E4 with no dependents here. I would say that I live somewhat indulgently - I go out to eat a few times a week, I buy lots of instruments and musical supplies and the occasional dvd. But I still save away at least 1 thousand dollars every month, and feel like I get paid faster than I can possibly spend money. I can't even imagine what people are spending their money on that makes them live paycheck to paycheck!

During my "single" years I always had lots of money.. That all changes once you take a wife, and start producing children...

Wray...

Well one of my main goals in life is to avoid doing that for as long as possible so hopefully I will be able to stay in this situation.

quote:

Originally posted by spudsdown:
40 years ago an E-4 over 3 made $235 a month. BAQ was a straight $ 90.60 with 2 dependants. At that time there wasn’t any COLA for different areas of the country. Base pay since then has increased over 800%.

40 years ago my grandfather bought a 3 br house for 11,000 in a nice neighborhood. You can't even buy a new car for that much these days, so it's all relative...

The first house I ever bought was right here in Daytona Beach.. It was a 2 bedroom, 2 bath with a carport. Total price was $14,500. My monthly payments were $99.00 That was back in 1970.

According to "zillow.com" it is now (as of this morning) worth $116,000.00

I occasionally drive by it. Looks just about the same as when I lived there.

In a word... UNBELIEVEABLE

Wray...

im going to chime in here. I really do live pay check to pay check. it comes from the civilian world some of the debt i brought in wife making a bit of side cash not making it now. But i will tell you i dont have to worry about going hungry she has learned to coupon shop with the best. im hoping in the next couple of months to pay off one of my toys and then start saving a bit or working to pay of the vechile. I know alot of people say sell off the toy but when you are upside down it is alittle harder to do. i am hoping the little bit of pay raise when i do make 3rd helps out and the big plan is to be debt free in 3 years.