And if you know for sure that money is good to go for the next 4 years, a simple explanation minus the snark would have been fine. Because that was all I was asking.
It wasn’t an appropriate question to ask, and you’re making a lot of big assumptions about US military and our benefit programs.
As I’ve said many times before, I’m not worried about the money. I’m also not going to change my educational plans to revolve around a horse.
[QUOTE=AMWookey;8638581]
Are you positive, completely positive that you won’t have to provide proof of what you are paying?
I.e. in Canada, we get extra for certain areas. That is free and clear. However, recommendation is never to base your budget off it as it could go away.
For college or if you are posted away from your spouse you get another amount. It’s use it or lose it.
You may be better off finding a different college where the cost of living is cheaper. I would do a budget analysis once you find some options of renting in each location, the BAH you will get, and the cost for your horse and other things.[/QUOTE]
BAH in the US is based on zip code where you are stationed, not the actual cost. The rate is based on average rent for the local area over some years. If the OP has a low cost option in a high rent district, it is a big win.
BAH is adjusted for high cost areas, but within those areas it is fairly consistent over the years. Occasionally it goes down, but generally any changes are in the upward direction.
[QUOTE=RodeoFTW;8638372]
Okay, thanks mom.[/QUOTE]
:eek:
Wow. You’re going to have a difficult time finding and keeping a good boarding arrangement if you live your real life with this much snark and condescension, too.
I foresee a thread in 6 months complaining about how she hates everybody at her boarding barn and they’re all idiots.
Kwill - you are right on about costs in Chicago/N IL vs elsewhere in the state. I’m in Southern IL and depending on what amenities and level of care (self, part, full) you want, finding board in the $150-500/month range is pretty easy.
[QUOTE=chicagojumper;8638802]
:eek:
Wow. You’re going to have a difficult time finding and keeping a good boarding arrangement if you live your real life with this much snark and condescension, too.
I foresee a thread in 6 months complaining about how she hates everybody at her boarding barn and they’re all idiots.[/QUOTE]
I’m at a boarding facility now with a trainer I’ve known for over 10 years. Haven’t had problems ever. But thanks for making blanket assumptions about me! Because you know, that’s totally cool.
[QUOTE=RodeoFTW;8638815]
I’m at a boarding facility now with a trainer I’ve known for over 10 years. Haven’t had problems ever. But thanks for making blanket assumptions about me! Because you know, that’s totally cool.
:)[/QUOTE]
People on internet forums can only make judgements based upon what they are presented with 
[QUOTE=ChasPonyCat;8638854]
People on internet forums can only make judgements based upon what they are presented with :D[/QUOTE]
Then maybe they should use some common sense and keep their personal judgements to themselves.
[QUOTE=RodeoFTW;8638772]
It wasn’t an appropriate question to ask, and you’re making a lot of big assumptions about US military and our benefit programs.
As I’ve said many times before, I’m not worried about the money. I’m also not going to change my educational plans to revolve around a horse.[/QUOTE]
How is it not an appropriate question to ask? It’s a question I would ask any soldier coming for advice. Are you sure of your source of income for that time period enough to make decisions around it.
You are making your educational plans based on where you can get the most money.
[QUOTE=red mares;8638775]
BAH in the US is based on zip code where you are stationed, not the actual cost. The rate is based on average rent for the local area over some years. If the OP has a low cost option in a high rent district, it is a big win.
BAH is adjusted for high cost areas, but within those areas it is fairly consistent over the years. Occasionally it goes down, but generally any changes are in the upward direction.[/QUOTE]
Red mares thanks for the info. It sounds like if you mixed pld with the educational bursary given here.
[QUOTE=AMWookey;8638907]
How is it not an appropriate question to ask? It’s a question I would ask any soldier coming for advice. Are you sure of your source of income for that time period enough to make decisions around it.
You are making your educational plans based on where you can get the most money.[/QUOTE]
I’m not soldier.
Are you sure your source of income is enough to pay for your riding expenses?
No where on this threat did I ever ask once where I should go to college. It’s not up for debate and nobody’s business but my own.
[QUOTE=RiderInTheRain;8638812]
Kwill - you are right on about costs in Chicago/N IL vs elsewhere in the state. I’m in Southern IL and depending on what amenities and level of care (self, part, full) you want, finding board in the $150-500/month range is pretty easy.[/QUOTE]
My son is attending SIU but luckily, he has no interest in horses at all which saves me a bit of money! Great place to ride, though.
Anyway, it’s clear the OP has to stay in the Chicago area due to other circumstances, so it doesn’t matter.
[QUOTE=RodeoFTW;8638930]
I’m not soldier.
Are you sure your source of income is enough to pay for your riding expenses?
No where on this threat did I ever ask once where I should go to college. It’s not up for debate and nobody’s business but my own.[/QUOTE]
Sorry -I work with soldiers. Sailor,airperson, veteran- i typically don’t discriminate and just call them soldiers. We are fight or have fought wars. It’s not really the point here.
You stated if it wasn’t for the bah you would go elsewhere. I stated you should look at doing a cost comparison budget and maybe the cost of living would make your preferred college look better. I personally changed schools part way through my degree because I could live with family at a more expensive school and it made it worth while. Since your BAH is guaranteed and not based on where you are living, just the zip code, as red mares kindly pointed it, I would say you are correct that Chicago is your best bet.
I don’t budget my “extra” incomes into my budget for my horse personally. So my husband’s extra pay, my extra allowances, even promotions and pay raises are budgeted into it. His expenses are part of a discretionary fund that we know if both of us didn’t get promoted again, worked desk jobs with no extra allowances, we could still afford to keep him until he died. I would love to be able to do something else, I won’t because I have a contract for another 15 years and that money pays my life and my hobby with anything above and beyond going into savings. Since you asked.
I am absolutely not telling you not to have a horse. I am not telling you were to go to school. I was merely cautioning you on the perils of counting on government income as a veteran. However, since you feel that historically BAH doesn’t change, but all means you are in a much better posi ti on to keep your horse then most college students.
BAH does not fluctuate because everyone active duty not living in barracks has it. So, it might change a little by degrees depending on who has the political power in office, but most politicians don’t want to upset the military and try not to change their income (because BAH is apart of income) too much.
I’m also getting a part-time job, so I’m not going to be living off of just that.
My family is also in Chicago. I have the option to live with them if ever I need to, so affording the horse (especially if I keep him at home in MI where he’s boarded now with the pony I have currently) is not an issue. I could cover for this board for the next three years if I absolutely needed to.
I think the time constraints are ultimately going to play into your decision way more than money. So you need to really start looking critically at boarding barns now in order to find the right fit. You might even consider something a couple of hours away and plan on weekends only with your new horse. That way you can concentrate on studies and a part time job during the week or maybe you could coordinate a weekend barn job at where your horse lives.
Just trying to think outside the box for your situation.
[QUOTE=roseymare;8639009]
I think the time constraints are ultimately going to play into your decision way more than money. So you need to really start looking critically at boarding barns now in order to find the right fit. You might even consider something a couple of hours away and plan on weekends only with your new horse. That way you can concentrate on studies and a part time job during the week or maybe you could coordinate a weekend barn job at where your horse lives.
Just trying to think outside the box for your situation.[/QUOTE]
Oh no, I think that is definitely an option. I mean, I have no problem cleaning stalls, polishing tack. I’d prep horses for shows if someone wanted me to and I’ve worked as an assistant riding instructor before. I’ve even had people approach me at my barn now to ride their idle horses, but I’m not sure just how comfortable I am about doing that (I don’t like getting hurt).
I think no matter what happens, the horse is going to stay where he is currently boarded. I trust the staff, I’ve known the instructor for a decade, and he’s getting the care he needs. I’m thinking of taking a few classes near home before transferring to a big uni (just to finish my associates, I’m nearly done), so I’ll get my time with him before the weather gets bad and I won’t really want to ride as often.
When spring rolls in, I can start looking at possible barns and boarding options surrounding Chicago.
Dude (OP), you are being so rude and snarky. It’s painful to read. Calm down and get over yourself. Seriously. :eek:
[QUOTE=wcporter;8639030]
Dude (OP), you are being so rude and snarky. It’s painful to read. Calm down and get over yourself. Seriously. :eek:[/QUOTE]
I’m a salt dog. Get over it. Because I frankly don’t care if you dislike it. :’)
Rodeo your not salty your rude Your behavior reflects poorly on the Navy. For that I’m annoyed. I can get rank with the best of them but I also know when it is inappropriate . You need to adjust your attitude a little bit because in the civilian world being a four/five and done sailor really is no excuse for rudeness.
You need to map out the trainlines as well. Maybe there is something close. Doubtful but dont know until you look!
