More advice for Josh, but no income statement
Eshrink, you crack me up: "The group is older than I anticipated which is comforting; hard to talk to kids without wanting to scold them." How true...and the older I get the more relevant that statement becomes. Maybe not scold, but to offer "feedback." And this is what I intend for Josh:
Josh, Eshrink gave me good advice before I bought my FGT. I am at the perimeter of this group; at least it would appear so, in terms of income. Since this is the case, he said don't let the car become a shrine, having more value than family or success in one's career. In other words, don't put it above the truly important things in one's life. I don't think I did, but it's probably close. But I am fairly conservative, and spending this much cash on a depreciating asset (this has been debated and will continue to be) doesn't make financial sense. So, it's something more. But back to your questions. Having said all that, I think you are asking the right group for advice on how to get to where you want to be. From my perspective, I have seen a lot of intelligent folks in the university (I am as you may deduce, associated with a university, as a college administrator - with a certain image to secure) who don't appear to have a brain, and don't make a lot of money either. I have seen a lot of folks outside the university with a lot of money, who also are very intelligent, but appear to have a brain. I think the happy ones come to a point in their lives and they focus, and never take their eyes off that focal vision they intend to achieve. They see it, like it, become good at it, and before they know it, they are fifty years old and have made it happen and they haven't really looked up for a while. And when they do, well, they take a break and maybe, just maybe, they buy something like a, well you know, a Ford GT. Or they may decide to get a trophy wife, or husband, instead of a trophy car. Who knows? Certainly no condemnation, just an observation about a few folks I have seen. Maybe isolated cases, but I am mentioning it in an attempt to seek clarity for your consideration.
How much this group makes and what it does will not be revealed to you. It will however offer you advice, which you should listen to, and solace if you should need it. And maybe help if you are trying for the USAF. Are you going the Academy, OTS, or AFROTC route? I am a former USAF aviator, and can offer advice. If you would like, you may email me. I wish you luck flight planning your life. At least you are charting. Most just go where the current takes them and aren't happy with their ultimate destination.
I hope I am not being too intrusive with the questions, but if so just don't answer. Also, how did you get to be where you are today and what sort of schooling did you attend, and lastly, where do you live, my son would like to understand how people like us can afford these things as he hopes to one day as well. Thanks a lot.
