Buying too Much Car
I’ve seen it happen again and again. Brand spanking new airman comes out of tech school and ready to fly, fight, and win to their first base. The problem I see often, is how nonchalant an airman is going into deep debt and having half their income spent on car payments. I’ve seen Porsches, Challengers, and BMWs parked in front of the dorms. A sight I should only see at dealerships.
Some airmen even have multiple vehicles which always gives me a headache because I’m trying to understand how that even makes sense. Do not be that guy! Buy a beater or better yet, get a sweet bicycle to save some money and wait until you have a few more stripes.
Buying too much house
This one is even worse. Buying a 300-500K house when you’re only making a few thousand bucks is insane and is the fastest way to go broke. Get a roommate or just rent a small apartment first before tackling the biggest expense purchase you will EVER make in your lifetime.
Getting married too soon
You think you have finally found “the one” and I know the MTI has been beating you up physically and mentally. This is it.
Love conquers all!
Until it doesn’t.
One year later, divorce papers.
Lawyers love young military divorce because it is easy money for them. That empty feeling in your stomach and wallet however, will let you feeling a bit down in the dumps. Thousands and thousands of dollars will be spend on fees along with heartbreak, stress, and anxiety. Take your time with love. There are over 6 billion people in the world. One will be there when you are ready.
Increasing vehicle size based on new baby
So you didn’t listen to the advice above and also went double whammy and had a baby.
Tough outing.
Babies cost a lot of money. What I’ve noticed is this idea that the ole Honda fit can’t do the job anymore based on one child and go into deeper debt by buying a large SUV. SUVs, on average can cost over 30K! Plus the baby equals struggle and hardship for a very long time.
Stick to the smaller hatchbacks, save some money, and discuss this decision with your significant other on what game plan is needed when a new baby arrives. If you are on your way to having a large family, please stop living a lie by buying an SUV. Get a MINIVAN. It’s designed to carry loads of people. Just put a tint on it and some sweet hubcaps and we’ll all think you’re still cool.
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