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Your guide to making extra cash. Tips & Products to help you navigate life while living in the barracks.
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’t 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 without feeling like you’re struggling.
If you’re 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 not have 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 in the barracks. 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 financial 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 you’re provided meals or on separate rations, eating at the DFAC will be the most cost-saving. If you work odd hours, check with the DFAC beforehand; they may offer some meals to go. This may be something as simple as PB&J, but when you’re hungry, it probably won’t matter.
This applies to stateside living, but always ask for military discounts. I know this can feel like a weird thing to ask, but a lot of businesses 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 worst thing they can say is no, so might as well ask.
If you 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 the tax implication then decide if you will need one or not.
This could apply to the stateside, but overseas countries like Germany have trash and recycling laws. Finding a Kaserne or facility to throw out your trash can be difficult to find. Where 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 hands to help out, offer those willing to help to take theirs 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 now and again. So if you don’t mind this type of work, you could make some easy cash. You may need to find out if this is accepted in your unit or not, but if it is that’s an easy 50 to 100 bucks.
If you’re overseas, get the exchange rate from a bank (or ATF if no bank is available). Most vendors may have good intentions, but if you’re new to the country, it will be easy for you to overpay.
Both overseas and stateside compare PX prices to retail. Even if duty-free does not necessarily mean it’s 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.
Click the Guide Hub for all the other barracks guides, and be sure to check my top picks for items that you can get for your room right now.
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 whatever you leaning needs are with the Nitrile disposable gloves. Prepare your meals or clean out your room; you will be in good hands with Nitrile.
