By Celia Ruiz, Regional Director – Compass Military Division

As a mom, a military spouse, and someone proudly serving the military community through the Compass Military Division, I work every day to help families just like yours navigate VA benefits — from homeownership to education.

But this year, it got personal.
👉 My daughter is starting college this fall.
And even with everything I know about VA benefits, I still bought this book. Because why not?

When it comes to setting your child (or yourself!) up for educational success, you don’t want to leave anything on the table — especially the benefits you’ve already earned through your service.

That’s why I’m so excited to share this:
📘 College Finances for Military Families: Including Post-9/11 GI Bill® Benefits
by financial educator Kate Horrell — available for pre-order July 3, 2025.

This book is a lifesaver for military families. Whether you’re planning years in advance or trying to figure out next semester’s tuition bill, it’s the most practical, real-world resource I’ve seen for navigating military education benefits.

💡 What the Book Covers

From the Post-9/11 GI Bill® to FAFSA and private scholarships, this book gives you a clear, step-by-step roadmap to build a complete, cost-effective college plan for your family.

✅ Post-9/11 GI Bill®
✅ Montgomery GI Bill®
✅ Tuition Assistance
✅ The Yellow Ribbon Program
✅ 529 college savings plans
✅ Transferring benefits to a spouse or child
✅ FAFSA, Pell Grants, and federal aid coordination
✅ State tuition waivers & military-dependent scholarships
✅ Avoiding predatory schools & marketing traps

And it’s not just about what’s available — it’s about how to strategically layer and time these resources to make them go further. Kate even addresses what happens when eligibility changes and how to maintain your benefits through PCS moves, deployments, or civilian transitions.

🎯 Designed for Real Military Life

What makes this book stand out is how well it speaks to the realities of military life — frequent relocations, unpredictable orders, transitions, and everything in between. It doesn’t just explain programs. It shows you how to actually use them in the chaos of real life.

This guide is:

• Easy to understand — no jargon

• Organized clearly — great for busy families

• Packed with real examples — not theory

• Written by someone who truly gets it

Even if you think you “know enough,” this book will open your eyes to opportunities you may not have realized were available — including those beyond federal programs.

🔍 Searching for Scholarships or VA Education Benefits?

If you’ve Googled things like:

• How to transfer GI Bill benefits to dependents

• VA education benefits for military spouses

• Yellow Ribbon Program eligibility

• Can I use GI Bill and FAFSA together?

• Best military scholarships 2025

• How to apply for in-state tuition as a veteran

📘 THIS is your one-stop answer book.

Kate Horrell’s book turns complicated information into a strategic plan — helping families avoid costly mistakes and unlock the maximum value of the benefits they’ve earned.

🛒 Pre-Order It Now on Amazon

This is a must-have guide if:

• You’re a service member planning ahead

• A veteran transitioning to civilian life

• A military spouse managing your child’s college journey

• A parent trying to stretch every dollar across multiple kids or degrees

🎯 Click here to pre-order College Finances for Military Families on Amazon
📅 Available for pre-order starting July 3, 2025!

🎖️ Let’s Take It Further — Join Our Free Seminar for Military Families

Books are powerful — but so is community and connection. That’s why I’m inviting you to join us in person at our 2025 VA Homefront Seminar Series — where we talk real-world strategies, success stories, and expert advice on everything from VA loans to education planning.

These events are FREE, designed for active-duty, veterans, and their families, and hosted by myself and other trusted professionals in the field.

✨ Seminar Schedule for 2025 ✨

📍 Shoma Bazaar | 9420 NW 41st St, Doral

📅 Date 📘 Topic June 11 VA Homefront: Multi-Family Wealth Building – How to Buy a Multifamily Property with Your VA Loan and Create Rental Income July 9 VA Homefront: Cracking the Condo Code – Using Your VA Loan to Buy a Condo—Even When It’s Not VA Approved August 13 VA Homefront: Second Time, Still Eligible – How to Use Your VA Loan Again—Even If You Already Own a Home September 10 VA Homefront: Hidden Benefits for Disabled Veterans – From Funding Fee Waivers to Property Tax Exemptions—Know Your Rights October 8 VA Homefront: VA Loans for Luxury Living – How to Buy High-End Properties Using Your VA Entitlement November 12 VA Homefront Masterclass: The Ultimate VA Loan Playbook – Everything You Need to Know to Maximize Your VA Home Loan December 10 VA Homefront: Celebration & Community – Honoring Our Heroes – Year-End Social with Veterans & Experts

📞 Call: 305.965.1882
📧 Email: celia@morethanthesale.com
📍 Location: Shoma Bazaar, Doral

📝 Save Your Seat – Register Now!

Space is limited, and our events fill quickly. Whether you’re buying your first home, investing for the future, or planning your kids’ education — we’re here to help you succeed.

👉 Click here to register now

Final Thoughts 💬

Military life is filled with unknowns — but your education plan doesn’t have to be. With the right knowledge and support, you can confidently take control of your family’s future.

📘 College Finances for Military Families is the playbook I wish every military family had years ago. So get the book, register for a seminar, and let’s build a better future — together.

With gratitude,
Celia Ruiz
Regional Director | Compass Military Division