Necessities while active?

[Fadge]

Hello everyone, I have been searching for an answer to this question for a bit now and I feel it is time to ask it.

Just a background on myself, I will be barely 20y/old by the time I set foot in boot camp in April of next year and I don't have any debt or credit yet. I don't own anything of value besides my laptop that I can think of. I consider myself to be a 6/out, but who knows yet as I haven't had any experience to date (only the knowledge I get from others on nukeworker). Oh and I am single, and plan to be while serving.

Anyways, my question is, What are the necessities needed that aren't already provided for by the navy that I will have to buy while in: A-school/power, P-type, and at sea? I mean needs to be specific, not wants.

I ask this because I really don't spend a whole lot of money, with the exception of food (now). I have a hard time thinking about what I will need to buy while at those places that I will need (other than clothing).

So would anyone give me their  on what their expenses were at those stages in their Navy life? And some investing tips for the signing bonus that I will earn after I am qualified?

Thanks, Sean.

[MMM]

You really don't "need" very much in the pipeline. You'll probably want a car by the time you get to NPTU, although I managed without one when I was a student. While you're at NNPTC (A Scholl and Power School) you'll live in barracks/BEQs, so you won't have much space. You'll probably want a few sets of civilian clothes and an Ipod or something like that. Aside from that (and food), you'll be set.

For wants: A tv and game system (or use your computer), or whatever other hobby you have. You will have some free time, it's a good idea to use it to decompress.

Be careful when you get to NPTU, since you'll have a house/apartment, don't get too much stuff that you won't be able to store or get rid of when you get to your ship.

[JustinHEMI05]

http://www.nukeworker.com/forum/index.php/topic,17568.0.html

[Cycoticpenguin]

*ducks in hiding*

*looks back and forth for broadzilla...*

*all clear? good*


SEARCH MAN!  


This question is asked several times on the first page here haha.  In short, you are provided everything you NEED. What you WANT on the other hand... thats up to you! And one of the great benefits of being an adult paying your own bills .

[shocker]

Expect to spend at least $150 when you get to Charleston.  An alarm clock and lock for your closet are required immediately (might save on the closet lock if you have a roommate) but various things you will spend money on include:

New boxers - Unless you enjoy wearing the white briefs from RTC.  Few people do.
New undershirts - The ones you are issued at RTC don't like to stay squared away so "name brand" white undershirts are highly recommended and having a supply of NWU undershirts is a good idea.  It also saves you from having to do laundry midweek with a small load.
New socks - This is a personal thing.  If you're ok with wearing tube socks during PT you can save money.
Cleaning supplies - Room inspections mean you need to keep things clean, its not REQUIRED to have the supplies but it makes life easier.
Shampoo/Soap - You'll finally have a lot more selection and space for your choice of shampoo, body wash, and/or soap.  You will probably want to take advantage of that.
Toilet paper - Do your best to remember this as soon as you get there.  It may save you a frustrating experience.
Common sense - You may think it's odd to include this on a list, but after 8 weeks of a highly structured environment it can be a bit of a shock to be allowed to think for yourself again.  Just remember unlike at RTC you will usually not be yelled at for something you have not been instructed on yet.

Oh one more thing - $10 for Subway or a pizza.  It's almost a pilgrimage to go get "real food" when you arrive.

[Cycoticpenguin]

Expect to spend at least $150 when you get to Charleston.  An alarm clock and lock for your closet are required immediately (might save on the closet lock if you have a roommate) but various things you will spend money on include:

New boxers - Unless you enjoy wearing the white briefs from RTC.  Few people do.
New undershirts - The ones you are issued at RTC don't like to stay squared away so "name brand" white undershirts are highly recommended and having a supply of NWU undershirts is a good idea.  It also saves you from having to do laundry midweek with a small load.
New socks - This is a personal thing.  If you're ok with wearing tube socks during PT you can save money.
Cleaning supplies - Room inspections mean you need to keep things clean, its not REQUIRED to have the supplies but it makes life easier.
Shampoo/Soap - You'll finally have a lot more selection and space for your choice of shampoo, body wash, and/or soap.  You will probably want to take advantage of that.
Toilet paper - Do your best to remember this as soon as you get there.  It may save you a frustrating experience.
Common sense - You may think it's odd to include this on a list, but after 8 weeks of a highly structured environment it can be a bit of a shock to be allowed to think for yourself again.  Just remember unlike at RTC you will usually not be yelled at for something you have not been instructed on yet.

Oh one more thing - $10 for Subway or a pizza.  It's almost a pilgrimage to go get "real food" when you arrive.

Buy some febreeze. as my old chief used to tell me "if it smells clean, it probably is clean".

[shocker]

Haha that is true.  To quote "Air fresheners are authorized. HINT!!!"

[Cycoticpenguin]

Haha that is true.  To quote "Air fresheners are authorized. HINT!!!"

God, that really sounds like reneau...

[Fadge]

So hygiene items mostly? Okay.

And do you think it would be possible to try to buy a house in California (where I live) before the market rebounds with the money i'll be making. Or would I need to wait until I am out?

[Cycoticpenguin]

So hygiene items mostly? Okay.

And do you think it would be possible to try to buy a house in California (where I live) before the market rebounds with the money i'll be making. Or would I need to wait until I am out?

Unless you are planning on staying there, you are most likely better off saving your money and renting.

[Fadge]

I do plan on staying in California hopefully, but I can't be sure of it. Even if I don't it wouldn't be a bad investment when the market is still low.

[Fermi2]

Even now you cannot afford a house out there on E4-E5 pay. Which is where you'll be at for about 3 years minimum.

[Fadge]

Well I was thinking about a NFCU Loan of some sort, but it is just a thought. It isn't something I have really planned or thought that much about, yet.

[Cycoticpenguin]

Well I was thinking about a NFCU Loan of some sort, but it is just a thought. It isn't something I have really planned or thought that much about, yet.

1) You have bigger fish to fry
2) Worry about qualifications and not about your loan rates
3) You may be out to sea for long periods of time and not able to take care of this house. You DID join the navy if you recall.
4) Save your money and invest it. On deployments you can do these weird short term CD's that pay like 7-10% interest over the tenure of your deployment.
5) If you are dead set, talk to your command financial specialists. We are talented and educated members here, but the CFS's will get you more accurate and "Better" information on the monetary side of this.

At least you arent asking which corvette to put a down payment on

[co60slr]

I do plan on staying in California hopefully, but I can't be sure of it. Even if I don't it wouldn't be a bad investment when the market is still low.

It is an excellent time to BUY a house, but will it be a good time (and financially worthwhile) to sell it in 3 years when the Navy decides they need you on the East coast?   (No, don't plant on staying in one place forever in the Military).   Do you think you can sell the house for a profit in 3-5 years?  Is your CA market one where you can rent the house and still pay your mortgage if you had to?   There are many people that didn't plan this correctly between 2005-2010 and lost 5 digits of money.   

However, people that bought in 2002 and sold in 2004 (just before the fiasco) made out like BANDITS.   Take a look at long-term real estate prices both national averages and in the area you're looking to buy.  There are some places in the country that are doing miserably (e.g., Las Vegas) where others are booming.  (Search on top 10 and worst 10 places to live in 2011).

Your desire to live in CA will be financially challenging.  High real estate, high cost of living (San Diego is 2nd only to Hawaii).  If you want to save money, San Diego is not a great place for a junior sailor to start off in real estate.

You're on the right track of "doing something" with your money.  Keep doing research, it'll pay off.

Separately, you mentioned NFCU in your other thread.   They are not always the best option for the sailor.  In my experience in 2010, NFCU could not touch the low auto loan interest rate offered by BOA.   Likewise with mortgage rates in 2008-2010.   When it's time for things like auto and home loans...SHOP AROUND!  NFCU and USAA seem to LOVE thanking a military veteran for their service...until you ask them to match the low loan rate.  Then, it's "sorry".

If you're entering the military with $0.00 debt, then you're ahead of many, many people!   (Good job!).   Now, once the Nuclear Career starts throwing large sums of money at you, the trick is to resist the urge to buy a 2012 Corvette which will take 80% of your monthly pay.   (Yes...seen that one too).  Save 10% each payday and by all means....treat yourself to a new laptop when the time comes.   You have to have fun too along the way!

[Gamecock]

4) Save your money and invest it. On deployments you can do these weird short term CD's that pay like 7-10% interest over the tenure of your deployment.
5) If you are dead set, talk to your command financial specialists. We are talented and educated members here, but the CFS's will get you more accurate and "Better" information on the monetary side of this.

4)  Where does one find these short terms CDs?  I'd put all my money into something that had a guaranteed return of 10% over the course of 6 months.  And then I'd look to roll it into the next one I could find.  But, I don't think they exist.  The best I ever saw was when Navy Federal had a 6% CD for 18 months back in 2006/2007.  They have not repeated the offering and I have not seen better rates on a CD from a rebuttable source  since then.

5) CFSs are no better then anyone else.  Do your own homework, and then seek advice to answer your specific questions or validate your own thoughts. 

[IPREGEN]

Almost everything you bring to boot camp will be sent home. Do not bring extra clothing, vitamins, pills, books etc. You will not have the space to keep it.

[Cycoticpenguin]

4)  Where does one find these short terms CDs?  I'd put all my money into something that had a guaranteed return of 10% over the course of 6 months.  And then I'd look to roll it into the next one I could find.  But, I don't think they exist.  The best I ever saw was when Navy Federal had a 6% CD for 18 months back in 2006/2007.  They have not repeated the offering and I have not seen better rates on a CD from a rebuttable source  since then.

5) CFSs are no better then anyone else.  Do your own homework, and then seek advice to answer your specific questions or validate your own thoughts. 

Im sorry, its not a CD.

http://www.dfas.mil/army2/investmentoptions/savingsdepositprogramsdp.html

"Military members deployed in combat zones, qualified hazardous duty areas, or certain contingency operations may be eligible to deposit all or part of their unallotted pay into a DOD savings account up to $10,000 during a single deployment. Interest accrues on the account at an annual rate of 10% (per Executive Order 11298) and compounds quarterly."


CFS's will be more accurate and up to date on local real estate then you or I could hope to be. Unless you live in the area, how are you going to advise on rates and costs O.o Yes, he can do his homework, thats what we are all hoping he will do!