Lesson 6: How to Easily Reach Minimum Spends
Minimum spends can be a bit daunting at first. Especially if you are a naturally frugal person, spending $5000 in 3 months may not seem like something you can do.
However, when you break it down into monthly or weekly targets, you can see that it's actually quite attainable without any lifestyle inflation.
It may require a little shifting around of your spending, but the small amount of time you spend planning or redirecting your spending will be worth when you're flying around the world in business class or staying at your friend's wedding hotel for free.
| Minimum Spend Required | Spending Per Month if a 3 Month Window | Spending Per Month if a 4 Month Window |
|---|---|---|
| $2000 | $666 | $500 |
| $3000 | $1000 | $750 |
| $4000 | $1333 | $1000 |
| $5000 | $1666 | $1250 |
Use Military Travel to Earn Welcome Bonuses
The military frequently sends you or your spouse around the country or the world, either on temporary assignments or permanent duty station changes. Why not use this time of increased expenses as an opporuntity to meet minimum spends?
When you receive PCS orders is a great time to get a new credit card and easily meet the minimum spend on the card.
Moving is always expensive. You tend to eat out more, because you don't have your full kitchen available. You might get a free moving company from the government, but you might buy the movers pizza asa thank you.
Just some of the expenses you may incur:
- Self-procured airfare to your OCONUS assignment
- Gas and hotel stays if you are driving across the US
- Shipping if you send anything through the mail ahead to your new
- Fully stocking a new kitchen with a Costco, BX/PX, or Wal-Mart run
- Buying winter clothes if you’re moving to a cold place from a warm place
- First month’s rent and security deposit
The list goes on…
If you go TDY/TAD frequently (official government/military travel), you are required by DOD rules to use your government travel card for certain expenses. However, sometimes the card gets shut down for various reasons.
There’s no rule dictating you are required to use the card for personal food purchases. Why not offer to pick up the bill and have everyone pay you back on Venmo, Paypal, Google Pay, or USAA Zelle Pay?
Sometimes, depending on your unit and mission, you may be authorized to self-procure travel through your own credit card. This is an excellent opportunity to put some reimbursable expenses through your new card.