A government shut-down seems imminent. I can’t imagine not receiving a paycheck next week…hopefully Congress will get it together. Especially after paying $934 in taxes, never owed that much in my life. Just paid for my Italy trip. So glad I have an emergency fund. I would be up the creek if I did not. Can’t imagine how people lower in rank who live off-base would cope if it drags on? The last time this happened was in 1996 for three weeks. Thankfully, they got back-pay, but the media said back-pay is not a guarantee. Not in this recession!
I have been looking at houses in San Antonio online. My housing allowance is $1,335, but I will experience a $1,200 monthly pay cut. The government also pays for my utilities while living overseas. Since I won’t have my utilities paid for in the states, I need to artificially create a utility allowance within my housing allowance. Therefore, I need to pay no more than $1,000 for rent.
You have to drive everywhere in SA. Gas prices in Chicago is about $4.00. Jimminy Crickets. I still looking forward to moving home. I wish I can have the same salary as I do now. I will experience a big lifestyle change with the move.
GI Jane
