Jack Carson SITREP: All right, warriors—gear‑up time. Transition isn’t some weekend fun‑run; it’s a full‑blown operation that’ll hit your wallet harder than an unexpected ID‑10‑T error. Those “transition expenses” everyone whispers about? Think mortgage, phone bill, fuel, power, diapers, and enough Cheetos to keep the tiny troops quiet—all while you’re between uniforms. Stack the cash now, so you’re not scrounging rations later.
Reality Check: Unemployment Can Ambush Anyone
Stats say 75 % of us leave the service without a civilian gig lined up, and Pew Research clocks the average vet at 20 weeks of job‑hunting. Translation: five months with no steady paycheck. Command’s guidance is clear—stash 3‑12 months of living expenses before you ETS. Here’s how to make that happen:
1. Lash Together a Raft, Not a Golden Gate
Forget building a fancy bridge to civilian life. You just need a sturdy raft to float you over the unemployment river. Focus on temporary survival money—enough to keep you and the family above water till you’re back on payroll.
2. Strap On Your Reality Goggles
Coming up on EAS? Save anyway, even if you might re‑up. One Air Force pilot banked 50 % of his pay the last few months before punching out. Copy that example.
3. Hide the Cash from Yourself
Automation is your friend. Hook apps like Digit® or Stash® to your checking account so money funnels out before you can “accidentally” spend it at the PX. Out of sight, out of mind—mission accomplished.
4. “Marie Kondo” Your Gear
PCS souvenirs piling up like unexploded ordnance? Paddleboards, bikes, extra gym gear—sell ’em on eBay®, Facebook Marketplace®, or Etsy®. If it doesn’t “spark joy” (or pay the mortgage), it’s gone.
5. Empty the Closet Arsenal
Designer jacket never fit? Tactical boots you wore once? List them on Poshmark®, thredUP®, or The RealReal®. Every dollar adds flotation to that raft.
6. Shoot Down Lifestyle Creep
The civ‑div can tempt you into a bigger house and shinier truck. Stand fast. Rent first, scout the AO, then buy when you’re sure. Keep fixed costs low so your savings stay high.
7. Let Your Saver Take Point
If you’re the platoon’s big spender but your partner’s a frugal ninja, hand them the budget reins for six months. Two working as one make the savings plan unstoppable.
8. Re‑Enlist? Maybe
If the economy’s throwing smoke grenades and you don’t hate the service, another hitch can be the safest play. Rack up retirement points, max out your TSP, stack real‑estate investments—then exit on your terms.
9. Consider the Reserves
Can’t stay active‑duty? The Guard or Reserves keep your Tricare, let you transfer that GI Bill®, and bring in drill pay—solid backup while you hunt the next mission.
10. Fire Up a Side Hustle
Drive for Uber®, Lyft®, or Instacart®. Rent out a spare room on Airbnb®. Clock those dollars till your raft’s fully loaded.
11. Unleash the K‑9 Corps
Love dogs? Sign up with Rover® for pet‑sitting or dog walking. Even the kids can stand watch on this detail—and it pads the bank account.
12. Deploy Your Spouse Remotely
COVID changed the battlefield—remote gigs are everywhere. If your spouse wants to work online, now’s the time. Dual income = faster savings.
13. Max Out Spouse Programs Before the Clock Runs
Active‑duty spouses get primo access to training and certification funds. Grab those credentials NOW. Post‑separation, those benefits shrink faster than an MRE brownie in basic.
Final Word from the First Sergeant
Look, no one likes picturing themselves sidelined without a paycheck. But a fat transition fund means you’ll sleep like a baby on fire‑watch. And if you land that job on Day One? You’re still set—think of all the glorious Cheetos you can stockpile. Stay sharp, stack cash, and you’ll crush civilian life with the same discipline that carried you through the uniformed fight. Move out and draw fire—financially, that is.
