Welcome to “You’re Welcome.blog.” This site is dedicated to teaching you things the Army should teach you…but doesn’t. I’m specifically talking to new and old barrel chested freedom fighters who are tired of being “taught” SHARP, Information Awareness, Cyber Awareness, AT Level 1, etc. and are interested in learning about actual useful things like money, health, and fitness.
This site is will cover the basics; it is NOT a PhD level dissection of whether you should invest all your disposable income in Bitcoin or Litecoin (*cough neither?), start counting MACROS vs throwing up after every meal (great way to lose weight before a show!), or run in nothing but HOKAs or Five Fingers (real friends don’t let friends work out in either).
If you are looking for some advanced level, ninja shit; then please save your time and look elsewhere.
There are tons of sites that already exist built by people way smarter than me that can help you in your journey to Lego Master Builder.
However; if you are interested in learning the “Bottom-Line Up-Front” basics about some of the topics listed below, or just a different point of view; then please check in each week for new articles.
- Budgets for Beginners
- Blended Retirement System (New hotness) vs. High-3 Retirement System (Ole Reliable)
- Thrift Savings Plan Funds
- WTF is an IRA and why do I need one?
- Baller Credit Card/hotel rewards hacks
- Legit Tax Return hacks (mil only!)
- Deployment Cheddar and what to do with it
- Oh shit! I’m gonna be a dad!
- How to not work-out like an idiot
- Injury free Running
- How to not eat like shit but still enjoy life
Who am I and why should you listen to me?
In July 2007, I was a young, single 2nd Lieutenant… fresh out of the Citadel, full of piss and vinegar, and ready to win the War on Terror. #bachelorlife
In July 2009, I was a still young, but definitely NOT single 1st Lieutenant…with a wife, a newborn, and a mortgage; a little less piss and vinegar, but still ready to win the War on Terror. #dependentlife
Four PCS’s and ten years later, I have deployed five times to Haiti, Iraq, and Afghanistan and served with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 10th Mountain Division, and the 75th Ranger Regiment. I am still married to the same amazing woman and managed to add one more strapping 6-year old boy to the mix.
I’m not an expert on any of this stuff, but I’ve learned quite a bit through trial and error and learning from my mistakes. I’ve also had the advantage of being surrounded by some incredibly smart people. Young people are historically extremely poor at learning from the mistakes of others. Hopefully, this site can help relieve some of that blunt force trauma type learning.
I believe in taking a balanced approach to money, health, and fitness. By that I mean, it’s important to plan for the future, while still taking time to enjoy the present. Self-improvement, defining goals, and working towards them is critical, but don’t become so consumed by them that you never appreciate what you already have. Some people are perfectly content with use single-ply toilet paper or never taking a vacation until they are 60 in order to save money for retirement. Others use a bidet and don’t feel alive unless they’ve visited every foreign country that’s not a warzone before they are 60…while flying in a refurbished Concord Jet. I’m neither of these people. I personally try to live in the big gray area between #YODO, #FOMO, and #YOLO.
Once again, I am NOT a certified financial adviser, fitness instructor, or dietitian. These are my own opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army, Department of Defense, or any other institution.
You’re Welcome
Ian Dulaney
Matt, this will be a a real milestone for the welfare of those you’ve lead and have followed.
You’re a good man.
Wade
I’m reading to spite Matthew Nelson… also because you’re a good man.