<prompt> Human: I am a 20 year old that is intensely devoted to military service. Honestly, all things considered, I have little doubt that I wont be able to reach retirement and O-5 in the next 18 years.However, I am scraping by with lower enlisted pay while I finish my degree.Is there any way I could get a large, long-term loan based off off of my future projected earnings? 20k will not be a big deal to pay off just 5 or 6 years from now when Im commissioned, but that amount of money would make a world of a difference for me now.Thanks for your help.  <response>: Prosperity does not come from borrowing, unless you are borrowing to invest at a known, guaranteed return that is greater than the loan rate.Prosperity comes from budgeting and living within ones means.Cut spending. If you arent saving any money, you are bleeding money somewhere.And no way is a credit card a good idea unless you already have an emergency fund of 3-6 months pay.Education is a sound investment. You should not be borrowing for that, either. Grants, Scholarships, Savings.Dont dig yourself into a hole trying to live in the future before you earn it.Taking irrational advice from others redditco-workersfamily to make yourself justify poor choices is a losing game.Make an appointment with a military credit union manager and ask for help with budgeting and saving. DO NOT buy any financial products until you have savings.When I was in military, I took extra watches standbys and did choresran errands for cash. I gave myself 25 of the extra money I made for entertainment and saved the rest. 