When I got out of the military I didn't look back. I developed some moral and ethical beliefs about what military service actually was vs what most service members believe it is...as a result I decided not to accept any benefits and really just delete that chapter of my life.
Life has a funny way of changing quickly...so my income was drastically changed in a really short amount of time and I started to look for ways to save money. Eventually I got over my limiting beliefs about VA benefits and decided to check to see what was available...and OMG it's like free money everywhere. I seriously don't understand how any veteran struggles financially. I can't comprehend how we have homeless veterans. It's not for lack of benefits trust me. In a few months I got enrolled in college for free (computer science major) and got all my books and school supplies for free. Even got a brand new HP probook and 4-in-1 printer plus a 256GB USB drive and surge protector. (Haven't calculated the total value of the computer and printer yet but it's at least $2,000 and the books and school supplies were $1,200). On top of free school and free supplies I also get a check for housing just for going to school...another $1,800 additional income each month. On top of the income just for going to school I was encouraged by one of the nice VA reps to update my medical claims with the VA. I've obviously got PTSD and updating my claim with a wife and child as defendants pays an additional $3,000 a month in income.
I can now choose to go to school full time and focus on doing the best I can without juggling a full time job and balancing everything with a family life. On top of my wife's income and some freelance marketings I do our income is nearly what it was when I worked 90+ hrs in the oilfield. If all that isn't enough, I recently discovered that my school offers family housing for students as well. I live in an oilfield town and cost of living is outrageously high. A single bedroom apt runs at least $2,000/month. Plus cost of utilities and deposit and application fees and non refundable pet deposits and pet rent...its fucking nuts. People with 6 figure incomes are moving out of the area because they can't afford to live here. And in this economy I have family housing on campus with all utilities paid and free wifi for $600/month. It's small and definitely not the ideal living situation for a small family but I can't argue with $600 a month. You can't rent an RV spot for that cheap here.
I'm a big fan of taking advantage of opportunities when they come. So our goal is to live as cheaply as possible for the next 12 months and stack as much cash as humanly possible so when we are ready to relocate it's not such a stressful situation.
Of course there are dozens if not hundreds of other discounts and benefits packages for veterans...even a 10% discount at the restaurant or a discount on your monthly phone service and car insurance. They offer home loans and business loans and will work with you to get you employment and even training to be employable. If you're a veteran and not taking full advantage of your VA benefits then you are only damaging yourself (like I was for way too long.) Take advantage of the opportunities available to you and set yourself up for success.
July 03, 2018 at 01:10AM
