That much closer to financial freedom...

beautifullyhaunted · 09-16-2007, 01:11 PM

Well folks, I leave in 8 days.

9/25: BCT Ft. Jackson SC
2/4: AIT Ft. Jackson SC

Im going to be a financial planner so I just might be able to help out around here, lol.

I got a $20,000 quick ship bonus for leaving before the end of September, so that's a sure nice bonus!

I'll be there 39 days before training actually starts. I also get 2 weeks off at Christmas. So, thats 54 days that Im getting paid for nothing in addition to basic lol.

AIT starts 2/4 and is 8 weeks long. I signed for 4 years, and Im so close to being able to pay my bills! When I come home for Christmas about a week before Xmas, I'll have almost $3000 in my bank account. I'll be able to buy gifts for my family, and pay off all the smaller accounts. Then when I get out of AIT and get to my duty station, I'll get half of my $20g's, and buy a decent laptop (Yay I can finally own a Mac lol) and then put a chunk in savings for my EF and then the rest will go to bills. Then every month I'll be able to put almost my entire paycheck towards bills until I can finally post in here that im DONE. ZERO debt. Im not even going to buy a car until I have no debt. (I know, I'll spend almost $3000 on a laptop but wont buy a car first. Its a little whack, but when I signed the dotted line I decided Id treat myself to one thing, and all I want is a laptop, and Im going to get the one I want you know? Call me crazy but oh well lol)

I cant wait. Ill also be going to school for accounting and that sort of thing. Ahhhhh Im so excited

Michelle68 · 09-16-2007, 01:21 PM

Congratulations and keep us updated on how everything goes.

--Michelle

MrsMcDowell · 09-16-2007, 01:35 PM

Congratulations! Good luck at Basic and AIT. I had my basic at Ft. Jackson. It actually gets really cold there in the winter time. I liked Ft. Jackson and I adored my drill sgts.

I know you said you'll be there for 39 days before your training cycle actually begins---be warned reception freaking sucks. I hated being in reception (what they call the holding area type thing).

I hope everything works out for you!

beautifullyhaunted · 09-16-2007, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsMcDowell

Congratulations! Good luck at Basic and AIT. I had my basic at Ft. Jackson. It actually gets really cold there in the winter time. I liked Ft. Jackson and I adored my drill sgts.

I know you said you'll be there for 39 days before your training cycle actually begins---be warned reception freaking sucks. I hated being in reception (what they call the holding area type thing).

I hope everything works out for you!

Itll probably feel like summer after spending 23 years in Upstate NY

and thanks ladies

When did you go to basic?

Mom23boys · 09-16-2007, 01:55 PM

Good luck to you!! I hope everything works out for you. Keep us posted on your progress.

MrsMcDowell · 09-16-2007, 02:00 PM

I went in the winter of 03. I got there right before Thanksgiving, got to come home for 2 weeks for Christmas, and graduated in January, then went to Ft. Sam for AIT.

amecoy75002 · 09-16-2007, 02:36 PM

Good Luck and be safe

accountantbyday · 09-17-2007, 10:24 AM

I don't know if they have it set up special or not (knowing the Army, probably not), but you will lose 27% if it to taxes right off the bat. Make sure to factor that in. You'll most likely get it back as a refund in 2009 for your 2008 taxes, but make sure you work it into your budget for next year, I don't want you to be disappointed or upset when you don't get the whole amount and see it as a setback, when it's really just a delay.

sdrjeolsen · 09-17-2007, 11:07 AM

Good luck, keep us posted!