Living on base & not have to pay for rent for 8 years really set me ahead and today I have a nice house! The Air Force was the best choice of my life! Keep up the great work! :D
@@nubz8671 Depends if you invest it in s&p with avg return of 8% you’d have 8,908 Dollars more + those 57k it might not seem a lot but it all gathered together could make your life a lot more comfortable no reason to fear financial risks with some extra savings.
@@beepboopbeepp That's insignificant. There's better ways to make money that renders that completely negligible. That's nearly as bad as pizza parties.
I used to work in retail. One day, a customer walked in and he and my manager got to talking because they had military backgrounds. My manager asked him what advice he would give people wanting to go into the military. The customer said go for the Air Force, you get the benefits and none of the chaos that the other branches deal with 😂 Wish I would’ve known earleir 😂
20 year Marine here who has done joint duty with all the other services: I’ve met plenty of Navy and Air Force members who were miserable and couldn’t wait to get out. BS is at any job, there’s no running from it. What are u made of is what it really comes down to it
@@jasonbilas5734 This is true for life, so you're not saying anything much. The AF just has the best retention rate, sorry the marine retention is the worst if not the second worst which categorically speaks about the difference between the branches. What do you think retention rate signals about the branches? You got your answer, so stop making false equivocation.
You genuinely changed my life - decided to give it a go and I'm extremely excited. I just finished up my meps and asvab and just waiting on a contract! Scored a 98 and going for that SC! Thank you for giving me that spark
Watched alot of your videos, got my asvab for dummies, and started my physical training months ago. Now im going to meps tomorrow! Excited to see what's next
I plan on joining later this year, want to get in shape and study for the asvab. What score did you receive on yours and do you think that book is enough or should I use more resources??
@@Old_Demon04i leave for basic in 6 days and got a 92 on the ASVAB. been out of school for about 3 years now and the only studying i did was about a week or 2 worth using the ASVAB for dummies app on my phone as well as some youtube videos for refreshers on math. Everyone is different though and a lot of the stuff i was studying i already had a foundation and was just refreshing so practice until you feel confident in your abilities and you’ll do amazing!
@@Old_Demon04 no problem lmaoo my AFSC is 1D7X1R radio frequency transmissions. wasn’t my first choice but it wasn’t my last and it’s the needs of the AF first, always what you make out of it.
My guy is explaining what I TRIED to show these kids back home. I bought a new car every six months , drove them back home, and used them to recruit. Some folks received the message about how the military money works and enlisted, but most didn’t and are serving or have served prison sentences. The money is out there, especially if you go into the military.
I did my 4 years got out went to school w/ my benifits. Busted my butt during those years. Still use every benefit I can. Im in the multiple 6 figures area. Took only about 8-9 years to break 6 figures. Did it while i was still young. Bust your butt guys cause you only have 1 life to live.
Hey, Jodi. About 6 months ago I saw your video on finance. I was grossing about 90k a year but was being heavily taxed and my benefits were not good. Today, I am about to finish my AIT in the Army. Not only my wife and I are benefiting from the financial side, I’m also in better shape and emotionally stable because the military ensures that we exercise and they also have gyms on post for free. Can’t beat that. Have a good one and keep on with the good work.
Thanks for all your excellent content, Sir! I'm enlisting in the USAF Sepcial Warfare as a Tacp. Your videos have been a great source of knowledge and advice! Thanks again!
Just went through MEPS yesterday, now I have to take the AFOQT and follow the process towards becoming an officer! You’re videos are super informative and helpful👍🏻
Been watching your channel for a bit and was encouraged to join the military. Appreciate all the valid advice...was really hoping to join the Air Force but the recruitment process wasn't ideal so I decided on the Navy's TAR program. That ASVAB for Dummies got me an 87 after 2 weekends of using it; you're definitely in the right line of work, Jody.
My experience is different. You spent 18 years there to reach that. I’ve spent 5 years at my company, no degree, 100k salary + benefits. And this is just on my latest raise which I continue to get. 5 years…. Not 18…. Nothing special other than me teaching and learning by myself whatever was needed to get the job done.
You can retire after 20 years on top of the VA disability check and make extra money for the rest of your life. You can also start another career after that and make even more.
I make over 300k/year as an engineer in big tech with less than 10 YoE Sure it’s possible to make a lot more money in the private sector but the AVERAGE person would do far better in the military with all of the benefits that are offered. Also, the most important things that the military offers is Job Security and pension. You don’t have to worry about being laid off out of nowhere, the performance requirements are extremely low and you can start receiving retirement payments much earlier without penalty. EDIT: Also I know a handful of ex-military guys that retired after 20 years and entered the private sector in IT and are making 100K+ in their roles. The military is a great option for most men/women that aren’t interested in going the traditional route of going to college. At the end of the day, doing something (like College, Military, Trade School, etc…) that will lead to a long term career options is better than nothing.
@@kentwhitehead7000 Southeast US. Would be making closer to 400K in New York or Cali (where I moved from for my current job) Also the speed of my career growth is NOT the norm.. The majority of engineers aren’t ever going to make what I make unless they work for a unicorn startup or in Big Tech (both have a high barrier of entry and require a lot of work outside of just the knowledge you gain in your 9-5)
I feel like it's not the money but the kind of people who join join because it's an opportunity to get out of a bad situation and they've never had lots of money but it's a good place to learn because you can mess up and recover.
Thx for the info! I’m joining in army, u helped me a lot to encourage me to join the military. Now once I’m in I want to use the free resources to take care of myself & change myself for the better.
Well said 👏🏾 every time I even think about getting out I think about what you said in this video…especially the last part of civilians gotta “figure it out”after their deductions lol
This video is truth! Good for you. When i left the military in 2019 I was a E5 Sgt and stationed over seas so I got special pay. I maxed at $2200 per month NET pay.. I didnt rate BAH and BAS was taken automatically for living in the barracks. Shit was garbage pay and I didnt realize it at the time. Fast forward to today I make a 100k salary (67k a year - after taxes & 5% retirement contribution + 60% disability (about 18K - a year tax free) + free healthcare through VA. In my case it paid off to get out. Im 28 years old if it matters.
I left the army and did not take advantage of buying a home using my VA loan, wish i knew i could have, bought a house after i left the army in 95, sold it and bought another, sold it and had a house built, at this point i have never had a house payment when factoring profit, and the house i built is worth another 400,000 + in equity now if i was to sell. While i was in, i always lived in Housing, I got out because of the Hours being a Cook were insane and i realized i could make more money in the civilian world if im working 2 full time jobs and getting paid for them, where i made good money, but was working 2 full time jobs in hours and longer while in, many times was working just 1 shift 7 days a week, with my longest stretch 6 months on 1 shift. I loved the millitary and always told people not to get out, or tell them to join. Even tell my Daughter who's husband is a E-9 Sgt Major to buy a house and let the BAH pay for it and not to live on base housing, but she argues with me as if i dont know what i am talking about.
Important note: you only get the big BAH (housing allowance) IF YOU'RE MARRIED - even more so if you have a dependent. I'm a dependent of a Marine, and what I see the most by far are broke single guys living in the barracks. Some get married right after boot camp/basic training primarily to get that big BAH check, and those marriages usually end up in a train wreck. Car dealers also target Military and offer TERRIBLE financing deals, and the 18/19 year olds who don't know any better usually take the shitty deal. So yes, it can be good... but it's not that good for everyone. Married, living off base, with at least 1 dependent are keys to a significant BAH.
Air Force gets bah at e-4 or if you participate in the early termination program which you can show your leadership you are financially responsible enough to handle more money at a lower rank and get bah as soon as e-2 without being married or having dependents.
@@R3C0NTV Full BAH, or partial? I'm willing to bet it's partial. I just don't want to paint a false picture to all the kids watching this video thinking they'll automatically get as much money as he is showing.
If they watch my channel, they know they won’t get anywhere close to this, which is why I mentioned my 18 years of service. Most people want to know the potential they can reach in a company before they make a decision. This video just enlightens them on how the military can outperform the average American pay as you advance in the ranks.
This is false, Depending on your base, age, and reason, you can move out the dorms and collect BAH, I moved out the dorms as an A1C at 26 years old, im also on a 4 year contract. Ive seen people as young as 20 move out the dorms.
This was a great video. I started making videos based off my net worth. The premise is going to be how much you can screw up while severing active duty and still come out above compared to other people. Military money is OP, the problem is younger service members haven’t ever really been taught how to handle money. Appreciate your service!
Hi Jody, love your videos. You have helped me with Air Force knowledge and recruiters. Just like you, my father worked for the Air Force, up to E-4 and went through BMT in 2000. Now I am planning on joint either after high school, or after college. Thanks for making these videos and keep making more
I love your channel. I’m an active duty E7 in the Army with 15 years in. My base pay, BAH, and special duty pay + not paying state income taxes (Texas) I live a comfortable lifestyle. Especially considering when I joined..I was making around 1,400 a month ! If you’re joining the military to get rich ..you’re wrong. But trust me…long term..the juice is worth the squeeze
Graduated June 11th and now I’m going to take the asvab July 18th. I got a 67 on my practice test last week. You’ve helped me a lot. Thank you🙏🏾 (Btw Jody, I went to school with your son.)
I enlisted because I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I still don't know what I want to do with my life, but now I am retired. It was a hard 20 years, but I would probably be living under a bridge if not for the Army. I couldn't imagine my life without the Army.
I made a video for the older applicants joining. If you haven’t seen it, it may help you with your journey. ua-cam.com/video/HA0qeZrPHbM/v-deo.htmlsi=EFDuF26ct8lPTCuo
Millitary for me was so different, i went from growing up in apartments, me and the wife sharing a 3 bedroom apt with 2 other families and our 2 kids in our room to being 19 and or around 20 with a 3 bedroom and 2 bath house/townhouse in my first duty station. There was no way i could afford that at 18 or 19 before i went in, and another part of the video i noticed was the pension part, the wife has to pay in, where The millitary guy/gal does not, they earn it with blood sweat and tears, still nice to not pay the 261 $ part and still be able to get retirement after 20 years. I said in another comment why i got out of the Millitary, but it paid off for me, Last year i Made around 120,000 $ a year and cleared around 75,000, Jody cleared quite a lot more a month and is something for me even when i joined and did not have a lot of rank, lived quite well. As pointed out, the civilian sector takes out a lot more deductions and does not have any tax exemptions on certain pay like BAH. I wish more young people could realize these things.
So I am retired Navy enlisted and a current DoD employee, so I am kinda both you and your wife. I found everything you said to be 100%, except for the bit where you said (and showed) your wife paying $261 for her FERS. I get TSP payments, but I do not have any kind of deduction for my FERS. It pays 1% of high 3 pay (like military ret) per year of federal service with a bump to 1.1% if you hit both 20 years service and 62 years of age.
Good video. In my experience, base pay is way less than what a comparable civilian non government job will pay. The BAH and BAS is needed to be comparable to civilian take-home pay. Agree that military pay is better than civilian GS pay for similar jobs. E.g., an O-6 with all the benefits you described will make more than a topped out GS15.
Aye Jody I don't see any videos on how someone goes about getting a DD369 form done if your in another state would you do a video on show some could get this done. You would be the first video to be made.
You would have to mail the document to them for wet signature. And have them mail it back. Most police departments don’t like doing this, so most likely you’d have to coordinate with your recruiter so they can get it done. I would also recommend asking the recruiter if they’ll accept a faxed document or an email. Things might’ve changed since I was recruiting.
Great video. Just wanna ask, did you guys meet while you were enlisted or before you joined the Air Force? I’m considering joining and possibly making a career for myself, however I still want to settle down and have a family while doing so
In my experience, success during and after leaving the military largely depends on personal choices. For instance, I've seen a Corporal (E-4) who saved wisely and was able to buy a nice home after leaving the service. Conversely, I've also seen Sergeants (E-5) who left with financial struggles because they spent their money on alcohol, expensive cars, and other material goods and never saved a dime. Before leaving the Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant (E-6), I obtained my bachelor's degree, and later earned my master's degree at no cost to myself-all covered by the Marine Corps. I still have funds remaining for further education. There's no good reason why someone who has spent 4-6 years in the U.S military shouldn't be able to achieve financial stability upon leaving.
Can you please make a video about jobs that transfer into the civilian sector with six figures earnings? This economy is making me want to go back to school and earn more 😂 the social service sector is definitely not cutting it right now
Had this conversation with airman. As a 8 yr E6 my entitlements are just over 80k, but as a civilian I'd have to make around 110-115k to have the same standard of living getting out.
Could you make a video on what non US citizens needs before talking to a recruiter and what the process is like from the first meeting all the way to enlisting
This video explains it. The only change from this video to now, is they now allow 2 year green cards. ua-cam.com/video/Rar4xlJH0JI/v-deo.htmlsi=JyS7KgoMY3dot5Te
One thing you said that I disagree with is when you started talking about FERS.. you don’t have to be 62 to withdraw you can retire and withdraw at 57.
👋🏽 I found your channel from the video “joining the military older” I’m 37 and I’m curious about joining Space Force. I was wondering do I need to join the Air Force first to get in ? If possible can you make a video expanding on Space Force or maybe have a guest? I don’t feel like there is a lot of content on UA-cam besides what the military has put or a news channels talking about this new branch.
So you can see an Air Force recruiter and they will ask are you interested in space force, Air Force or both. If you tell them both, they’ll try and get you qualified for space force, but if unsuccessful they’ll get you an air force job. The reason for this is because the space force is the hardest branch to qualify for. So if you say you only want space force, and you’re not qualified the road ends there. So I always recommend saying let’s see if I can qualify for space force first, and if not I’ll try the Air Force path.
That’s awesome. Just remember that initial pay when you join won’t feel like much, but as you advance, it’s gets better. In the meantime take advantage of all the benefits you receive to maximize your time. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Pay in the military is shit! I'm projected to make 189k in south Georgia. The recruiter at my medical school is trying to get me to go back in ,I told him I just hit my 40s, have va disability, and I'm too set in my ways. He was like you can come in as a commission Ed officer and I said what to take a huge paycut? There is no money to be made in the military. Only opportunities in the future if you take advantage of it.
The somewhat unfortunate part about military pay is that those extra incentives and allowances play zero part into a service member’s actual retirement, only base pay counts. So hypothetically, unless a service member wants to do 30 years to maximize the percentage of his/her base pay in retirement-- then your pension after 20 years will still be too low to actually “retire” with. (Especially for enlisted members) Plus, it gets taxed as well. But in the time being of those 20 years. It is decent.
84,000 a year NET just from military. I’m going in with my son and they told me the bah is 2700 for Dallas but that’s just going to be for basic and tech school.
I’m an E3 and just bought a car, but my story is kinda different, I was driving a 3k shitbox that almost killed me and that scared the living shit out of me and I decided to live a little, got a 2023 kia I can pay it off in a 10 months because the pay is that good. I’ve a low cost of living Join the military, Airforce to be exact, have a plan, this gig is pretty rewarding and the benefits are amazing
My mom bought the same car a 2023 kia last year after the accident she was in wrecked her car badly. It was about $20k she paid for it, its a nice car.
Can you do a video on AF PJs pay, i really want to enlist but the money they pay is scaring me off at the moment. No videos out there talking about this so from what ive seen it seems pretty low
Your videos have been very helpful. I have a question. If you go active and your relocated, does your family have to move, or can they stay and still housing allowance?
Your family can stay, but the Air Force is only gonna give you a housing allowance for the area you move to. So if you did it this way and still had to pay rent back home, you might be stretched thin.
Hey! I’m 23 yo my dream is to join the Air Force and become a US Citizen. I’m a Resident already but is the conditional one. I would like to know how the process for citizenship would work and how long would it take for me to get it?
I’m pretty sure the Air Force just changed its standard on green cards. They now allow cards with 2 years on them. I would recommend reaching out to your recruiter and see if they’ll accept yours.
@@Jodywithawhy thank you for the information. I have been watching your videos since I was living abroad. You are the reason why I chose the Air Force over other branches I hope to become an airman soon and have the pleasure to meet you in person.
Been in the infantry in the 82nd 2 years, what really makes me mad about the military’s pay system is that I make the same amount of money as a guy that’s in S1 with a nice cushy admin job. Even though I spend far more time in the field and away from home.
That does suck. I also think the military shouldn’t pay all careers the same. They do pay special duties and deployment pays, that kinda make a difference, but an actual salary change would be awesome.
Thanks for another amazing video. Is it true that single enlisted members only have to live in the dorms for 6 months before getting BAH? I’ll be enlisting with a bachelors degree going in as an e3.
That’s possible but not the standard. The standard is 3 years in the dorms, but at some bases members are able to move off sooner because of capacity issues. For example, I moved out at the 1.5 year mark. But I wouldn’t recommend expecting 6 months as the timeframe.
@@Jake-be9jiYou only need 48 credits from college to be E-3. I believe a degree gets you E-4 but I may be wrong on that. I know for sure 48 credits gets you E-3 though.
AF RIC in up here in Idaho. I was talking to a teacher at one of my school visits, they showed me their pay stub and how $1,200 a month was deducted for medical insurance. I wanted to throw up when I saw that.
Plus BAH, plus BAS, PLUS (MOS dependent) Jump Pay, Language Pay, Specialty Pay, PLUS deployment benefits (Hazardous Duty Pay, Hostile Environment Pay, Imminent Danger Pay, Per Diem, Tax exemption), PLUS bonuses…. 🤣. That military money is nasty work.
1. From what I have heard, the military has now gotten rid of pensions after 20 years? At least that's what has been echoed to me by current young military members of various branches. 2. BAS is not usually paid out to the individual, it goes right to the dining facility on your current base, correct? If you have a weird schedule or do something unique then it got paid out to the person directly 3. Housing is for married men or E-6 and above generally. The insane forced marriage and then divorce rate in the military is always because of this money and the ability to live outside of the barracks. You may make a few extra bucks assuming you and the person you married after knowing them for 2 weeks can work out finances fairly. But the fact that BAH is larger than your whole paycheck if you haven't been in for at least 10+ years means that people actively steer into this chaos often. 4. It's also unfair to not explain what healthcare becomes once you get out. Even if you get Tricare for life (from disability or retirement) it is incredibly hard to find decent doctors who take this insurance unless you live close to active military stuff still. And the VA..... is a nightmare 95% of the time. Please don't join for the money. Join because of the lifelong friends you'll make, the world you get to see, the (free) job training you get for hopefully something you want to do, the experience of other cultures and people from every corner of the earth, all the memories you'll have from basically just everyday at work doing a job you'll probably never do elsewhere, the high levels of work ethic and accountability that you'll almost never find in a civilian job, and the generally better people you get to serve alongside everyday.
Pensions still happen after 20 years. Food allowance goes to members once they’re out of dorms. In the Air Force that’s 3 years or less. You don’t have to wait to be married and a E-6 in the Air Force for housing. That happens at 3 years or less for single airman.
check on double taxation agreements between the US and your favorite foreign country to move to for retirement - many countries will not take income tax on your military retirement...
But if you don’t have dependents or a spouse you not getting housing allowance 😭 still that 3333 was confirmation that joining the military is the best decision for me
QUESTION! I was actually wondering how laundry cleaning is done in bmt? How many uniforms and clothes do we get and when do we actually get the chance to wash them?
They have a laundry crew (you could potentially be on the crew) who will clean everybody’s uniforms. I believe you’ll be issued 4 sets of each uniform, and you want to go to basic training with about 3 pairs of civilian clothes and underwear.
@@Jodywithawhy You’re amazing Jody! Thanks for the fast response. You’ve been a great help with all your videos! I look forward to watching your new videos and more of your old ones.
Ahhh yes 7k a month, he's definitely enlisted lol. I was an officer and I didn't realize the amount of money I'd make compared to my civilian job before the military. Crazy difference.
I think the difference is that in a fair number of white collar fields on the coast, it’s completely reasonable to make >200k gross by time you’re in your 40’s. If you’re a software engineer working in the Bay, the ceiling for a senior is around 5-600k. And before someone says something about cost of living, sf is comparable within 15-30% of other large cities like Seattle, Salt Lake City, Austin, and Denver. The difference is obviously in how long that right tail is for the comp range. Financially, there’s just no way for the military to compete with professionals in those kinds of fields and cities. I think that’s why Guard and Space Force push the part time patriotic service angle when they’re hiring technical roles.
You’re talking about the top 1-10% of earners. I’m talking about the average person. You’re gonna need a lot more than the military to become a top earner in society.
Living on base & not have to pay for rent for 8 years really set me ahead and today I have a nice house! The Air Force was the best choice of my life! Keep up the great work! :D
eh. I was living off$600/month rent for 8 years. That's only around 57K in 8 years....not that much in the grand scheme of your salary.
@@nubz8671 Depends if you invest it in s&p with avg return of 8% you’d have 8,908 Dollars more + those 57k it might not seem a lot but it all gathered together could make your life a lot more comfortable no reason to fear financial risks with some extra savings.
How the hell did you get to stay on base for 8 years? They kicked me out the dorms at the 2 yrs mark.
@@beepboopbeepp
That's insignificant. There's better ways to make money that renders that completely negligible. That's nearly as bad as pizza parties.
@@Dangerclose1that must be an air force thing. Army keeps you in the b’s until your reach e6. Or get married
I used to work in retail. One day, a customer walked in and he and my manager got to talking because they had military backgrounds. My manager asked him what advice he would give people wanting to go into the military. The customer said go for the Air Force, you get the benefits and none of the chaos that the other branches deal with 😂 Wish I would’ve known earleir 😂
Yes, but it’s the Chair Force. 😂
20 year Marine here who has done joint duty with all the other services: I’ve met plenty of Navy and Air Force members who were miserable and couldn’t wait to get out. BS is at any job, there’s no running from it. What are u made of is what it really comes down to it
Glamorizing the Air Force, heh
Yeah only care when you’re in ur 20s and in the force. I wish I’d join air force instead of dumb ass army
@@jasonbilas5734 This is true for life, so you're not saying anything much. The AF just has the best retention rate, sorry the marine retention is the worst if not the second worst which categorically speaks about the difference between the branches. What do you think retention rate signals about the branches? You got your answer, so stop making false equivocation.
"you can have an E-3 come into the military and buy a dumb a$$ car...", yea Jody I will probably be one of em XD!
😂😂😂😂😂. I like the honesty. Lol
You genuinely changed my life - decided to give it a go and I'm extremely excited. I just finished up my meps and asvab and just waiting on a contract! Scored a 98 and going for that SC! Thank you for giving me that spark
98 Thats awesome well done!
98!!! Damn. That’s a great score. I’m glad I could help. I’m hoping everything works out for you. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Good job man! Scored a 96 on mine and went with AC. Wish the best of luck to both of us!
Watched alot of your videos, got my asvab for dummies, and started my physical training months ago. Now im going to meps tomorrow! Excited to see what's next
Ayeee. Love to see it. I’m wishing you good luck on the journey. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
I plan on joining later this year, want to get in shape and study for the asvab. What score did you receive on yours and do you think that book is enough or should I use more resources??
@@Old_Demon04i leave for basic in 6 days and got a 92 on the ASVAB. been out of school for about 3 years now and the only studying i did was about a week or 2 worth using the ASVAB for dummies app on my phone as well as some youtube videos for refreshers on math. Everyone is different though and a lot of the stuff i was studying i already had a foundation and was just refreshing so practice until you feel confident in your abilities and you’ll do amazing!
@@jusaliengaming9752 Thanks man I appreciate it. Do you mind sharing what your mos will be?? And sorry if you’re a woman and I called you a man
@@Old_Demon04 no problem lmaoo my AFSC is 1D7X1R radio frequency transmissions. wasn’t my first choice but it wasn’t my last and it’s the needs of the AF first, always what you make out of it.
My guy is explaining what I TRIED to show these kids back home. I bought a new car every six months , drove them back home, and used them to recruit. Some folks received the message about how the military money works and enlisted, but most didn’t and are serving or have served prison sentences. The money is out there, especially if you go into the military.
Gen Z gonna start enlisting more cause of you. You’re putting in the WORK getting those numbers up 📈
I have a 17 and 15 year old, so they keep me young and able to communicate to the younger generation.
idk man Trump is planning on defunding certain military programs.
Gen Z here we are
@Jodywithawhy a benefit of having kids! 😂😅🥰
@morbidzombii for real though? 😮
I did my 4 years got out went to school w/ my benifits. Busted my butt during those years. Still use every benefit I can. Im in the multiple 6 figures area. Took only about 8-9 years to break 6 figures. Did it while i was still young. Bust your butt guys cause you only have 1 life to live.
Watching your videos has helped me along in my process of joining the airforce. Thank you! Next step MEPS!!
Ayeee. I’m glad I could help. Good luck at MEPS and the process. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Hey, Jodi. About 6 months ago I saw your video on finance. I was grossing about 90k a year but was being heavily taxed and my benefits were not good. Today, I am about to finish my AIT in the Army. Not only my wife and I are benefiting from the financial side, I’m also in better shape and emotionally stable because the military ensures that we exercise and they also have gyms on post for free. Can’t beat that. Have a good one and keep on with the good work.
That’s great to hear. Glad to see you enjoying your experience and leveling up. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Thanks for all your excellent content, Sir!
I'm enlisting in the USAF Sepcial Warfare as a Tacp.
Your videos have been a great source of knowledge and advice!
Thanks again!
I’m glad I could help. Good luck with your process. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Just went through MEPS yesterday, now I have to take the AFOQT and follow the process towards becoming an officer! You’re videos are super informative and helpful👍🏻
That’s awesome. Good luck on the AFOQT. You got this. 🙌🏽
Been watching your channel for a bit and was encouraged to join the military. Appreciate all the valid advice...was really hoping to join the Air Force but the recruitment process wasn't ideal so I decided on the Navy's TAR program. That ASVAB for Dummies got me an 87 after 2 weekends of using it; you're definitely in the right line of work, Jody.
87 ? dam can pretty much pick any job! haha
@reboucasdev5192 heading to MEPS in the morning, let's see what they've got in store for me.
My experience is different.
You spent 18 years there to reach that.
I’ve spent 5 years at my company, no degree, 100k salary + benefits.
And this is just on my latest raise which I continue to get.
5 years…. Not 18….
Nothing special other than me teaching and learning by myself whatever was needed to get the job done.
You can retire after 20 years on top of the VA disability check and make extra money for the rest of your life. You can also start another career after that and make even more.
I make over 300k/year as an engineer in big tech with less than 10 YoE
Sure it’s possible to make a lot more money in the private sector but the AVERAGE person would do far better in the military with all of the benefits that are offered.
Also, the most important things that the military offers is Job Security and pension. You don’t have to worry about being laid off out of nowhere, the performance requirements are extremely low and you can start receiving retirement payments much earlier without penalty.
EDIT: Also I know a handful of ex-military guys that retired after 20 years and entered the private sector in IT and are making 100K+ in their roles. The military is a great option for most men/women that aren’t interested in going the traditional route of going to college. At the end of the day, doing something (like College, Military, Trade School, etc…) that will lead to a long term career options is better than nothing.
@@Mac-plutocan you get me an swe internship😢
@@Mac-pluto $300k where though? That’s a critical detail most don’t figure out till it’s too late.
@@kentwhitehead7000 Southeast US. Would be making closer to 400K in New York or Cali (where I moved from for my current job)
Also the speed of my career growth is NOT the norm.. The majority of engineers aren’t ever going to make what I make unless they work for a unicorn startup or in Big Tech (both have a high barrier of entry and require a lot of work outside of just the knowledge you gain in your 9-5)
I feel like it's not the money but the kind of people who join join because it's an opportunity to get out of a bad situation and they've never had lots of money but it's a good place to learn because you can mess up and recover.
That’s fair.
Thx for the info! I’m joining in army, u helped me a lot to encourage me to join the military. Now once I’m in I want to use the free resources to take care of myself & change myself for the better.
I’m glad I could help and good luck with the journey. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Army is horrible
@@Jodywithawhyhey bro I want join the air force any tips I through about guard bit I can be deployed anyway what u think
Down in San Antonio for the summer. You played a huge part in why I joined. Reserves, but still played a part. Thank you for ask your videos!
I’m glad I could help. 💪🏽💪🏽
ASVAB August 1! Let’s goooo
Ayeee. Let’s go. That’s right around the corner. Good luck bro. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Well said 👏🏾 every time I even think about getting out I think about what you said in this video…especially the last part of civilians gotta “figure it out”after their deductions lol
This video is truth! Good for you.
When i left the military in 2019 I was a E5 Sgt and stationed over seas so I got special pay. I maxed at $2200 per month NET pay.. I didnt rate BAH and BAS was taken automatically for living in the barracks. Shit was garbage pay and I didnt realize it at the time.
Fast forward to today I make a 100k salary (67k a year - after taxes & 5% retirement contribution + 60% disability (about 18K - a year tax free) + free healthcare through VA.
In my case it paid off to get out.
Im 28 years old if it matters.
That VA disability is clutch. Thanks for sharing bro. 🙌🏽
I left the army and did not take advantage of buying a home using my VA loan, wish i knew i could have, bought a house after i left the army in 95, sold it and bought another, sold it and had a house built, at this point i have never had a house payment when factoring profit, and the house i built is worth another 400,000 + in equity now if i was to sell. While i was in, i always lived in Housing, I got out because of the Hours being a Cook were insane and i realized i could make more money in the civilian world if im working 2 full time jobs and getting paid for them, where i made good money, but was working 2 full time jobs in hours and longer while in, many times was working just 1 shift 7 days a week, with my longest stretch 6 months on 1 shift. I loved the millitary and always told people not to get out, or tell them to join. Even tell my Daughter who's husband is a E-9 Sgt Major to buy a house and let the BAH pay for it and not to live on base housing, but she argues with me as if i dont know what i am talking about.
Important note: you only get the big BAH (housing allowance) IF YOU'RE MARRIED - even more so if you have a dependent. I'm a dependent of a Marine, and what I see the most by far are broke single guys living in the barracks. Some get married right after boot camp/basic training primarily to get that big BAH check, and those marriages usually end up in a train wreck. Car dealers also target Military and offer TERRIBLE financing deals, and the 18/19 year olds who don't know any better usually take the shitty deal. So yes, it can be good... but it's not that good for everyone. Married, living off base, with at least 1 dependent are keys to a significant BAH.
Air Force gets bah at e-4 or if you participate in the early termination program which you can show your leadership you are financially responsible enough to handle more money at a lower rank and get bah as soon as e-2 without being married or having dependents.
I’m going to get it with my son, so I’ve been told by my recruiters. And I already have a car, just going to get that interest rate lowered to 6%
@@R3C0NTV Full BAH, or partial? I'm willing to bet it's partial. I just don't want to paint a false picture to all the kids watching this video thinking they'll automatically get as much money as he is showing.
If they watch my channel, they know they won’t get anywhere close to this, which is why I mentioned my 18 years of service. Most people want to know the potential they can reach in a company before they make a decision. This video just enlightens them on how the military can outperform the average American pay as you advance in the ranks.
This is false, Depending on your base, age, and reason, you can move out the dorms and collect BAH, I moved out the dorms as an A1C at 26 years old, im also on a 4 year contract. Ive seen people as young as 20 move out the dorms.
Brooo love the breakdown of the video! Congrats and many blessings for you & the fam! 💪🏾💪🏾
Great info. I served in the USAF for 24 years. It was a good move for me and my family.
This was a great video. I started making videos based off my net worth. The premise is going to be how much you can screw up while severing active duty and still come out above compared to other people. Military money is OP, the problem is younger service members haven’t ever really been taught how to handle money. Appreciate your service!
Hi Jody, love your videos. You have helped me with Air Force knowledge and recruiters. Just like you, my father worked for the Air Force, up to E-4 and went through BMT in 2000. Now I am planning on joint either after high school, or after college. Thanks for making these videos and keep making more
I’m glad I could and I’m wishing you good luck with either direction you take. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Let’s gooo always ready for the next drop from Jody
I appreciate the support. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Jody!! Just graduated BMT man it was a life changing experience for me
I love your channel. I’m an active duty E7 in the Army with 15 years in. My base pay, BAH, and special duty pay + not paying state income taxes (Texas) I live a comfortable lifestyle. Especially considering when I joined..I was making around 1,400 a month ! If you’re joining the military to get rich ..you’re wrong. But trust me…long term..the juice is worth the squeeze
This. 👆🏽
Graduated June 11th and now I’m going to take the asvab July 18th. I got a 67 on my practice test last week. You’ve helped me a lot. Thank you🙏🏾 (Btw Jody, I went to school with your son.)
Oh shoot. Who is this, ima tell him you said what’s up.
@@Jodywithawhy I’m Zay Shannon, we met at the pool and we went to Harlan too. Idk how I haven’t met you yet honestly😂
I’m a CDL driver and I average 4-5k every two weeks 😂
I enlisted because I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I still don't know what I want to do with my life, but now I am retired. It was a hard 20 years, but I would probably be living under a bridge if not for the Army. I couldn't imagine my life without the Army.
Glad to see you killin it since the Schoolhouse bro 💪🏾
Thanks bro. Just trying to continue growing this thing and getting the word out there. 💪🏽
Those allowances are so good! Kind of regret didn’t get into ROTC back in college.
Straight to the point.
Thank you !
preach BROTHER, Good video. I'm retired and you explained everything perfectly
Congrats on the retirement and thanks for watching. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Love what you’re doing! I’m 28 and currently going through the process of joining the Air Force. Any advice ?
I made a video for the older applicants joining. If you haven’t seen it, it may help you with your journey. ua-cam.com/video/HA0qeZrPHbM/v-deo.htmlsi=EFDuF26ct8lPTCuo
I’ll definitely check it out thanks
Don’t let age stop you is my biggest tip!! I’m 30 taking my ASVAB next week!
@@NBHRaven Thanks and praying the test goes well !
Good video jay I appreciate the financial videos on the military 😎💪
Thanks for watching. Glad you’re digging the financial stuff, cause I was unsure if this type of content would resonate.
The Military offers a great opportunity Continue to get the word out . 😊
I can't wait to i join the navy soon hope everything in meps is all good
This is great information.
Millitary for me was so different, i went from growing up in apartments, me and the wife sharing a 3 bedroom apt with 2 other families and our 2 kids in our room to being 19 and or around 20 with a 3 bedroom and 2 bath house/townhouse in my first duty station. There was no way i could afford that at 18 or 19 before i went in, and another part of the video i noticed was the pension part, the wife has to pay in, where The millitary guy/gal does not, they earn it with blood sweat and tears, still nice to not pay the 261 $ part and still be able to get retirement after 20 years. I said in another comment why i got out of the Millitary, but it paid off for me, Last year i Made around 120,000 $ a year and cleared around 75,000, Jody cleared quite a lot more a month and is something for me even when i joined and did not have a lot of rank, lived quite well. As pointed out, the civilian sector takes out a lot more deductions and does not have any tax exemptions on certain pay like BAH. I wish more young people could realize these things.
So I am retired Navy enlisted and a current DoD employee, so I am kinda both you and your wife. I found everything you said to be 100%, except for the bit where you said (and showed) your wife paying $261 for her FERS. I get TSP payments, but I do not have any kind of deduction for my FERS. It pays 1% of high 3 pay (like military ret) per year of federal service with a bump to 1.1% if you hit both 20 years service and 62 years of age.
Good video. In my experience, base pay is way less than what a comparable civilian non government job will pay. The BAH and BAS is needed to be comparable to civilian take-home pay. Agree that military pay is better than civilian GS pay for similar jobs. E.g., an O-6 with all the benefits you described will make more than a topped out GS15.
Jody! Just wanted you to know I take my ASVAB next Wednesday. I’m mad pumped. Finally starting to cook with bacon grease haha!
Ayeee. I’m wishing you good luck. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
@@Jodywithawhy thank you brother! Unfortunately it got canceled because they’re have power issues at the proctor site 😭
Shippin out Aug 12, AGE. Your videos have def prepared me haha
Ayeee. Big congrats and glad I could help. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Aye Jody I don't see any videos on how someone goes about getting a DD369 form done if your in another state would you do a video on show some could get this done. You would be the first video to be made.
You would have to mail the document to them for wet signature. And have them mail it back. Most police departments don’t like doing this, so most likely you’d have to coordinate with your recruiter so they can get it done. I would also recommend asking the recruiter if they’ll accept a faxed document or an email. Things might’ve changed since I was recruiting.
@@Jodywithawhy ok I see thanks alot Jody for the tips Thankyou. Your always very helpful thanks.
Great video. Just wanna ask, did you guys meet while you were enlisted or before you joined the Air Force? I’m considering joining and possibly making a career for myself, however I still want to settle down and have a family while doing so
I met my wife in after i joined. I joined in 2006, met her in 07 and got married in 2009. Been married since.
Add in the Basic Housing Allowance changes based upon location and position. San Diego, CA BAH goes hard
In my experience, success during and after leaving the military largely depends on personal choices. For instance, I've seen a Corporal (E-4) who saved wisely and was able to buy a nice home after leaving the service. Conversely, I've also seen Sergeants (E-5) who left with financial struggles because they spent their money on alcohol, expensive cars, and other material goods and never saved a dime. Before leaving the Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant (E-6), I obtained my bachelor's degree, and later earned my master's degree at no cost to myself-all covered by the Marine Corps. I still have funds remaining for further education. There's no good reason why someone who has spent 4-6 years in the U.S military shouldn't be able to achieve financial stability upon leaving.
This. 👆🏽
Can you please make a video about jobs that transfer into the civilian sector with six figures earnings? This economy is making me want to go back to school and earn more 😂 the social service sector is definitely not cutting it right now
Yup, everything you said I’m like yuuuup 💯 Best decision I’ve ever made
Going to bmt September 10th job is gonna be weather, wanna say thank u for the vids and the information
I was thinking about joining the guard, this pretty much cements that decision.
This just goes to show being ABOVE average is the best way to win in life.
Had this conversation with airman. As a 8 yr E6 my entitlements are just over 80k, but as a civilian I'd have to make around 110-115k to have the same standard of living getting out.
They don’t understand that. Then they separate, and 6 months later they’re back in a recruiters office begging to come back in.
must be nice to get accepted
Could you make a video on what non US citizens needs before talking to a recruiter and what the process is like from the first meeting all the way to enlisting
This video explains it. The only change from this video to now, is they now allow 2 year green cards. ua-cam.com/video/Rar4xlJH0JI/v-deo.htmlsi=JyS7KgoMY3dot5Te
One thing you said that I disagree with is when you started talking about FERS.. you don’t have to be 62 to withdraw you can retire and withdraw at 57.
She currently has to wait until 62 under the optional retirement because she doesn’t have 20 years or more of time.
👋🏽 I found your channel from the video “joining the military older” I’m 37 and I’m curious about joining Space Force. I was wondering do I need to join the Air Force first to get in ? If possible can you make a video expanding on Space Force or maybe have a guest? I don’t feel like there is a lot of content on UA-cam besides what the military has put or a news channels talking about this new branch.
So you can see an Air Force recruiter and they will ask are you interested in space force, Air Force or both. If you tell them both, they’ll try and get you qualified for space force, but if unsuccessful they’ll get you an air force job.
The reason for this is because the space force is the hardest branch to qualify for. So if you say you only want space force, and you’re not qualified the road ends there. So I always recommend saying let’s see if I can qualify for space force first, and if not I’ll try the Air Force path.
I’m a millennial with a degree and thinking about signing up because of you. Tired of being broke in this economy 😅
That’s awesome. Just remember that initial pay when you join won’t feel like much, but as you advance, it’s gets better. In the meantime take advantage of all the benefits you receive to maximize your time. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Wish that UA-cam existed when I enlisted. I was only able to give the Army 4 years.
Really sucks that i can't get a waiver to join, good luck to all of you would be airman's!
Pay in the military is shit! I'm projected to make 189k in south Georgia. The recruiter at my medical school is trying to get me to go back in ,I told him I just hit my 40s, have va disability, and I'm too set in my ways. He was like you can come in as a commission Ed officer and I said what to take a huge paycut? There is no money to be made in the military. Only opportunities in the future if you take advantage of it.
Very few will get out of the military without needing medical treatment
Orrrr you can be both. As an Air Reserve Technician you get active duty orders and get to be a civilian whenever you want.
The somewhat unfortunate part about military pay is that those extra incentives and allowances play zero part into a service member’s actual retirement, only base pay counts. So hypothetically, unless a service member wants to do 30 years to maximize the percentage of his/her base pay in retirement-- then your pension after 20 years will still be too low to actually “retire” with. (Especially for enlisted members) Plus, it gets taxed as well.
But in the time being of those 20 years. It is decent.
Gotta make sure you’re not too prideful to go to the doctor, to ensure you get your disability. That’ll make retirement a lot more comfortable.
84,000 a year NET just from military. I’m going in with my son and they told me the bah is 2700 for Dallas but that’s just going to be for basic and tech school.
You get BAH for the home of record while in tech school, and afterwards for the zip code where you’re assigned.
I’m an E2 in the coast guard and I make roughly 5600 a month
I’m an E3 and just bought a car, but my story is kinda different, I was driving a 3k shitbox that almost killed me and that scared the living shit out of me and I decided to live a little, got a 2023 kia
I can pay it off in a 10 months because the pay is that good. I’ve a low cost of living
Join the military, Airforce to be exact, have a plan, this gig is pretty rewarding and the benefits are amazing
My mom bought the same car a 2023 kia last year after the accident she was in wrecked her car badly. It was about $20k she paid for it, its a nice car.
Also don’t forget federal employees get a TSP match of 5%!
Can you do a video on AF PJs pay, i really want to enlist but the money they pay is scaring me off at the moment. No videos out there talking about this so from what ive seen it seems pretty low
Your videos have been very helpful. I have a question. If you go active and your relocated, does your family have to move, or can they stay and still housing allowance?
Your family can stay, but the Air Force is only gonna give you a housing allowance for the area you move to. So if you did it this way and still had to pay rent back home, you might be stretched thin.
@Jodywithawhy Thank you. Well, it looks like relocation.
this vid a bomb ass ad
Hey! I’m 23 yo my dream is to join the Air Force and become a US Citizen. I’m a Resident already but is the conditional one. I would like to know how the process for citizenship would work and how long would it take for me to get it?
I’m pretty sure the Air Force just changed its standard on green cards. They now allow cards with 2 years on them. I would recommend reaching out to your recruiter and see if they’ll accept yours.
@@Jodywithawhy thank you for the information. I have been watching your videos since I was living abroad. You are the reason why I chose the Air Force over other branches I hope to become an airman soon and have the pleasure to meet you in person.
Been in the infantry in the 82nd 2 years, what really makes me mad about the military’s pay system is that I make the same amount of money as a guy that’s in S1 with a nice cushy admin job. Even though I spend far more time in the field and away from home.
That does suck. I also think the military shouldn’t pay all careers the same. They do pay special duties and deployment pays, that kinda make a difference, but an actual salary change would be awesome.
I had a Viper as a SrA, hell yeah!!! My TSP is fat too.
Thanks for another amazing video. Is it true that single enlisted members only have to live in the dorms for 6 months before getting BAH? I’ll be enlisting with a bachelors degree going in as an e3.
That’s possible but not the standard. The standard is 3 years in the dorms, but at some bases members are able to move off sooner because of capacity issues. For example, I moved out at the 1.5 year mark. But I wouldn’t recommend expecting 6 months as the timeframe.
Why aren’t you going in as an e4??
@@Björn2Kill from what I understand with the Air Force you go in as e3 with a degree of you aren’t commissioning
@@Jake-be9jiYou only need 48 credits from college to be E-3. I believe a degree gets you E-4 but I may be wrong on that. I know for sure 48 credits gets you E-3 though.
AF RIC in up here in Idaho. I was talking to a teacher at one of my school visits, they showed me their pay stub and how $1,200 a month was deducted for medical insurance. I wanted to throw up when I saw that.
🤢🤢
Plus BAH, plus BAS, PLUS (MOS dependent) Jump Pay, Language Pay, Specialty Pay, PLUS deployment benefits (Hazardous Duty Pay, Hostile Environment Pay, Imminent Danger Pay, Per Diem, Tax exemption), PLUS bonuses…. 🤣. That military money is nasty work.
1. From what I have heard, the military has now gotten rid of pensions after 20 years? At least that's what has been echoed to me by current young military members of various branches.
2. BAS is not usually paid out to the individual, it goes right to the dining facility on your current base, correct? If you have a weird schedule or do something unique then it got paid out to the person directly
3. Housing is for married men or E-6 and above generally. The insane forced marriage and then divorce rate in the military is always because of this money and the ability to live outside of the barracks. You may make a few extra bucks assuming you and the person you married after knowing them for 2 weeks can work out finances fairly. But the fact that BAH is larger than your whole paycheck if you haven't been in for at least 10+ years means that people actively steer into this chaos often.
4. It's also unfair to not explain what healthcare becomes once you get out. Even if you get Tricare for life (from disability or retirement) it is incredibly hard to find decent doctors who take this insurance unless you live close to active military stuff still. And the VA..... is a nightmare 95% of the time.
Please don't join for the money. Join because of the lifelong friends you'll make, the world you get to see, the (free) job training you get for hopefully something you want to do, the experience of other cultures and people from every corner of the earth, all the memories you'll have from basically just everyday at work doing a job you'll probably never do elsewhere, the high levels of work ethic and accountability that you'll almost never find in a civilian job, and the generally better people you get to serve alongside everyday.
Pensions still happen after 20 years.
Food allowance goes to members once they’re out of dorms. In the Air Force that’s 3 years or less.
You don’t have to wait to be married and a E-6 in the Air Force for housing. That happens at 3 years or less for single airman.
i don't dance now, i make money moves
If you earn 100k in the civilian world that equates to around 170k in the military
Idk if they still do this or not but for the ones that dont score high enough on the asvab u can take it again and try and get a better score
I make 250k a year in Miami selling golf clubs lol
The most Military is where it’s at.
check on double taxation agreements between the US and your favorite foreign country to move to for retirement - many countries will not take income tax on your military retirement...
With my money id go to my local military surplus and buy food with it and games
But if you don’t have dependents or a spouse you not getting housing allowance 😭 still that 3333 was confirmation that joining the military is the best decision for me
Thank you so much sir
was only in for 2 years and saved over 15k just by rotting in the barracks the whole time and never leaving on the weekends
That’s it? Were you an e1?
@@gates3813 e3
I wouldn’t even say “military” money man you got that air force money
How I knew you was gonna bring up E3’s buying muscle cars at the end of the video😂 still getting my widebody scat
lol. Gotta make sure they know what to watch next. 😂😂😂
@@Jodywithawhy quick plug I feel you
Rent free and free meals of course. That's easily the equivalent to an extra $18000 per year tax free. Civilians have to pay taxes on that $18000 too.
QUESTION! I was actually wondering how laundry cleaning is done in bmt? How many uniforms and clothes do we get and when do we actually get the chance to wash them?
They have a laundry crew (you could potentially be on the crew) who will clean everybody’s uniforms. I believe you’ll be issued 4 sets of each uniform, and you want to go to basic training with about 3 pairs of civilian clothes and underwear.
@@Jodywithawhy You’re amazing Jody! Thanks for the fast response. You’ve been a great help with all your videos! I look forward to watching your new videos and more of your old ones.
Ahhh yes 7k a month, he's definitely enlisted lol. I was an officer and I didn't realize the amount of money I'd make compared to my civilian job before the military. Crazy difference.
Check out Plano Police starting pay. Over $100,000 to start.
1:03 no way you took that photo with my friends as soon as I left tech school!!! 😭💔
lol. I sure did. Lol
I think the difference is that in a fair number of white collar fields on the coast, it’s completely reasonable to make >200k gross by time you’re in your 40’s.
If you’re a software engineer working in the Bay, the ceiling for a senior is around 5-600k. And before someone says something about cost of living, sf is comparable within 15-30% of other large cities like Seattle, Salt Lake City, Austin, and Denver. The difference is obviously in how long that right tail is for the comp range.
Financially, there’s just no way for the military to compete with professionals in those kinds of fields and cities. I think that’s why Guard and Space Force push the part time patriotic service angle when they’re hiring technical roles.
You’re talking about the top 1-10% of earners. I’m talking about the average person. You’re gonna need a lot more than the military to become a top earner in society.
Need a video about retirement....BRS vs the new one please
I made one about 4 years ago. It’s still relevant. ua-cam.com/video/Ms7RAReIJV8/v-deo.htmlsi=7L9NNwr3FY3A054P
Boot camp August 27th can’t wait to become a Marine
Ayeee. Let’s gooo. Good luck at basic. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
@@Jodywithawhy Thanks 🫡