<prompt> Human: Im 17, nearly homeless, and Im in the process joining the Air Force, serving four years, and then going to college to become an accountant after I get out. Ive done the math and base pay is around 1,500, but when youre serving you dont really need to worry about paying for food or rent, so I want to save at least 500 a month for four years, which adds up to 24,000. I just want to know if this is a good plan, and what I need to do once I get out of the military to start my life. What can I do with 24,000 to leave my family behind and do better on my own? EDIT I just want to thank everybody for the great advice, Ive read all the comments. A few things I want to clear up about myself and my plan. A lot of comments saying dont buy the car or dont buy the Nissan etc. the Nissan s13 can be found in good running condition for about 2500, Im the type of person who despises newer vehicles because they all look and drive very similarly. I dont plan on buying a car until after Im done serving, unless I really need to. Im actually going to find out what the regulations for boosted boards and other electric longboards are on base, because I feel like thats a very efficient way to get around, and I wont have to sell it or anything if I have to move bases. Also I wont be 21 for about 3 years so I dont think Ill have to worry about spending money on alcohol.  <response>: I know a lot of people have given the financial information and thats great. I was 5 yrs Army, so I cant tell you about Air Force, but it almost all translates out the same. It was mentioned here before but Ill go over some things that left me a wreck financially after getting out.1. If youre not engagedmarried stay away from acquiring a significant other until youre out if you want to save money. This goes without saying, but peoples judgement usually slacks when theyre around women they cant touch per se your coworkerssuperiors and then you go back to the barracks single. Or, just dont get committed to one. Yeah, youll get base housing, but that brings all the cost of married life, and well... thats not in your plan.2. Stay out of the strip clubs, bars, PX, and car dealerships. Theres nothing in there but money holes and credit suckers. YAY you can get approved for a car loan on a nice 3037; APR. When you first get to your unit youll see all kinda people driving new cars, your command will tell you you need a car, the people in the barracks will tell you you need a car, youll feel rushed and pressured. DONT...get yourself a cheap beater...youll PCS and sell it to someone elseand or deploy and not need it. Be wise beyond your years.3. Not sure how you are scholastically, however CLEP and DANTES EVERYTHING and ANYTHING you can. When I was in they made these available and just getting out of school, youll have an easier time and save on degree time later.4. Know a foreign language, get rated for it. Some languages in the military can pay for it.5. Cross Branch training. I know this sounds again silly, but if youre not afraid of heights or trying new things, get AirborneAir Assault Qualified through the Army they offer it to Air Force dont worry doing stuff like this can get you jump pay AND looks good helping you make rank faster more rank faster increase in pay.6. In the Army Im sure Air Force as well, study and do promotion boards. Your Time In Service promotions are great, but if youre on the ball, youll get promoted above peers and again, thats increase in rank.I know it sounds like be a goody goody, but if youre really focused on the money factor, these are shortcuts. You can have a great career in the military WITHOUT doing these things...but yeah, if youre looking to save, save, save, you can use some hacks 