Great financial skills or poor priorities decisions? Can both be mixed?

The perfect vehicle for driving in the snow. Stupid financial decisions by our new service members is almost a time honored tradition. I would lasso them immediately when they come in and spend bouque time on financial counseling. Even after putting it in writing, verbal counseling, begging, pleading, etc, they still managed to find ways to fit the stereotype.

A great deal of responsibility comes with marriage. Even as a single Soldier you got it right it has to be a balance between wanting, needing and ability to afford and item. One thing that my wife which is a Soldier as well says to me is babe let's go and see that shiny stuff that me or you are interested in grab it, look at it and think do you want this or do you need this item. Even if you decide that you needed if is not an emergency wait save money for it and buy it you still so interested in the item. My grandma was a firm believer in savings and she use to say out of that dollar save a quater for a rainy day. You are in the right mindset for holding on having kids right away, saving 30% of your paychecks and living within your means. Me and my way have savings and investment accounts for following the principle of living within our means and is looking great for us as we are getting ready to retire. Can we afford a bigger place, newer cars and fancy trips the answer is yes but why? We are saving for the future so we don't have to be 70yrs of age and still working. We do take vacations and enjoy dinners and like to pamper ourselves but it comes after we save for it, budget and stay within those limits. You are on the right track keep this up and when you get the chance sit down with a financial advisor I know USAA have those handy free of cost or someone in your community that you trust. Once you become that NCO continue to mentor your Soldiers on financial skill in the long run will save relationships, careers and will be a good incentive to not live paycheck to paycheck.

I have to admit, I'm amazed at the financial savvy of some of these younger troops... Definitely more so than when I was at that rank...

Most I dealt with just had poor priorities. They had zero expenses so could do whatever they wanted, but weren't exactly planning for the future. I know at least one that regrets burning his college fund on a Mustang, but that's what 20 years of maturing does.

Keep saving your money. A lot of joes are in debt up to their ears. Cars are not investments. Don't buy them if you don't have to. Build a business (or 2 or 3) with your savings and don't trust the army with your retirement.