Ever met a military spouse who does not work, her husband is the same rank as yours (same years in service too), and yet it always seems they are on top financially while you seem to barely keep your head above water?
I know rank is a taboo topic and most people cringe at discussing it but let’s not pretend those thoughts don’t run through your head.
Want to know the truth?
The truth is we have a lot of people in debt in the military and there are tons of easy financing options and loans for military which accounts for extravagant spending in some cases.
I too was guilty of comparing my financial situation to others until I realized that not everyone was just a great budget-er ( because there are some who budget well). There were many who were living off their STAR Cards, credit cards, easy approval loans, and easy financing on furniture and cars.
I know we see some of our counterparts with huge diamond rings, Coach Bags, and huge flat screen TV’s, and a brand new SUV, but please don’t fall into the trap of believing that you are missing out because you aren’t!
And while by I make mention of all those fancy delights that I too at one point have dabbled in including a Pioneer Loan for a vacation, in no way am I downing those who indulge in this. However many people surprisingly believe that all military families just have fat savings accounts and can afford all of this. To be fair some do. There are many military families who save, budget and live frugally.
I truly believe that Pioneer and Omni loans are okay if they are being used for the right purpose. If you need to get home because plane tickets are expensive, or if you have an emergency or car repair then I say go for it. I do not think a loan is the best option because you want a new TV or rims for your car.
Is it my business? No not really! However as a military spouse, an avid forum user, and a blogger who receives many emails with these type of situations I thought it was important to put the word out there.
Do you think some military families overspend because of being approved for credit so easily?
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Army Wife 101
Krystel is the mom of two and an Army Wife. In addition to Army Wife 101 she is the Co-Founder of SoFluential.com a digital media agency that connects brands with the military market. She has appeared on MSNBC ,FOX LA and formerly was a weekly contributor to HLN's "Raising America". She has written for various outlets including Sheknows and Lifetime and is a big fan of cupcakes and french fries.
Krystel is the mom of two and an Army Wife. In addition to Army Wife 101 she is the Co-Founder of SoFluential.com a digital media agency that connects brands with the military market.
She has appeared on MSNBC ,FOX LA and formerly was a weekly contributor to HLN's "Raising America". She has written for various outlets including Sheknows and Lifetime and is a big fan of cupcakes and french fries. 3 Comments on Bling Bling: How Did That Military Spouse Get That Ring?
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I think the topic of easy credit for military members is a valid discussion but we need to be careful. Credit is an easy temptation but we are all adults and handling your money is part of growing up. Some people sail through without any problem, some need to hit rock bottom to learn their lessons.
I think we need to be careful about judging what other people do. We also need to be careful about stereotyping. We all hate it when someone who doesn’t know us pegs us as “that type” of spouse. The truth is, unless you’ve gotten a look at their finances you just don’t know. In the ever so judgmental world of military spouses its just another thing to point at and say “Oh i’m so much better than that” but we all have our weak points.
I agree with you here. No one knows everyone’s background. They may come from money, have an amazing job, have an inheritance, etc. etc. It’s honestly no one’s business what people do with their finances.
I used to do that. See all these wives with huge rings/fancy cars/nice homes/designer bags and would wonder HOW IN THE WORLD. Even when their hubbys were a lower rank(by no means meant offensively btw). We’ve used Omni/Pioneer/Star card and in the end it only wound up costing us. Yes it was a huge relief to be able to have those things at the ready when we needed them but in the long run it hurt. We were terrible at budgeting in the beginning and it set a course for rough waters. However, they are GREAT for those who can budget that stuff. They are a huge relief for emergencies, times when your pay-check just doesnt quite stretch all the way but like you said DONT fall into the trap of thinking thats the way to go. It will wind up costing you in the long run. It did us. We’re finally(a year after medically retiring out) getting those things taken care of. This was a really great post. I wish more people would recognize that sometimes its an easy trap to fall into.