<prompt> Human: As stated I am currently deployed to Afghanistan and I plan on leaving the service 8 months after returning state side. I am 21 years old and have never had personal finance classes. This transition has me more afraid than any other in my life due to my confusion in finances. Any advice will be much appreciated. Any additional info needed feel free to ask.EDIT: Heres some info that may be handy Im 21, single male. I have bank through USAA. No vehicle. Plan to go to college the semester after I get out. Im recieving a 35,000 bonus at the end of my contract.  <response>: Just some basic stuff - I grew up in a medium-sized town that was primarily military lived there 26 years, and most of my family was military. Heres what Ive seen that might help you.Are you single? Dont make the common mistake that every soldier seems to make - do NOT come home with your giant wad of cash and blow it on a brand new sports car and clubbing. I cant even count the number of militarycontractors Ive known who came back and did exactly this. I have a good friend who came back from Iraq with 120k cash to his name and, according to him, has no idea where that money went. None.Instead - keep your money piled up, buy a cheap car when you get home, find a cheap apartment with a short lease 6-9months lease at most, preferably month to month, after you leave the service and use your stash of money to survive for the time it takes you to replace your employment. You might have to move for a new job, so thats the purpose of the short apartment lease.After youve found new gainful employment, set aside 6 months of expenses as an emergency fund. Feel free to upgrade your car and housing consider purchasing with 20 down if you plan on staying put for some time. Enjoy your financial foundation and thanks for being a soldier.Any specific questions that have you confused or fearful? 