While my husband was deployed we deposited $10,000 into the Savings Deposit Program (SDP). This is available to service members serving in a combat zone. We earned 10% interest on the principal portion while he was deployed. Unfortunately it ends 90 days after leaving the zone.

In total we earned $975 on the money!! Not bad interest. I would love to earn that much in our money market account, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

We requested the money to be returned to our checking account so that we can have access to it again. No point in the government holding it any longer if it isn't going to earn any money.

To other service members, I would highly recommend putting as much in the SDP upfront to take advantage of the high interest rate on the most money you have right away. The entire process has been very smooth and without error.