This guy knows his stuff. People in the military that complain about being paid too little are often the people going out and drinking their money away or paying for a car they don't need. Learn to save a bit. Having a good time is okay, just don't go overboard or you'll have nothing left for real life expenses/ emergencies.
+Kyle Gott hi Kyle, i am preparing to join the army. and i have seem people got a 6 years reserve contract sometimes. have you seem someone that you know are in the 6 year reserve and still get deploy to active duty later on? I am think either or not I should sign up for 6 year reserve or just go for the 3-4 yrs active duty plus couple years reserve. the main reason that i am joining the army is for the education benefit. Another question is after they finish their active duty part, do people in the reserve still call out for active duty alot? if so how long as you know? thanks
+samtoo2010 Hey personally I would say go straight into the active duty side. It is alot easier to go active - reserve then from reserve to active. I have been trying to get a release from my unit for a couple months and still nothing. Hope this helps, also I have alot of friends that didnt listen and now regret going reserves.
Retired military here. Folks put money away/invest from day one if at all possible. I realize it is very difficult not to give in to the immediate gratification of buying the new tech, clothes, car etc but you have to consider your future. Military is not forever whether you stay in 2 - 6 years or retire at 20 -30 years of service. DO NOT put your trust in contract jobs etc and feel safe thinking you'll be making big money anyways. ALWAYS plan for contingencies. Life can throw you a curve and if you have a family it can be an even bigger problem for all involved. I should know..I struggled because i did not listen to the senior folks advising me to save. Don't let that be you people! :)
live your life how you want though, as in what feels like is going to make you happy for yourself. having a family or others to care about is different though where as in you would need to think more future but as in just yourself live it up while you can but that's just what i believe and i could be wrong as i haven't lived 20+ years but hey ✌🏽️
850$ every two weeks. Housing stable job and you're setting yourself up for better civilian life after??? why wouldn't you join if u weren't already doing better....
It's true. After AIT, you really get everything provided for you. Your living space, meals, utilities, ect. are all free to you. All that leaves you is Internet, phone bill, and a couple other things. If you save up, your bank account will swell.
I'm not in the Air Force, but I do leave for basic training in the Army soon. My mom told me to take $100 out each paycheck and set it aside to save..hopefully it helps and thank you for making this video it was very informative.
this is arguably the most valuable video of yours to me. I'm trying to join the Air Force but I'm not trying be stupid with my money like I was in high school, thanks for the tips!
Kyle, with all your knowledge, I believe you should be a recruiter (not in a bad way) because you are the most smartest airman, and common sensed based person I know!
Wow! This video was extremely helpful! Most people don't just flat out say how much money they make. But doing this really helped me realize how much you can save in a matter of months. Once again this was extremely helpful! Thanks Kyle!
***** Yeah, that's why this video is awesome. I'd like to point out as a subscriber and frequent watcher of your videos that you are one of the very few military RU-vidrs if not the only military YoutTuber who presents relevant lifestyle related information about the military in a palatable form that is diffucult to appreciate via browsing military websites/forumns or reading payscale charts. Yes, a person with reasonable intelligence can deduce what their lifestyle will be like soley based on a number representing a monthly pay check, but this video along with your other videos conveys, again, a lifestyle that so many can't picture when they're considering a contractual commitment to one particular branch of the military. This goes way beyond numbers on a spreadsheet and illuminates a complete other dimension of the military that is simply not imaginable to a wide portion of the public including myself. As someone without any family members, relatives or friends seeking information on what it is like to join the military, I cannot tell you how difficult it is to find information like this on the internet. People need to be able to relate to someonee in the military to better decide for themselves whether or not the option is right for them. That is why I think this channel is having as much success as it is and is why I think you should be really proud of yourself for it. No matter what you think of the military or what the reponsibility of the average serviceman is, everyone should have an informed opinion about what 4-6 years in the military really is like. I consider myself different from you in a lot of ways personality wise. I'm a little bit older than you, have much different interests regarding my personal life but I still find the information on this channel to be incredibly useful in my decision making process.
you'e welcome, just keep making awesome content, you're helping out a lot more people than just me, and whether or not your viewers or I decide to join or are even considering joining at all, it's still a really interesting look into the lives of an ordinary serviceman, in fact you should relish in the fact that you're probably the only RU-vidr, let alone the only _person_, at least in the U.S. Armed Forces, producing this kind of media content... the ONLY one that's at least having success with it, that's a victory very few can claim, but yeah you're channel is great, i watch it right a long with some of the other big RU-vidrs, so keep it up, i think you'll go really far
***** Hey I found your videos when I was searching for youtube videos about the air force cause im really interested in joining myself. I think you make the best out of all the other videos I found so far on youtube. The quality of the videos, the information you give, the fact that you are constantly uploading new videos about the air force is all great. Youve been really helpful to me because I was always never sure what I wanted to do in life but everytime I watch one of your videos it just inspires me more and more to want to join. And all I want to say is just keep doing what your doing. You seem really nice and like you actually care enough about your viewers to keep them happy by making theses videos. So thanks, and I hope you continue to make videos about the air force and all the experiences you go through in it cause thats what you do best!
I'm so cheap I'll be saving a lot. I'll spend like $15 a week maybe. I know if I'm not really paying for housing. I'll be fine, hopefully. Budget budget budget
i use to buy 1-2 monsters a day when i was in A.I.T. because u never ever want to get caught closing your eyes , we had quizzes on different electronics almost every week. I use to go out sometimes but usually id stay in the barracks and saved a lot of money. The provided food was pretty good actually, which kept me in good shape while i was in active duty.
Just so everyone knows I am an E-5 in the Air Force and was once stationed at Kadena when a young A1C Gott arrived there. So first off COLA is only for those overseas, Hawaii, and Alaska. If you get stationed in the US you will not be receiving COLA. COLA is to off set the cost of goods and the exchange rates. As far as shipping a vehicle you will have to get with your TMO and see if that vehicle is accepted in that country. Any vehicle can be shipped but if it does not meet the safety standards of that country guess who pays to get it up to code. YOU!! Selling your vehicle isn't always the best option before you leave for overseas. If you can put it in storage or have someone that can take care of it, trust me it is nice to have a vehicle when you come back to the states instead of having to buy one. Overall Kyle you did a great job with this video and as a supervisor I know that the new EPR and rating system will have us asking the young airmen about there finances so be prepared. I have seen several young airmen get into serious trouble because they couldn't handle there spending but the military also gives you the opportunity to save and set yourself up for success like Airmen Gott has done. Great video Kyle!
If you go to Lackland AFB, Check out Downtown San Antonio! And get used to Sailors looking at you funny when you call them Sir or Ma'am! lol - Navy Vet, Master At Arms
20+ years on active duty in the Air Force. I have been retired since 1994. I got a better job after I retired, and started drawing my military pension immediately. I simply put my retired pay in the bank. Now, 26 years later, I have collected well over $600,000 dollars - so far - with another 20 years or so to collect.
If you are constantly risking your life in the army, You should be paid really well. I honestly don't believe people in the army get their due share of payment.
@Kyle Gott Just wanna say as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force you are doing a great job and providing a very useful service through internet media for new Airmen and individuals thinking about joining. Keep up the good work :)
I was in the Air Force for 7 years and got my bachelors degree going to school at night. I didn't use my GI bill either, I used tuition asst. I joined the Navy and the Navy sent me to Electronics Schools for over 3 years and I was an instructor at GreatLakes NB for 5 years teaching electronics. After I retired, I got my teaching degree using the GI Bill and a Master's Degree from the University of Chicago. I paid cash for a two bedroom condo in Chicago so I never ever paid rent. Military taught me so much I could not begin to tell you. If you're smart and not a fool, and I knew many, you can really do well.
That's interesting. I suppose that explains how our facility is kept so clean. Lord knows that's not from us XD lol. I might have to look into doing that after my term ends. Thank you sir.
It's great to hear from a guy with a level head on his shoulders at such a young age. I was in Japan at a base that's closed now, Tachikawa AB Hospital, next to Yokota AB. I was so young I completely wasted the opportunity. We sat and played spades way too many instead of going on tours or just getting out and seeing the country. But their are no do overs. In 1971 E-3's made $300 per month but candy bars were 5 cents, beer by the bottle were 10 cents and a carton a smokes were $1.21. And gas was 25 cents a gallon on base and 25 cents a liter off but the comparison is all relative. You get more and you pay more. Thanks for a great video.
I am currently 16, I've been set on the Air Force for about 3 years. I love this channel, it helps me know what I need to know in two years! Only problem is what I want to do in the Air Force, and I am not going to college.
Joke's on you kid, you have to go to college, even as enlisted. I'm an E-3 stationed in Wyoming. I'm a Nuclear Missile Maintainer. I too want to be a pilot eventually. Yes, you have to be an officer, which requires a 4 year degree. There are multiple ways to get commissioned into the Air Force, while some are better than others as far as making you competitive at being a pilot. Check out www.airforce.com, hover over "joining the Air Force" and you can find information there about becoming both an enlisted Airman and an officer.
***** Just be conservative with your stock choices. Keep a close eye and pull out if things arent going your way. Worse case senario you lose a few dollars a share.
Hedge funds are essentially gambling with your money. You are far better investing in prudent funds/tracker funds. I can almost garauntee if you "play" the stock market you will either lose your money...either with poor investments or from charges.
I'm stationed here in Alaska, and I can tell ya that right around the 3 year mark when you move out of the dorms and put on SrA life gets a lot better money wise. The COLA and BAH here are nice, and as an E4 with 5 years time in I get a little over $2100 every two weeks. If you don't mind having a roommate you can save even more money. Me and my roommate each pay $586 for rent but our BAH is $1299, so pocketing an extra $700 a month from housing allowance is nice. Overseas is the way to go if you wanna save some extra money. It's going to be hard to go back stateside and lose the COLA and also have a lower BAH.
excellent point kyle i as will suggest to people who plan on traveling when your in the service or as a civilian and you work at a place what allow you to eat for free at its cafeteria or galley what is basically same thing. eat there everyday when your there so you save. as will before you go home if you don't leave far from it eat there don't go out. simply go out when your traveling and your away from base if your in the service. but eat cheap but healthy. but of course treat your self to something what my cost a good buck every once in a while not everyday. that's just my suggestion
as will another suggestion not 100% sure its allowed but if its is in military dorm get a small fridge and pack it full of water to keep cool and pretty much hoard water bottles with nice clean spring water where you have room in your cabinets in your dorm so you never worry about not having anything to drink. but that's me.
Lucky for you then. In NC the illegals have driven down wages where the people who lived here for generations and have roots here can't even make a decent living.
As a new A3C fresh out of basic (1965) and new to a Squadron, one evening, three days prior to payday, I got into a blackjack game. BAM!, I was busted, on separate RATS due to the nature of our job and no money. It got real hungry out before I got paid again, but this young Airman learned a valuable lesson. Some lessons come hard.
dang kyle i didnt know u were a pizza guy before the air force, i currently deliver for pizza hut and im gonna be joining the USAF soon, thanks for the awesome inspiration, keep it up!
Easy. You save $150 a month when you're in boot and AIT, and then you use cash monies to buy a < $1000 car listed on craigslist. If you walk into a used car dealer and try to finance a car for $150 a month with $0 down, and no credit history, they are going to suck you dry...
My Granddad sent his check to my Grandma and after the bills she sent him money to spend. This was World War II and the war after that. (He was a soldier in Battle of the Bulge. Knowing that history of war and where we are now... Thank You.)
hahahahahaha Oh my hell, that intro was hilarious... Good stuff man, wish I had this advice when I first enlisted back in 2010. If you're new take notes because he is actually very accurate with his points! Good shit airman! you sir deserve a promotion!
Good advice. I am saving to show my son when he gets out of Basic. He's good with saving, so hopefully this is common sense, but it's nice to get from someone other than parents.
Hey man I appreciate your videos, I can tell you actually put in alot of effort into it. Lots of other people just talk and talk about random stuff and don't edit the useless pauses out. Also looking into TACP or CCT
I was an AF Aid Society officer. I was shocked at higher ranking people not having ANY savings when the car broke. Or a death in the family and no $$ to fly to the states. Good video sir.
I plan on saving as much money as I can, sure I'll spend on a weekend just 1 per month and not as much. Work,Save money, finish school, gym ; I'll have no time for crap :) KYLE can you explain about tattoos? size,colors what not to get etc. etc.. thanks man.
"don't buy a nice car" that so much, the amount of sportscars and jacked up trucks that run 60,000 i see in shacks parking lots is amazing for people who don't even make 1/2 that in a year.
hey man first off thank you fro your service. I myself leave for the army may 3rd 2016 for ft jackson south Carolina. so watching this has really got me to think on how to save money. So again thank you.
Military pay is well above minimum wage when you factor in BAH, BAS, free medical care, and all the other "entitlements." I've done the calculations, and anyone who retires from the military will earn over $100,000 for each of the 20 or so years you serve when you factor in retirement, BAH, BAS, free medical, and the long list of entitlements. I did the calculations for a single soldier who barely makes E6 at 20 years (otherwise you'd be RCP'ed out before retirement) using the lowest BAH entitlement, so practically anyone who retires from the military will make much more. Military pay is too high, considering all you need is a high school diploma or a degree in a useless major to become an overpaid officer. Anyone who says military pay is low is either ignorant or purposely trying to mislead you. The only reason there are some on food stamps is because BAH and BAS are considered allowances and not normal pay. For reference, I did four years Army and currently eight in the Army Leftovers.
Just joined the Air Force and I'm so glad I watched this very much needed I was in the shadows on a lot of things but this pretty much cleared it all up
+Legit Sniper CSGO/UNBOXING/CAR VIDEOS How? If I'm joining the army for little pay? What a make a month on basic training. I can make a week on overtime. I joining to get the military ID! You get a lot of benefits. Like you can attend WWE events for free, can conceal carry at 18 in Texas, loans, etc.
+Legit Sniper CSGO/UNBOXING/CAR VIDEOS That's how much a make on a 40 hour week pay a year. If make over time money (72 hours a week) I make $62,400 a year.
He said he's an E3. If I'm not mistaken, you get out of Basic training at E2, or E3 if you enlisted as E2 through a ROTC program and meet some other requirements. Straight out of boot, Marines need to be in the service for 9 months and rank E2 for 8 months before they're eligible for promotion to E3. My Marine recruiter is E5 and said he's been in for about 5 years, so that should give you a good time frame.
My friend went through basic, a.i.t., and just passed d.l.i. about a week ago, and he just made E3 before he left. So your looking at probably a year and maybe some change.
well if you're single you get free food, free place to live (and its pretty nice), free health and dental. so all the money you get is for what ever you want. You don't really have any living costs. My only bills are my car and car insurance.
So do our members. Going as an E2, I'll be making just over 40k a year, then when I become E3 I'll be doing a little better. Granted there are government fees but it's still mostly around 40. Without college credits, you go in as E1 and are automatically promoted to E2 when you graduate.
30k Australian dollars =23150.10 US Dollar which equals $1929.16 a month which is 964$ every 2 weeks. so you might have taxes as well, plus SS, and what not. which would lower it more, but i dont know the exact value.
Very wise. Savings and little debt is the path to real wealth. Good for you, and thanks for serving. My biggest problem regarding spending has always been on food. Food can drink can add up real quick.
Yes, it's very possible. So long as you stay single for those 10 years. No girlfriend and no wife. Women will drain you dry. If my math is correct, you will need to put back approximately $835.00 per month. A buddy of mine saved around $35,000 during a 15 month deployment. He had no bills at all, so he was able to save his entire paycheck every month.
+AceProductions828 very possible as an E1. As an E1 in 2004 fresh out of BCT, I was making approx. $650.00 every two weeks, $1300 per month, with only a cell phone bill, living in barracks. You won't stay an E1 for your whole ten years so you'll be able to save more every time you are promoted. In order to save that amount of money in ten years, you'd have to save around $835.00 per month. VERY POSSIBLE for an E1 without bills, living in barracks, eating for free, to do.
***** I'll be going to basic soon and will finish as an E-3 due to AFJROTC, I currently have a 2010 chevy cobalt that I owe money on, but I don't like it for various reasons (not enough space, not great fuel economy for how much I travel .. 10k miles in the past 4 months) and was looking at a newer hybrid for 21k which translates to 300-400 a month after I get mine paid off/sold, do you consider that to be too much? Thanks
I'm really having an second thoughts about joining the Air Force reserve. Like I don't know how much time will it take . Like I got other plan I wanna do. Like I am studying to be an actor for movies. And so like I don't wanna joining if it gonna take my time away from acting. So I don't know what to do right now. Still thinking about it. Could use some help from someone who been in the military.
jorgen sorensen I've always wanted to work in the film industry but my dad and pretty much everyone told me I couldn't do it. I live in the uk, I'm pretty poor so can't afford acting classes and need a work visa to move to the US. And everyone keeps telling me there's already thousands of people out there trying to do the same thing. So I decided to join the army(not in yet, almost passed my interview but I'm 3kg underweight so got to wait 3 months to continue with application) once I'm out of the army, I will have so many qualifications, I'm gonna start up my own business and hopefully get a work visa so I can move to the US and basically see where I go from there. If you join the reserves you could use that money for acting classes and that would look great on your cv :)! (Being in the army I mean)
I was a single Navy Chief and this guy is right. One time I pulled into Australia after being in the Persian Gulf for 90 days. It took 20 min. for them to count my pay. Both pockets were full of twenties so I went to Bali for 2 weeks and Thailand for 2 weeks and met the ship back in Japan. It was just my lifestyle. Don't get me wrong its not all fun. Navy life is tough, but you are compensated with a whole lotta fun. You just got to be smart. Listen to this guy on the video. AF is a little different than Navy - I was in both. I retired after 23 years.
Hey, I'm in the delayed entry program, will be joining as a 17 Charlie pretty much the summer after I graduate High school. I just gotta say this video is pretty insightful, even though it's from 2014, planning to save up as much as I can over the years. Thanks!
