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The advantage of USAA was that it was owned by it members, its operations were low cost, and its primary products were insurance (auto, home, life) where servicemen were having difficulty with industry practices at the time which were not well suited to support people who were frequently moving and often deployed overseas.

Today due to technology low cost commercial insurers (Geico, Progressive) have the capability of providing insurance products similar to USAA and servicing customers who move frequently or are located overseas so the competitive advantage with respect to the insurance product has disappeared. With respect to banking and investment products, USAA never had a product superiority or service advantage, they were simply add-on products developed to sell more to the existing membership.

Today it no longer has a cost advantage versus competitive options for most insurance products. Its one remaining advantage seems to be “one stop shopping” for a variety of financial products. Before I retired there were definitely advantages to having my insurance and financial relationship with one company. Now that I’m retired, and have time to manage multiple relationships, that advantage of USAA has gone away. In fact, with lower income in retirement, I will spend more time managing my accounts to realize cost savings. Now that I have time to shop, I have learned USAA doesn’t always have the lowest cost, best product for a particular need, or the best service.

The only advantage I can think of today with USAA is its reputation for fast and efficient claim service. I’ve had only two auto claims and both were handled fast and efficiently. I also had one homeowner’s claim (leak water damage) a few years ago. The disaster recovery contractor USAA sent out to deal with the damage had some issues but I was able to work out the problems in a few days. USAA paid the claim with no problem. Based on my experience, and the company’s reputation, USAA generally does not hassle or nickel and dime on claims.

For auto insurance Geico and Progressive are cost and service competitive in many states. The same with homeowner’s insurance. There are a number of internet based low cost term life insurance companies. An independent insurance agent can often help find good low cost life insurance policies with smaller companies.

As to banking, I’ve found local banks and credit unions are very cost competitive with USAA Bank.

As to investments, Vanguard provides mutual funds with much lower fees than USAA as well as higher performing funds. Some of the Blackrock and Fidelity index mutual funds are also low fee (others are not, read the fine print). I moved most of my investments to Vanguard and found the fees and service better than at USAA.

I still have my auto insurance at USAA and some of my life insurance policies. I am giving serious consideration to moving my auto policies to Progressive. The life policies are cost prohibitive to move due to my age.

Well, as “they” say- “Words have consequences”.

Protests about the Country in general, or the Flag as a representative symbol, don’t sit right with me. America is not perfect, but we are not defined as (or guilty as charged) being a racist, police brutality, hateful society, regardless of who voices that very minority opinion. The FACTS don’t support it- hope they never do.

Tho the number of Americans trashing this Country, is a very vocal number, a very tiny, tiny not-yet minority given advertised “identity power” by the liberal media, is seemingly growing- and with them, the number of fawning companies & organizations- Target and AARP but two that immediately come to mind & have reaped the anti-benefit).

So be it. “They”, unlike “we few”, have not seen the dregs of nations enslaving & killing their own, with zero chance or opportunity for the individual citizen to obtain “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”. Nor fought for “My Country, may she ever be Right, but my Country Right or Wrong.” (the full quote in context).

Thus I will not be in “silent” opposition to these protests against America in general perpetuated in and by the NFL. I in turn “Protest” the lack of intestinal fortitude and PC caving by the NFL. The NFL has chosen its side of the “Protest” from my perspective, (as has ESPN & early indications the NBA may soon follow), has tried to create a “wishy-washy” position of being only a “little bit” pregnant- the bumbling, incompetent, Modern Parent whose child is free from all restraints. The Modern Parent who can not conceive of any other response other than implied consent/support, by doing “Nothing.” Well, I do not have to condone thuggery by children or support and associate with such parents. You & your child not welcome in my home. FOOTBALL AIN’T FAMILY- as they would would like you to believe,.. and THEY ain’t welcome.

Which is why I cancelled Dish “Sports Package & NFL Network.” My decision- positive action- not silence. (and followed up to DISH as why.)

(And My Position APPLIES TO NFL OWNERS, too. Your brand & pocketbook will be effected. Tho note*** Colts released a player the day (yesterday?) after his on field protest- ??? Consequences???)

So, now we get to USAA and their “continuing Sponsorship” of NFL. I believe USAA thinks they can rumble along,.. play the fence & generally not get involved- Life as Usual-not commit or make any decisions. One would think that with all the former military leadership involved, they would have learned the lessons- NOT making any decision IS in FACT a decision.
Think not??? Well why haven’t they sent out a USAA-wide explanation to ALL of us? Perhaps they don’t think it’s important? Or ignore it & problem/conflict will go away? Why does it take an individual member to ask them??
Well, after 43 years this ain’t the first time USAA & I have had differences (nor I suspect most of you either). But this involves integrity & honor of companies & organizations of whom I give MY loyalty. Might I suggest we follow-up on the contact numbers or USAA and let them know “their underwear” is showing?? It’s only a first step- but it ain’t silence.