Active Military Driving $80K+ cars?

[Anonymous]

Our kids go to a catholic school in Alexandria. About two months ago I noticed at the evening pick that one of my kid's classmates parent, whom I know is stationed here on active duty, air force I think, was driving a brand new SUV that I know STARTS at $108K. I remember thinking it was a REALLY beautiful looking vehicle, but also wondering how a does military parent of three kids afford such an expensive car.

I figured you never know someone's financial situation - and didn't give it much thought until yesterday at pick up, when I noticed a couple other active military parents or their spouses were also driving new $90K+ vehicles (think BMW X7 M60, Escalade, Mercedes GLS450...). I was laughing in my head thinking what lottery did all these parents win

We have a very healthy HHI, even by DCUM standards, and my DW and I are struggling to justify (to ourselves) spending $65K for Volvo XC90. So call it jealously or whatever you want, but I can't figure out in my head how all these active military parents of 3 kids are affording $100K SUVs. Do they not have housing costs or something? Totally not my business, and good for them, just surprised.

[Anonymous]

Family money
Spouse has a high income

Also, many active military claim residence in FL and the like, and pay no property taxes

[Anonymous]

Hello fellow BSSM parent.
I've had the same thought but have learned that you never know how other people live their lives. I think we all assume that military families must have humble backgrounds and tight budgets. Its just not always the case.

[Anonymous]

Running joke in military circles actually. Many, many have cars above means.

[Anonymous]

It is really none of your business. And cars definitely don't determine wealth. My DH is a partner at a Law Firm and drives a Honda Accord, many people at his firm drive fancy cars and don't earn his salary.

[Anonymous]

Car prices have gone up so much that honestly doesn’t even sound like a lot to me.

[Anonymous]

Leases.

[Anonymous]

Bishop Ireton?

[Anonymous]

Why shouldn't they have those cars if that's what they prioritize? They are earning an income and have good benefits. They may have free housing. Spouse may be working too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Running joke in military circles actually. Many, many have cars above means.

We live near Ft Carson. A lot of young soldiers enlist then buy muscle cars or pickup trucks as soon as they get their first paycheck. And then the army moves them here from Texas and they end up in a ditch the first time it snows because they have factory tires on a real wheel drive vehicle and have never driven in snow before.

[Anonymous]

A lot of military physicians in the area, with bonuses salary can be easily $250k+. Part of that salary (housing) is not taxed and like the other poster said a number claim Florida/TX residency so no state tax. Plus no history of student loans.

Also military (usually younger service members though) are notorious for over spending on cars. That's why there are so many car dealers around military bases

(I'm a former military physician)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of military physicians in the area, with bonuses salary can be easily $250k+. Part of that salary (housing) is not taxed and like the other poster said a number claim Florida/TX residency so no state tax. Plus no history of student loans.

Also military (usually younger service members though) are notorious for over spending on cars. That's why there are so many car dealers around military bases

(I'm a former military physician)

+1

Kinda. I’m not a military physician or anything but I have many military friends and they are smart about how they manage their money. Between the residencies, housing allowance is and bonuses they can make a very good income. I suppose some of those same people can then choose to spend on an expensive car. To each their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of military physicians in the area, with bonuses salary can be easily $250k+. Part of that salary (housing) is not taxed and like the other poster said a number claim Florida/TX residency so no state tax. Plus no history of student loans.

Also military (usually younger service members though) are notorious for over spending on cars. That's why there are so many car dealers around military bases

(I'm a former military physician)

My DH is an ex Navy officer and tells story of taking enlisted back to dealerships and returning cars.
They prey on them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A lot of military physicians in the area, with bonuses salary can be easily $250k+. Part of that salary (housing) is not taxed and like the other poster said a number claim Florida/TX residency so no state tax. Plus no history of student loans.

Also military (usually younger service members though) are notorious for over spending on cars. That's why there are so many car dealers around military bases

(I'm a former military physician)

I was surprised to see it for older guys with kids, but the subject line immediately made me think of the bolded. (Not military but grew up near Jacksonville NC, where the economy is car dealers, strip clubs, and tattoo parlors)

[Anonymous]

At a school like Browne or Bishop Ireton, the military families are usually officers. And they usually have a spouse with a good white collar job. Basically, it's two white collar incomes.

There are also a decent number of dual officer families in this area. A dual officer family in this area with a kid would get more than 6,000 dollars a month JUST in base-allocated housing.

I can think of the military families at our school--one is a dual officer family, one is an officer married to a doctor, and one is an officer married to an ICU nurse.