who are several decadesfrom retirement are often advised totake more risk with their retirementfunds. However, given the rise inWant to tapinto USAA’smoneymanagementexpertise?Call us at(800) 235-1898.unemployment, consider job security,too, before making long-term investmentdecisions. If you have job securityconcerns or volatile job income, itmay be a good idea to fatten up thecash stash before maxing out your taxdeferredaccounts.3 or More DecadesFrom RetirementInvest systematically with help froma financial advisor. The younger youare when you start, the less you’llultimately have to save during yourlifetime. Take advantage of the powerof tax-deferred compounding andmatching contributions offered throughemployer-provided retirement plans. nAsset allocation does not protect against a loss orguarantee that an investor’s goal will be met.Diversification is a technique to help reduce risk.There is no absolute guarantee that diversificationwill protect against a loss of income.Systematic investment plans do not assure a profit orprotect against loss in declining markets. Dollar costaveraging involves continuous investment in securitiesregardless of fluctuating price levels of suchsecurities. Investors should consider their financialability to continue purchases through periods of lowprice levels.Investing in securities products involves risk,including possible loss of principal.26usaa magazine Winter 2009 (800) 531-USAA (8722)

member savings | Exclusive Products and Services for USAA MEMBERS ONLYGifts That ShineMake someone feel truly special. Thoughtfulgifts are the most cherished, and we want tohelp you make it a gift to remember. As a USAAmember, you can save on jewelry and other giftsthat truly express your heartfelt appreciation.Enjoy these great deals on popular gifts:Receive 25% off every FTD order, includinga wide variety of florist-designed and directshippedflowers, holiday centerpieces andpersonalized gifts 1Pay low interest and extend your paymentsover several months on qualifying diamond andjewelry purchasesPhotography by Getty ImagesApply the current value of your USAApurchaseddiamond toward a larger stone withour Diamond Upgrade ProgramTo order, go to USAA.COM(Search: Gifts).Protect your valuable gifts with USAAValuable Personal Property Insurance 2 :Cover items your homeowners coveragemay neglectGet 100% replacement cost with no deductible 3Obtain coverage for as little as $4/month withno appraisal 4For more information, go toUSAA.COM (Search: VPP).See additional legal information on Page 30.PAGE 28MembershopPAGE 29RetirementPAGE 29Life Insuranceusaa.com Winter 2009 usaa magazine 27

Member SavingsPhotography by Getty ImagesMEMBERSHOPThis holiday season,save more to give more.Make shopping simpler — and more rewarding — with USAA.Shop from your computer:Holiday shopping usually takesa lot out of you. There’s driving,traffic, parking, crowds, hecticsale schedules and carryingeverything around. This year,save your gas and your feetwith USAA MemberShop.Visit USAA.COM/MemberShop — our onlineshopping mall has access to15 million products from morethan 500 online retailersReceive rewards when youbuy online — no matter whatcredit or debit card you use 5 ;the rewards add up even fasterwith a USAA cardMaximize your savingswith a USAA TotalRewards, USAA EaglePoints or USAA CashRewards ® Card:Get member-only lowvariable ratesChoose rewards includingcash, gift cards andtravel rewardsGo to USAA.COM (Search: MEMBErSHOP).photography by Corbis28usaa magazine WINTER 2009 (800) 531-USAA (8722)

RetirementHelp from the pros.Don’t let retirement become a full-time job. USAA retirement professionals are readyto help you choose investment options from Target Retirement Funds to managedinvestment portfolios.Take advantage of the difference withGuaranteed Savings Annuities:Choose the tax advantages of aGuaranteed Savings Annuity or the regularincome of a Guaranteed Income AnnuityGet guaranteed income with no market riskConsult with salaried advisors who are notpaid on commissionUse USAA Target Retirement Fundsto help you plan for retirement:Select low-cost investment options basedon a target retirement dateDiversify with our mix of equity and bondfunds, no matter how close you are toretirementCertificates of Deposit (CDs) offerstable growth for your retirementdollars:Competitive fixed rates — all FDIC-insuredGet guaranteed growth for as little as$1,000 with terms from three months toseven yearsInvestments/Insurance: Not FDIC Insured • Not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose ValueThe risks of the Target Retirement purposes at age 65. The principal valueFunds reflect the risks of the underlying of the Target Retirement Funds is notfunds in which the Funds invest. The targetdate is the approximate date when target date. The Funds’ objectives doguaranteed at any time, including at theinvestors plan to start withdrawing not change over time.their money for retirement purposes. In Mutual fund investments are not insuredgeneral, the Target Retirement Funds’ and offer a variable return.investment program assumes funds will Diversification does not guarantee astart being withdrawn for retirement profit or prevent a loss.See additional legal information on Page 30.Life InsuranceGet covered for long-term care.When you retire, insurance becomes more important than ever. Most health insuranceplans — including Medicare and Medicaid — only offer limited coverage for long-term care.That’s why we have worked to make available policies that meet your budget and carepreferences at association prices.Long-term care coverage you can depend on:Cover custodial care in a variety of settingsPlan now to avoid complications down the roadCount on our knowledgeable professionals to help you make the right choices for youLearn about our full range of Medicare SolutionsTo discuss your options with aprofessional, call (800) 235-0481.USAA.COMusaa.com Winter 2009 usaa magazine 29

RetirementGet rolling.Time to make your hard-earned money work for you (for a change). When youractive duty ends, you should consider investing your earnings to continuesaving for your retirement. Take control of your retirement with a USAA IRA.The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) offers three choices: withdraw it, leave it or takeit with you. Early withdrawal could mean a substantial tax hit if you’re under59 1 /2, as well as expose you to other potential penalties. So roll it into a USAATraditional IRA directly to continue investing toward your retirement.Put your money where your future is:Roll your TSP into a USAA Traditional IRA to avoid early withdrawal penaltiesand ordinary income taxesGet free financial advice from a USAA CERTIFIED FINANCIALPLANNER practitionerManage your money easily onlineKeep your options open, including USAA and non-USAA mutual funds,exchange-traded funds, stocks, bonds and CDsInvestments/Insurance: Not FDIC Insured • Not BankGuaranteed • May Lose ValueThere may be tax consequences associated with the transfer of assets.Indirect transfers may be subject to taxation and penalties. Consult with yourown advisors regarding your particular situation. Withdrawals made beforeage 59 1 /2 may be subject to a 10% federal penalty and ordinary income taxes.Mutual fund investments are not insured and offer a variable return.To discuss your options with a retirementprofessional, call (888) 260-5480.Life InsuranceKnowing more begins now.Photography by Getty imagesWhen service to your country is over, service toyourself and your family becomes top priority.Our Term Life Insurance can help provide theprotection you need once you no longer qualify forServicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI).Coverage you can trust from an organizationyou can count on:Get free advice and determine the correct amountof coverage for your family with help from ourfinancial advisorsOur life insurance companies have the highestratings from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’sSee additional legal information on Page 30.Photography by Getty imagesUSAA.COMusaa.com Winter 2009 usaa magazine 29

THE USAAEDUCATIONALFOUNDATION ®homebuying or refinancinga homefinancial planninga guide for your survivorsThe USAA Educational Foundation,a nonprofit organization, has theresources to help makeyour life more manageable.Changing Jobs (#532)Managing CreditAnd Debt (#501)Individual RetirementAccounts (#561)Buying A Vehicle ThatMeets Your Needs (#505)Buying Or RefinancingA Home (#502)When A Loved One Dies: LegalAnd Financial Concerns (#551)When A Loved One Dies:Coping With Grief (#552)A Guide For YourSurvivors (#579)To order free publications, just call (800)531-6196 or visit usaaedfoundation.org.Have your USAA number and publicationnumber ready when you call.The USAA Educational Foundationdoes not endorse or promote any commercialproducts or services.legal disclosuresInvestments/Insurance: Not FDIC Insured • Not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose ValueUSAA or its affiliates do not provide tax advice.Taxpayers should seek advice based upon theirown particular circumstances from an independenttax advisor.Financial advice provided by USAA FinancialPlanning Services Insurance Agency, Inc.(known as USAA Financial Insurance Agencyin California) and USAA Financial Advisors,Inc., a registered broker dealer.Page 3A++ (Superior) from A.M. Best Co., highestof 16 possible ratings; Aaa (Exceptional)from Moody’s Investors Service, highest of21 possible ratings; AAA (Extremely Strong)from Standard & Poor’s, highest of 21 possibleratings.Page 18J.J. Montanaro is a CERTIFIED FINANCIALPLANNER practitioner with USAA FinancialPlanning Services, one of the USAA familyof companies.This material is for informational purposes.Consider your own financial circumstancescarefully before making a decision and consultwith your tax, legal or estate planningprofessional.Page 271A standard service fee of $13.49 willbe added to each item delivered by a localflorist, and $14.99 to each item shippeddirect. Prices may differ based on day ofdelivery. If an item is not available, a comparablesubstitute will be provided. Due to theperishable nature of our products, pleasemake any customer service inquiries within7 days of delivery.2In most locations, to purchase a ValuablePersonal Property policy, you must have aUSAA Homeowners or Renters Policy.3With replacement cost coverage, at ouroption, subject to policy limits and policydeductible, if you actually replace the propertywe will pay you the lesser of our cost to restore,repair or replace the damaged property or theamount you actually spent to restore, repair orreplace the property.4$4 a month policy provides $2,500 on scheduledjewelry. Rates may vary due to location.Page 285Earn 1 point for every $1 credit card purchaseor $2 debit card purchase. Select “credit” atcheckout; PIN-based purchases do not earnpoints. Other restrictions apply.MemberThe term “member” does not convey legal,ownership or eligibility rights. Ownership rightsare limited to eligible policyholders of UnitedServices Automobile Association.as marital status, rank or military status.Rates and benefits may vary due to eligibility.Contact us to update your records. Childrenof USAA members are eligible to purchaseauto or property insurance if their eligibleparent purchases USAA auto and propertyinsurance. Purchase of a non-property andcasualty insurance product, or an insurancepolicy offered through USAA GeneralAgency, does not establish eligibility for ormembership in USAA property and casualtyinsurance companies.USAA CompaniesUSAA means United Services AutomobileAssociation and its affiliates.Property and casualty insurance provided byUnited Services Automobile Association, USAACasualty Insurance Company, USAA GeneralIndemnity Company, Garrison Property andCasualty Insurance Company, USAA CountyMutual Insurance Company, USAA TexasLloyds Company, San Antonio, TX, and USAA,Ltd. (Europe).Investments provided by USAA InvestmentManagement Company and USAA FinancialAdvisors, Inc., both registered broker dealers.USAA Brokerage Services is a division of USAAFinancial Advisors, Inc., a registered brokerdealer. Financial planning services and financialadvice provided by USAA Financial PlanningServices Insurance Agency, Inc. (knownas USAA Financial Insurance Agency in California),a registered investment adviser andinsurance agency and its wholly owned subsidiary,USAA Financial Advisors, Inc., a registeredbroker dealer.Trust Services offered by USAA FederalSavings Bank. Credit cards provided byUSAA Savings Bank, other bank productsprovided by USAA Federal Savings Bank,both Member FDIC.Life insurance and annuities provided byUSAA Life Insurance Company, San Antonio,TX, and in New York by USAA Life InsuranceCompany of New York, Highland Falls, NY.Each company has sole financial responsibilityfor its own products.Other Product Related DisclosuresProperty and Casualty InsuranceProduct or service requirements, price andfeatures can depend on the member’s choicesas well as laws and the product or servicecontracts, which may vary by location. Weencourage you to read your USAA policiesand contracts carefully. Underwriting restrictionsapply.InvestmentsCertified Financial Planner Board of Standards,Inc. owns the certification marks CFP ® andCERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER in the U.S.,which it awards to individuals who successfullycomplete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certificationrequirements.EligibilityMembership eligibility restrictions apply topurchase of property and casualty insurance.Eligibility may change based on factors suchAll non-USAA products, brand names, companynames are trademarks or registeredtrademarks of their respective owners.© 2009 USAA.30usaa magazine WINTER 2009 (800) 531-USAA (8722)

7.25 in.9.75 in.YOUR COMMITMENTTO YOUR COUNTRYHAS NO LIMITS.YOUR LIFEINSURANCE MIGHT.Better life insurance begins now. | 888-260-5480Your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) offers a maximum payout of only$400,000. Chances are that may not be enough to provide your family with a lifetime ofsupport. That’s why we offer Military Protection Plus. It picks up where SGLI leaves off andcan stay with you long after your transition from Active Duty. And, as you’d expect, ourcoverage is military-friendly with expedited handling upon deployment and no war clause.Call now and get a quote over the phone.Military Protection Plus is level term life insurance. Initial life insurance coverage limited to $350,000. Form LLT49045ST 01-05 (may vary by state). In New York, formNLT45861NY 01-04. Military Severe Injury Benefit and option to increase coverage to replace SGLI provided by riders. Increases in coverage require payment of additionalpremium. Rider forms LBR57941ST 05-06 and LBR67140ST 05-07 (may vary by state). In New York, forms NBR60469NY 06-06 and NBR67175NY 06-07. Availability of increasedlife insurance coverage depends on characterization of military separation. Call for details on specific policy costs, benefits, limitations and availability in your state.Life insurance and annuities provided by USAA Life Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX, and in New York by USAA Life Insurance Company of New York, Highland Falls, NY.Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products. © 2009 USAA. 92050-1009

DON’T LET RETIREMENTPLANNING BECOMEYOUR SECOND JOB.TRY USAA.Better planning begins now | 800-235-0481 | usaa.comIn these economic times, evaluating your retirement strategy is not only appropriate,it’s smart. Fortunately, you have an ally in us. We offer a comprehensive suite ofretirement solutions from professionally managed portfolios to guaranteed annuities.If value and great customer service are important to your retirement planning, thenit’s time you talked with us about our integrated investing and life insurance solutions.USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Purchase of a non property and casualty insurance product does not establish eligibility for or membership inUSAA property and insurance companies. Investments provided by USAA Investment Management Company and USAA Financial Advisors Inc., both registered broker dealers. Financialplanning services and financial advice provided by USAA Financial Planning Services Insurance Agency, Inc. (known as USAA Financial Insurance Agency in California), a registeredinvestment advisor and insurance agency and its wholly owned subsidiary, USAA Financial Advisors, Inc., a registered broker dealer. An annuity is an insurance contract sold by aninsurance company designed to provide an income usually after retirement that cannot be outlived. The fixed annuity guarantee is against principal loss and depends on the claimspayingability of the issuer. Life insurance and annuities provided by USAA Life Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX, and in New York by USAA Life Insurance Company of New York,Highland Falls, NY. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products. © 2009 USAA. 92101-0709

USAA Magazine9800 Fredericksburg RoadSan Antonio, Texas 78288PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDUSAA MAGAZINEmember snapshotKai RyssdalUSAA member since 1985There are plenty of economic analysts on theairwaves. But Kai Ryssdal, host of AmericanPublic Media’s Marketplace, isn’t one of them.That may be why his show resonates with morethan 5 million public radio listeners. “I don’t have a financialbackground. My wife handles our finances,” he jokes. “I’m ajournalist. My job is to find the story and figure out how tomake it interesting and understandable.”Ryssdal made several career leaps before landing on radio.He abandoned law school plans after a friend became aNavy pilot. “I thought that sounded cool,” he says. “Sotwo weeks after graduation I threw everything Iowned into my car and drove to Pensacola.”After eight years in the Navy, Ryssdalleft active duty for posts as a U.S. ForeignService officer with the State Department.Leaving government service when his wifewas accepted to Stanford University’sGraduate School of Business put Ryssdalat a career crossroads. He tried broadcastjournalism, a good fit for the selfdescribed“news junkie.”The current economic environmenthas broadened Ryssdal’s audience, andlisteners have lots of questions forhim. “I tell people two things. First,don’t make any rash decisions withyour money. Second, find a financialprofessional you trust and who understandsyour goals.”Photography by Dave LauridsenI’ve been lucky to be able to pursue what isattractive to me at the time. For a while it was flyingoff of an aircraft carrier. Then it was diplomacyand international travel. Now, it’s Marketplace.92436-1009