Ahhh. Retirement. No job. No rules. All relaxation.

Not yet.

Before you can stretch out on your backyard hammock, first you apparently spend a good six to 12 months in panic mode as you file paperwork, reconfigure your household budget and hyperventilate just a few times as you ponder the reality of living on that single amount of money. Forever.

This has at least been my experience.

Military retirement is arguably the best deal in the nation. Few other employers can guarantee that employees who stick around for 20 years will receive a pension equal to 50 percent of their paycheck - for life. The medical benefits that veterans and their dependents have access to and the community discounts are icing on the cake.

But none of that comes easy.  Like all things military, there are rolls of red tape to be cut, paperwork to shuffle and explanations of benefits that seem clear cut but really are not. If you are medically retired, multiply that chaos by 10.

 As I researched the benefits and entitlements my husband should expect upon his impending retirement I have compiled a list of websites that seem to be helpful.

I wish I could tell you retirement was simple, but it’s not. There are a lot of unanswered questions. There are a lot of decisions to be made. There are a lot of unexpected surprises, especially if you still have young children in the house to support.

However, these sites give a good overview of many of the different aspects of military retirement: pay, housing, medical and death benefits.

You will have more questions, but these sites should get your planning juices flowing.

Here’s to frothy drinks with paper umbrellas … eventually. First, check these out:

Retirement Pay Calculator
Want a good estimate of what your monthly take will be after retirement?

The Military Retirement System
A basic overview of what happens upon retirement, an explanation of some of the basic lingo and what you should expect:

2013 U.S. Military Retired Handbook
This site publishes handbooks for all aspects of military life, including retirement. It has a detailed breakdown of what every term means, and you can download it for free.  

Social Security and Military Benefits
Many veterans are eligible to receive social security benefits even if they receive a monthly pension. Here are the details, how to file and how to know if you are eligible.

Best Places for Military Retirees
Never had to pick a place to live permanently? Let U.S. News & World Report do it for you. They write an annual piece rating the best places for military retirees. 

Veterans Health Administration
Many veterans will qualify for care through the Veterans’ Administration, however there are rules and more paperwork.

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors
The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs offers an entire package of benefits to veterans and their dependents.

State Veteran's Benefits
Each state also offers veterans benefits, ranging from education dollars to lower property taxes. Check your state’s programs here.