Smart Money: Exploring the VA's Financial Literacy and Home Loan Programs

The VFW is dedicated to the wellness of our members. Physical and mental wellness are well-known attributes of a good life but few consider financial wellness as a contributing factor to overall wellness. As we begin the new year, we always want to do better. We have resolutions. We want to make better financial decisions using all of the tools at our disposal. But, it can be a hunt to discover what all those tools are.

To explore some of the VA's financial offerings for veterans and service members, Host Rob Couture, talks with Mr. Shak Hill and Mr. Joe Bell. Shak Hill is a Program Analyst for the Office of Transition & Economic Development (OTED) in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). He describes the free Wellness Wednesday Financial Education courses offered by the VBA and Prudential. John Bell is the Acting Executive Director of Loan Guaranty Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He shares resources and information regarding the VA Home Loan program and why it is the right financial choice for veterans.

Shak Hill, Program Analyst for the Office of Transition & Economic Development (OTED), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)

• Mr. Hill describes his service in the Air Force, becoming a flight commander, and how the fruits of his physical fitness developed into him officiating MLS games. [3:43]

• Wellness Wednesday Financial Education is a series of free classes offered to veterans, transitioning service members, and their families to help them achieve financial fitness. [7:52]

• Mr. Hill describes how individual needs and questions are addressed after a Wellness Wednesday class. [15:12]

• Additional financial educational opportunities are on the horizon, as Mr. Hill explains. [18:09]

• Mr. Hill provides how veterans, transitioning service members, and their families can register for financial classes and information. [20:41]

John Bell, Acting Executive Director of Loan Guaranty Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

• In the military, John was part of Operation Restore Hope and later became involved in the mortgage business. [27:23]

• Joe describes his role as Executive Director of Loan Guaranty Service at the VA and key elements of the VA Home Loan program. [29:28]

• What an appraisal is and what it isn't. [37:34]

• The residual income requirement ensures a veteran can stay in a home once the loan has been approved. [40:16]

• Resources for additional information about the VA's Home Loan program. [42:06]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

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@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

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Find more about the Financial Wellness classes offered by the VBA here

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