<prompt> Human: I was an officer in the military and spent a couple thousand dollars per year for personal hygiene, clothes, etc.As you can see, I rarely spent the money I earned since housing on base was free and my meals were free.Now I got out and Im unemployed. Im currently renting an apartment for about 1200 bucks a month including water,electricity, and gas.What is my next move? Should I find a job? Should I blow my 230k on buying a house? What could I have done in the military to increase my 230k? Should I have put it into a roth ira so it increased over the time?Thanksp.s. Im 25 years old.edit: tldr 1what could I have done to earn more money than 230k? 2what should I do now? where do I go from here?thanks  <response>: Wow, youve given yourself an amazing opportunity. You have a blank slate and can pick whatever towncity interests you to live and work. Dont waste it!First steps: Figure out how much it will cost you to live out the rest of your lease rent, utilities, food, entertainment, etc and deduct that amount into a new account that you will live off of. Dont touch the restoriginal account. Figure out what you are interested in and if possible what you want to do with your life. If you are interested in doing something that requires college, make a wise college decision. Use your GI benefits. Live frugally while in college, get a part-time job at least so you dont become bored and out of shape. It will also help you meet people at school. EDIT: DO NOT GO TO A FOR PROFIT SCHOOL. Find a FEE ONLY financial planner most planners are selling products, funds, or taking a piece of every dollar you have with them in commissions. Fee only charge by the hour and only for what you get. Get a shortmedium term financial plan and a long range financial plan in place based on your personal goals, wants, and needs. Plan your work, work your plan. DO NOT MAKE LARGE PURCHASES. This includes a house, condo, land, etc until you are sure you are going to stay put for a while.Good luck! 