So I had to save money and have enough saved up for a decent apartment and a car until I was able to find a job that gave me enough income to keep it going. Fortunately I was able to do so and never looked back.
But for those four years, I lived in the enlisted barracks, dined at the chow hall and volunteered for every field exercise that was available (so I wouldn't be tempted to spend money).
It was the discipline of living below my means and always putting something aside. Habits I've had my entire life. I could write a book on how I did that including giving credit for some people that were instrumental in my youth for setting me on that path.
Thanks for serving...:). Always respected you guys...
In the Navy, if you weren’t married, you weren’t allowed to get the food allowance instead of a chow hall pass until you were E-4. Well, when I got to E4, I just couldn’t resist buying some damn thing for my first car I ever bought, and...came to grief on the rocks of having no chow hall pass and being broke!
I know. Completely stupid. But...I always had to learn some things the hard way.
When I got out, I went to college using the GI Bill (I was one of the LAST ones to get the old style way back when) and my folks let me live at home. I went to a State College, and always had a job working nights and weekends...so I was never completely broke, but never rich, either!
I credit my wife for teaching me how to save. I could do it, but...it was never easy for me. Once I married her, it became MUCH easier...:)