<prompt> Human: Im leaving for the Army in about 4 weeks and need advice on life planning. I watched my mother struggle with debt my entire life and dont want to end up in that place. Ive been reading around and understand to stay away from new cars and marriage. At the moment my plan is to sign up with USAA and use their military member credit card to build credit while also investing in a TSP. I dont really know what to do besides that. If it helps Im also looking to do the full 20 years and retire. Sorry if I come off as a dumb kid but I really need some direction. Edit: Thank you to everyone who helped me. Ive gotten everything set up with USAA who were amazing, they waved my initial checkingsavings account fee in preparation while also setting up other things. I feel much better going into this now and know what to do and what not to do.Assistant: True tale of a buddy of mine. He did 4 years active, banked his enlistment bonus and about 15-20 grand each year. ETSd with almost 100 grand in the bank. Bought a condo in downtown Tempe near Arizona State, joined the National Guard, used his GI Bill and guard stipend to go to college, had a part time job at a grocery store. 4 years later, he graduated college at age 26, had zero debt, sold the condo for a nice profit and had 100 grand in the bank for a down payment on a house. Be like that guy. Dont piss your money away on cars, tatts, chicks or needless stuff. Side note, ten years later, that guy is close to 1 million net worth, and will hit it by the time he turns 40.Human: That just gave me a lot of motivation, thanks man.  <response>: I would suggest you 60-80 of your salary into a bank account and keep the rest in a different account. This 2nd account will be your spending money. This way it will help you keep to your plan. Use your spending money for whatever you want but dont touch the other account. I personally like this balance since it wont feel like your restricting yourself since you will always have some money to spend. Just pretend like your other account doesnt exist and you will be solid when you leave the military. If possible have the split the paycheck to the two accounts. 