To quote scout from an earlier deleted post...."It's not what you make, It's what you keep"
I can only pass along what my son has done since going Active in May 2012.
Son is single, took out the USAA loan, had not debt from college.
Since he has been in he has been able to pay about 6K extra on his loan, has contributed about 9K to his TSP, maxed his ROTH contribution for two years (about 11K) and continues to add to it each month. He has about 15K plus in personal savings. He has not been living like a Pauper, he goes out, and eats out from time to time. He is stationed in Hawaii, he and is friends spend the weekend once a month in Waikiki, has traveled to the other islands and made trips back to the mainland. My point is that he has enjoyed himself while trying to be thrifty and has been able to save as well and plans on putting even more away.
So no, you won't live like a Rock Star, but you won't be pinching pennies unless you are not smart with your money, and that's the key. Just be smart, don't go into high debt on toys you don't need. Charge on your credit card only what you can pay off at the end of each month. Live within your means, and you'll be just fine. Too often you see the garage of a JO that is filled with a new jet ski, a motorcycle, and a vehicle that carries a huge monthly payment, add in a huge big screen with all the latest audio and gaming equipment and you can burn through your disposable income pretty quick. Resist the temptation to spend what you make, put together a budget and stick to it, after a while it will become second nature.
I can only pass along what my son has done since going Active in May 2012.
Son is single, took out the USAA loan, had not debt from college.
Since he has been in he has been able to pay about 6K extra on his loan, has contributed about 9K to his TSP, maxed his ROTH contribution for two years (about 11K) and continues to add to it each month. He has about 15K plus in personal savings. He has not been living like a Pauper, he goes out, and eats out from time to time. He is stationed in Hawaii, he and is friends spend the weekend once a month in Waikiki, has traveled to the other islands and made trips back to the mainland. My point is that he has enjoyed himself while trying to be thrifty and has been able to save as well and plans on putting even more away.
So no, you won't live like a Rock Star, but you won't be pinching pennies unless you are not smart with your money, and that's the key. Just be smart, don't go into high debt on toys you don't need. Charge on your credit card only what you can pay off at the end of each month. Live within your means, and you'll be just fine. Too often you see the garage of a JO that is filled with a new jet ski, a motorcycle, and a vehicle that carries a huge monthly payment, add in a huge big screen with all the latest audio and gaming equipment and you can burn through your disposable income pretty quick. Resist the temptation to spend what you make, put together a budget and stick to it, after a while it will become second nature.