OK, I have to vent.... - Page 2

[TiredX2]

WA also has no state income tax. 

[Petie1104]

Originally Posted by TiredX2 

WA also has no state income tax. 

 See, now I feel really bad.  DH had a job offer in WA but turned it down because it was a GS 11 as opposed to GS 12 which is what he has here.  (In case you don't speak Army a GS is a rank, so it was a rank lower).  Now, I'm wondering if we would have been better off taking the lower rank.

[grisandole]

TSP is taken out of each check, not just once a month :(

[Ravin]

Being in AZ is definitely more expensive tax-wise. Last year they started taxing gross income instead of federal taxable income like they used to, and it's been a big hit to a lot of people. Coming from being a non-income tax state residency, it's no doubt going to feel like an even bigger bite.

And I ditto the suggestions of others about watching your energy usage. Those bills can be bad!

[poppiesinjuly]

Well, if it helps try to think of it this way...

Those taxes that you're paying now, and that other civilians are also paying, are funding those benefits for those who *are* active duty right now.

It's easy to see the downside, but those taxes pay for a lot of good things, including your DH's salary.

I'm thrilled that there are so many good programs out there, especially for those in the military.  Right now my dad's GI bill money is putting my younger brother and sister through college.  Thanks taxpayers!

[texmati]

Well... i wouldn't feel too bad. States with no/low income tax typically have higher sales and property taxes. They get it from you one way or another. I wouldn't turn down a promotion because of taxes.
Your husband probably has better growth oppurtunities at this job. You can also compare the COL where you are with WA.

It sound like the TSP is like a 401k; you may be able to reduce your contribution until you get a little bit of an idea what you are working with; and get settled with this new job and paycheck.

Originally Posted by Petie1104 

Originally Posted by TiredX2 

WA also has no state income tax. 

 See, now I feel really bad.  DH had a job offer in WA but turned it down because it was a GS 11 as opposed to GS 12 which is what he has here.  (In case you don't speak Army a GS is a rank, so it was a rank lower).  Now, I'm wondering if we would have been better off taking the lower rank.

[Sarah W]

When will he start getting his retirement pay?

I talk to soldiers about this all the time. So many want to leave the military so they can make more money...but so much of our income in not taxed, along with the additional cost of medical care that they often don't see any real benefit. People who have been in since they turned 18 often don't realize that it costs almost $100 to get your teeth cleaned or a couple hundred dollars for any trip to the Dr. In the military, we just go.

I'm sorry you guys are having a shock. I hope you can work through it.

[Petie1104]

Originally Posted by Sarah W 

When will he start getting his retirement pay?

I talk to soldiers about this all the time. So many want to leave the military so they can make more money...but so much of our income in not taxed, along with the additional cost of medical care that they often don't see any real benefit. People who have been in since they turned 18 often don't realize that it costs almost $100 to get your teeth cleaned or a couple hundred dollars for any trip to the Dr. In the military, we just go.

I'm sorry you guys are having a shock. I hope you can work through it.

Feb 1 is his final paycheck for his active duty service, terminal leave has been a blessing.  So, I guess that means April will be his first retirement check cause they said that we get paid 1 month in arrears (sp?).  Yeah, we were looking at it and honestly, it was still worth it for us to get out.  Our main reason is that dh had already been to Iraq twice, Afghanistan once, Korea once, Bosnia three times, then had a job where he did inspections and was away more than he was home.  So overall, we are glad he's out, we just weren't ready to see this check.