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There are many reasons why you decided to join the armed forces, but making money wasn’t one of them. That doesn’t mean you can make an extra few bucks here and there. From lifestyle choices, being thrifty , and learning to spot an opportunity. You can still live your life your way with feeling like your struggling.
If your an E1 or an NCO watching your budget is very important. From my experience new soldiers struggle with finances. A lot are fresh from high school and may have not held down a job before. This will not be a full finance guide, it will offer tips and things to think about to help point you in the right direction.
This guide will show you tips to prepare yourself before you move in or if you already live the life. I will also give you my top picks that you should consider for your barracks or dorm.
Check with your unit, MWR or any other on base resources for finical courses. Even if just an overview, you learn how to save and spend your funds wisely.
Eating on base is almost always going to be your cheapest option. If your provided meals or on separate rations eating at the DFAC will be the most cost savings. If you work odd hours, check with the DFAC before hand, they may offer some meals to go. This may be something as simple as PB&J, but when your hungry it probably wont matter.
This applies to state side living but always ask for military discounts. I know this can feel weird thing to ask, but a lot of business will give 5 % to 10 % off their items or services. This may not seem like much on smaller cost items but it will add up in time. Retailers near bases like to show their support, the worse thing they can say is no, so might as well ask.
If overseas use VAT forms. This might feel like a pain or you may have a small fee. But your planning on making a big purchase like a grandfather clock or a vehicle, you will want to consider tax implication then decide if you will need on or not.
This could apply to state side but overseas countries like Germany have trash and recycle laws. Finding a Kaserne or facility to throw out your trash can be difficult to find. Were others see annoyance I see opportunity. I had a truck and weekly I would offer my barracks mates to throw out their trash for a dollar a bag. I would then find a proper place to discard them. It’s an easy 20 to 50 bucks you can make. If you need more hand to help out offer those will to help to take thiers for free.
Fire guard, CQ and other pop up duties can spoil your weekend. When time allowed I would approach my roommates who had these duties and offer to work them for a price. Most of these jobs are simple, you just need to be awake and check on things every now and again. So if you don’t mind this type or work, you could make some easy cash. You may need to feel out if this accepted in your unit or not, but if it is that’s an easy 50 to a 100 bucks.
If your overseas, get exchange rate from bank (or ATF if no bank is available) most vendors may have good intentions, but if your new to the country it will easy for you to over pay.
Both overseas and stateside compare PX prices to retail. Even if duty free does not necessarily mean its a good deal. Take your time and buy only the items you need.
Depending on your MOS, units may let you have another job outside your duty. You should always check with your leadership first before applying for a job. If you are green lit to have an outside job, be mindful of the work. If it interferes with your duty, your command will make you quit. Military life can change very fast, PCS,ETS, and deployments keep that in mind as you may need to quit a job with little notice.
Be ready to tackle your messy job with Hefty Ultra strong bags. These 13 gallon bags will be a good fit in your dorm or college room. Durable bags with odor control.
With a 100 count you will be able to pick up gross trash or what ever you leaning needs are with the Nitrile disosable gloves. Prepare your meals or clean out your room, you will be in good hands with Nitrile.
