<prompt> Human: Hello PF, and thank you for all the great posts that I have come across so far. I am 18 years old and have joined the Navy as an E-3 going to be a Nuclear Operator. I have never had much money and do not know where to start. Im getting a sign on bonus of 11k along with my monthly pay of 1900before taxes.I have a soon to be fiancehopefully here at home and no vehicle. No savings. No credit cards. No bank account even. I would like a new er vehicle something decent om gas to be able to drive home from South Carolina. And I have lots of questions. 1. What bank should I go with, ill have quite a large to me surplus of money each month and would like to start a retirement fund. 2. Any prior service members believe that is a bad idea to get a vehicle payment? 3. WHAT SHOULD I DO.Thank you guys so very much.  <response>: Hows it going Seaman? On to the advice... First- Id second the not getting married right away. Military life is not for everyone and if you rush into marriage to get that sweet sweet BAH even if you love the girlguywhatever it will most likely end up burning you in the long run. Wait a year or so before saying I do that way both you and your partner can figure out if the military is for you. Second- USAA is a fantastic bank that only works with militaryveteransvet families. They have great rates and can really help you out on a carhomeretirement account when you have at least a basic account with them. Third- shoot for a cheap reliable car for your first car. My first car was a 99 Chevy Metro that I paid 4k and it lasted me 4yrs and got 38mpg. Id shoot for the 5-7k range and try to get payments down to around 150-200month. Dont buy till you get to your first home base. Since you dont know where you will be in the world you may end up with a 10k paperweight when you get sent overseas and cant take your car with you. Last but not least- Dont spend that sign on bonus! Throw it into a savings account and let it accrue interest or better yet throw it into a CD and get even more from it. If you wash out or just decide to switch fields youre going to be on the hook for that money. I personally know two people who are not going to get a tax refund for the next 30yrs because they owe Uncle Sam all that bonus back. Good luck and hopefully this is some good advice for you. Enjoy the military, it is what you make of it. Spent 8yrs active duty AF. 