Cell phone: (908) 612-4962
HELPFUL RESOURCES
There are a lot of agencies and groups who offer services to military personnel, whether active or retired. The problem is, their information is scattered all over the Internet! Here, I've drawn together some resources that may help you. If you learn of other resources that should be here, please let me know!
HELPFUL WEBSITES
- Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects the job rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to undertake military service.
Veteran Rights and Discrimination: Are You A Victim Of Veteran Discrimination?
USERRA protections fall under 3 broad categories:
- Reemployment rights
- Protections from Discrimination & Retaliation
- Health Insurance Protection
Many organizations have been formed to provide assistance to military personnel and their families. Most organizations have really useful information on their websites.National Military Family Association Inteligent.com put together this list of the best online colleges for veterans in the U.S. to help you find the support you need to pursue a higher education.
Best Online Colleges for Veterans of 2022
GOVERNMENT WEBSITES
Your first stop should always be websites maintained by the Federal Government. Then, check out the resources offered by your state, in this case, New Jersey.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Veterans eBenefits Portal (for COE)
- Military and Veterans Affairs - State of New Jersey
If you're thinking of buying a condo, make sure the building is eligible for VA Loan funding, by requesting a condo report.
Information about the new Next Generation Uniformed Services ID card
The Army's Financial Readiness Program can help Soldiers fight inflation and manage finances:
- Financial Frontline
- Learn how to lower credit card and other interest rates through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
- Soldiers can talk to financial counselors through Military OneSource,
- If you join the military and have a government student loan, the U.S. government will pay it off in 10 years through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. To see if you qualify, use the PSLF Self-Help Tool on StudentAid.gov.
- SNAP is a U.S. government program that provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an electronic benefits transfer card that can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores. To determine qualification, visit the SNAP website or call the SNAP information line at 800-221-5689.
VA LOAN
Important to your move is a mortgage advisor who specializes in VA Loans. Such an individual can ensure that the mortgage process is smooth and successful. Be aware that not all mortgage advisors know the "ins and outs" of VA Loans, so selecting the right one is critical.
For information about the VA Loan process and mortgage lenders who can help, read "9 Best VA Loan Lenders of April 2022," which was prepared by Money magazine.
VA Loan Specialists
Prosperity Home Mortgage
Prosperity Home Mortgage
Prosperity Home Mortgage
Contact Mark Sanders:
Mark Sanders, NMLSR #233908
Phone: (585) 414-1960
Loan Depot
Prosperity Home Mortgage
Prosperity Home Mortgage
Contact Ira Bodenstein:
Ira Bodenstein, NMLS #445143
Phone: (973)219-4167
Corinne Wallace, NMLS #1531585
Phone: (732) 809-2600
PenFed Credit Union
Prosperity Home Mortgage
PenFed Credit Union
Roberta Smith, NMLS #460191
Phone: (908) 419-8860
Embrace Home Loan
Veterans United Home Loans
PenFed Credit Union
One person you can trust to work for you is Gina Lalli, whom I have known for a number of years. She specializes in:
- VA Mortgages: 0% down, Funding-Fee-exempt for qualified Veterans
- Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac: minimum 5% down, access to expanded loan limits per county
- FHA: minimum 3.5% down, able to qualify for FICOs 580+ with qualifying income
- USDA: 0% down, minimum monthly mortgage insurance for qualified cities/towns and buyers’ income
- Jumbos: $417,000++ loans, no closing costs programs offered for eligible buyers with high FICO scores
Contact Gina with confidence:
Gina T. Lalli, NMS#7647
Phone: 800.333.3004 x3507
Fax: 401.851.5677
Guaranteed Rate
Veterans United Home Loans
Veterans United Home Loans
Contact Marc Demetriou.
Although located in New Jersey, Marc is licensed in all 50 states.
He comes from a military family,
and specializes in VA Loans
(with no bank fees).
He is also a long-time supporter of the wonderful USO organization.
NMLS #111118
Phone: (201) 286-3386
Veterans United Home Loans
Veterans United Home Loans
Veterans United Home Loans
I also partner with Veterans United Home Loans. Veterans United Home Loans is dedicated to serving those who served. As the Nation’s VA Loan Destination for Millions, their knowledge of the VA Loan is unmatched, but it’s their commitment to providing an unparalleled customer experience that truly distinguishes them from the competition.
Contact the Realty Coordinators at Veterans United,
to learn how they can help you!
Phone: 800-383-8470
Or contact any of these mortgage advisors:
- Casey Martin, NMLS #376814
Phone (800) 814-1103, ext 3271
- Marie Houchen, NMLS #310760
Phone: (800) 383-8470, ext 2232 mhouchen@veteransunited.com
- Maureen O'Hare, NMLS 1064196
Phone: 800-814-1103 ext 3374
Real Estate Attorneys
It is important that you have a good real estate attorney, who works with military personnel and veterans. Not every attorney understands real estate transactions, and not every attorney is cognizant of the needs of military personnel.
For legal assistance, contact Alon Solon who offers a discount to Veterans.
Alon Solon, LLC.
83 South Street, Suite 302 Freehold, N.J. 07728
Tel: (732) 409-1144
Fax: (732) 409-0350
Toll Free: (844) 4NJ-Bank (465-2265)
Website: www.alonsolonllc.com
Military, Spouses Can Temporarily Use Out-of-State Licenses Under New Law
Law aimed at easing transition for military and their families.
OTHER USEFUL WEBSITES
Substance Abuse Rehab for Veterans
The US opioid crisis has garnered a lot of press, recently. We know that many Veterans suffer from substance abuse and wish to seek help. Here is a really useful resource page with lots of helpful information.
Be sure to scroll far enough down the page, to find the sources of assistance.
Veteran Drug Addiction: Veteran Treatment for Addiction
There is a growing concern across the country regarding veterans and drug addiction. Luckily, there are treatment facilities with special programs designed to help.
It should probably be the first item in the left-hand column of the last section on the page.
The Military and Veterans Crisis Line
Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for veterans in crisis and their families and friends. If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of emotional distress, including thoughts of suicide, immediate help is available by calling 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1). Confidential help is also available in a chat online, or by sending a text message to 838255.
Health Care
When you receive Social Security payments, you also receive hospital coverage through Medicare Part A. Supplemental Medicare plans are available to help cover additional healthcare costs. On this website, you can learn about the Medicare Advantage plans that are available in New Jersey.
Memory Care
As Veterans age, they - like many of us - may experience declining memory. MemoryCare.com offers excellent information about how memory ability may change.
Financial Planning
You may still be quite young, when you retire from the military, but you should take steps to secure your financial future. Here are some tips about financial planning that you may find helpful.
Active Duty Storage
Active Duty Storage
Active Duty Storage
Active duty storage is storage for service members and military families who are moving to a new base.
Small Business
Active Duty Storage
Active Duty Storage
How to Start a Small Business? Here's "A Veteran's SMB Guide with Tools and Financial Resources". This website contains some of the Best Grants, Loans & Training Resources for Veteran Entrepreneurs in 2022.
Veteran Benefits, Financial Resources, and Discounts for Military Families
Empower Employ Has a Free App That Connects Veterans and Spouses to Civilian Jobs
Veteran Benefits, Financial Resources, and Discounts for Military Families
Military families have a lot to deal with - emotionally, logistically, and financially. What benefits are out there for military families to make life a bit easier for them? Where can they find discounts and deals? We've identified this helpful financial guide aimed specifically to help military family members learn about the different r
Military families have a lot to deal with - emotionally, logistically, and financially. What benefits are out there for military families to make life a bit easier for them? Where can they find discounts and deals? We've identified this helpful financial guide aimed specifically to help military family members learn about the different resources, federal programs, retail discounts, and deals for dependents of U.S. soldiers.
Free Grants for Veterans
Empower Employ Has a Free App That Connects Veterans and Spouses to Civilian Jobs
Veteran Benefits, Financial Resources, and Discounts for Military Families
These grants are given away for free, and they could help low income veterans with bills, mortgage, rent, housing, college, and medications . Please note that grants are only given for veterans who can prove financial difficulties. Apply for multiple grants to ensure your needs are met.
Empower Employ Has a Free App That Connects Veterans and Spouses to Civilian Jobs
Empower Employ Has a Free App That Connects Veterans and Spouses to Civilian Jobs
Empower Employ Has a Free App That Connects Veterans and Spouses to Civilian Jobs
Empower Employ's app helps recruiters and companies reach out to veterans. Recruiters connect with applicants after searching through a series of filters. The app has resources for veteran employees, connections to recruiters, opportunities for mentorship and more. It won the Heartland Ventures and RTRX Veterans in Tech Pitch Competition.
New Jersey Communities
For a snapshot of some of the communities I serve, check out their municipal websites:
- Berkeley Heights - among the best small towns in the U.S.
- Dunellen - the railroad town, with excellent connections
- Edison - check out the video TourBook!
- Fanwood - a charming community on the "Midtown Direct" train line to Manhattan
- Hillsborough - a growing, semi-rural community
- Metuchen - a bustling, but compact community with a fabulous main street of shops & restaurants
- New Providence - great downtown shopping
- North Plainfield - nestled at the base of the Watchung Mountains
- Piscataway - great town for sports activities
- Scotch Plains - located on the "Midtown Direct" train line to Manhattan
- Somerset - northern section of Franklin Township, near Rutgers University
- South Plainfield - hosts the best patriotic parades!
- Warren - the township in the mountains, with a beautiful municipal complex
- Watchung - also in the mountains, with two lovely ponds & recreation area
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