It's all about the money....

Yes, my friends, it is that time: money gripes! With the holidays fast approaching I figured this would be the prime time to share some views on people and their money issues. For example, people that constantly complain about not having any money/barely being able to get the bills paid YET they eat out almost everyday and buy new and ridiculous things as soon as they have the money instead of oh, I don't know....SAVING up and then buying them? These are the same people that are about to start going into hysterics about how much Christmas costs and do stupid things like get payday advances which of course will set you behind for the next check and they have thus entered into a vicious cycle that they can never get out of. Last time I checked we have all knew Christmas was coming for about 11 months?? (Technically 12 but I am giving allowances for Christmas-cookie-clouded brains).

What has set off my little tantrum today was a few conversations that I have had with some other army wives. Some of you may not know but when your soldier is deployed several things with their pay change: they get paid hazard pay, separation pay (if married), and their pay becomes tax free. I think there are some other changes but those are the biggies. So, yes, while your men/women are away you a getting more money. It doesn't kick in immediately though...for example, separation pay doesn't hit your check until the soldiers have been gone at least 30 days. Alright...now that you know that information, you will be able to understand my irritation: spouses that want to know exactly when and how much and can't wait to get this extra money. Why??? You have already been living on what your spouse makes normally....you are not incurring any new expenses with them being gone, so why are you throwing a damn fit over when you get your "shopping" money. For my husband and I we realized this simple fact early on and already agreed to have the extra money put into a special savings account that is going to give us a 10% interest rate! Hello investment!!! These women (sorry no men have had this issue that I know) make themselves sound like gold diggers and it bugs the CRAP out of me.

So...summary of today's lesson? Learn to live within your means, learn how to save for big things (and holidays) and if your husband/wife's occupation hands you some extra dough..don't be greedy and try saving some of it so that if life slaps you later on you will have the money to get yourself out of the situation. Got it? Good....class dismissed!