Search:

Home | Finances


Military Money Tips to Avoid Debt and Build Wealth

By: Vince Shorb

Skyrocketing foreclosures, bankruptcies and military debt hitting near record levels, how are today's member of the military making ends meet? Unfortunately, many in the military are finding themselves in bad financial situations and being preyed upon by payday lenders.

Financial education - a skill young people desperately need - isn't taught in high schools. So for many military personnel, they enter the military without any knowledge on how to handle their finances. This can lead to financial problems and military debt since it's the first time many of them have to make financial decisions for themselves.

This lack of financial education is evident in a recent Associated Press report stating that thousands of U.S. troops are being banned from serving overseas because they are deep in debt. Because of this high level of debt they are considered security risks. On top of that, many unscrupulous payday lenders are taking unfair advantage of many members of the military by charging them fees and interest rates that make it almost impossible for them to get out of the hole.

You can become financially secure in the military with some simple steps. The tips below will put you on the path to financial freedom.

1. Cut your expenses. To afford the items you would like to purchase, start by listing everything that you want to buy in the order you want to buy them. This will help you focus your spending on the things you want the most.

To eliminate needless waist, monitor what you spend money on for a few weeks. Find out where you spend your money by writing down everything you purchase. If you're spending four dollars on a cup of coffee during the week that adds up to more that $1,000 a year. It's a great way to find out what small daily purchases add up to big expense.

Develop a military budget by writing down your take home pay and listing your current expenses. If you're spending more than you make, it's time to cut those expenses or work extra hard to get that promotion.

2. Create a savings plan. The average American spends more than they earn, so become a money rebel and save money. With a simple investment plan, just by saving $250 a month starting at age 18, you could reach millionaire status by age 40.

Get in the habit of paying yourself first. Have your bank automatically transfer a portion of your money from a checking account to a savings account or start an allotment directly to your savings account. Each time you deposit your paycheck, money is automatically transferred into your savings before you have a chance to spend it. That way you'll have military money set aside for the long-term and available for the things you want to buy now.

Many of you are serving the country overseas now in hostile territory and earning hostile fire and imminent danger pay. You'll find this is an ideal way to keep more money in your pocket. Take advantage of the military programs such as TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) and SDP (Savings Deposit Program) that allow you to save military money and earn a higher return when compared with most civilian savings accounts. By simply setting that military money aside, it will help you to have money in the bank and a way to treat yourself when your return for a job well done.

3. Have Uncle Sam pay for your house. The military offers many benefits that will allow you to become a homeowner. VA loans allow you to borrow 100% of the purchase price which means you won't need money for a down payment in most cases. Combine that with BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) for civilian housing and you can have your mortgage payments paid for.

This is a huge benefit because you purchase a $100,000 home your property could be valued at over $570,000 in 30 years. The best part is using BAH you could of not even made a payment with your own money.

4. Invest in yourself. The military offers education benefits through the G.I. Bill, VEAP (Veterans Educational Assistance Program), LRP (Loan Repayment Programs) and TA (Tuition Assistance) may all help you to get a higher education. Just like in the civilian world the higher education you receive the more likely you are to get promoted and paid more.

You serve America, preserve our freedoms; and you deserve to be financially free to live the lifestyle you want without having to worry about military debt. The tips above will help you avoid the shackles of life long debt and put you on the road to financial freedom.

Article Source: http://www.newagelivingarticles.com

Give yourself the freedom that you deserve by learning the simple military money lessons that will help you afford what you want now and secure your financial future. Visit Vince Shorb's, 'Financially Free By 30' site now for free video lessons. Go to www.FreeBy30.com

Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Finances Articles Via RSS!
Additional Articles From - Home | Finances

 Free Traffic


banner











Sign Up for a free account or learn more.
Article Directory Software
Click here to download the exact software that powers this directory for FREE. Start your own article directory today!
Google
Top Authors
Submit Articles
Member Login
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds
Little Book Of Becoming
Masters of the Secret
The Singularity Is Near
Distribute Your Articles to 1000's!
Wildwind Enterprises
Bookstore
About Us
Link to Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Links
All Links Directory All Links Directory is 100% SEO friendly Directory and Human Edited.

Accurate Online Psychic Readings Lilly provides a unique personal empowerment, spiritual approach to intuitive readings, as well as a vast array of other resources for the spiritual seeker. Access your Spiritual Guidance and turn negative karma into spiritual gold!

Psychic Sights An extensive portal of Psychic links, Metaphysical and New Age links and resources focused on quality.

Earth Spirits.org

Gaiam.com, Inc
Spiritual Cinema Circle
Visit the metaphysical directory for a complete list of metaphysics related websites.
Royalty Free Images
NewAgeLivingArticles.com » Copyright © 2007 WildWind Enterprises
Terms of Service | Submission Guidelines | Contact Us | Link to Us| Privacy Policy | About Us | Article Submissions With A Click 100's of Sites!

Powered by Article Dashboard