well I actually do plan on reenlisting while im over here..so I should be able to aquire some more money..but most of it is going into investments..but anyways,up.

 

I'd say an Evo.....

 

This might not match any other opinions, or it may, as I didn't read through.
I know you're looking for a vehicle response, but you said 'if you have any other ideas throw them in'...
I know a lot of military guys get back from risking their lives in iraq, just to spend the entire 'small fortune' they have made. Wouldn't it be something if you just reenlisted, went back, saved more...or went to college on the GI bill and maybe stayed reserves and did the TA...and saved it? Your wife in X years will be thrilled to know you saved tons of money.

My vote is for: No car, dorm room, campus, walk around, live like your poor, have fun college experiences...then live life AWESOME

or

Buy a beater...1-5k, something fun, maybe a stock 94-97 f body or something (not granny slow you know, but something you can at least feel good about behind the wheel) Then just relax and do the college thing. Or heck, what about a truck? Everyone likes trucks...

 

good, just read this, I'd stay in then, and just keep building up money, PLEASE don't just SPEND all that money on a car!

 

Here's my thoughts:

Buy a new car based on your normal income, not on the extra money you are getting for HD. I don't know your rank, but if you're like an E5 or something you should be able to afford something like a VW GTi, WRX, or something on those lines.

If you do that, then you can take all of your extra money and invest it. IMHO, a CD account is useless. Invest half of what you bring back in funds, stocks, or bonds. Open a Roth IRA, deposit your maximum contribution for the year, and put the rest in a high yield savings account. Do the same next year. Make sure that your IRA is market-based so that you will get better returns. Talk with a broker about it, and don't try to do any of this on your own. You'll screw yourself.

 

buy flodas cobra!

 

well I dont plan on spending my whole "small fortune" on a car honestly. But I have a good step ahead of anyone else who plans on buying a car..because I sold mine before I left,and whatever I come back with combined with that should get me a decent vehicle. on top of that re-enlistment bonus's are tax free down range,so thats even more money that can be accrued and used for investments. On top of the fact I already have a 401k like I stated before. I have this all planned out really..im not just jumping into this head first without logic.but as far as college goes,I will get my bachelors or associates,but thats probably it. Big universities are not for me,and college is not for. It has proved time and time again to not always be "the way to go" as kids get out of college 40,000$ in debt. Even with the GI bill,I will use it as far as I can go without having to come out of my pocket,but thats it.


ps. the only truck I will ever consider buying is a ford lightning.