The Survivor Benefit Plan--A Military Retiree's Decision

Abstract : The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is a misunderstood program of great importance to all military retirees. The author endeavors to insure his readers understand financial planning and estate planning basics in order to fully comprehend the SBP's benefits. The 1 Mar 90 changes to the SBP cost structure (6.5% vs. the old 2.5%/10% calculation method) are incorporated into the study. The central theme is that SBP should be used as a foundation for financial planning, and that other alternatives such as insurance and investments should not compete with, but should supplement SBP.