An Army Career = Job Security in Today's Economy

How depressing. I just read about a lady featured on CNN who made $70,000 a year, suddenly lost her job and now is struggling to put food on the table and keep her house with her $2,500 mortgage. She was also recently denied food stamps. When was the last time middle class America had such a rough time? Why do I feel safe that this won't happen to us?

I am reminded about my neighbor. They were solid middle class too...til he lost his job. They are about to lose their home, and at this point, he is looking at just about any slew of jobs he can get, including delivering pizzas. The wife is out cleaning other peoples' houses. I also know someone in the airline industry who is waiting for the "other shoe to drop". Delta will not be the only one in trouble. There will be massive layoffs coming again in the airline industry this year. Our local newspaper has even shared a few stories of hardworking Americans who are struggling right now.

There is a silver lining though for those of us in the military. Unless the US government totally goes under, we will still have our military, and my husband will still have a job. He won't get downsized. If for some reason the Army no longer needs his specialty, he will be given the opportunity to reclassify. His pay will not be cut. Historically, that has never happened. He'll continue to get his benefits. His pension will not be taken away. And, he won't get fired unless he does something illegal or immoral. How is that for job security? What company or corporation in America can offer the same? I can't name a single one myself.

Even with this kind of job security, he does take responsibility for himself and his family. How many of these families hurting today had an emergency fund? I don't care what your situation is or how much money you make right now, you need to save up three to six months worth of living expenses. We have about two years worth saved up, easily accessible, but that is because we have a chunk of rental houses. You never know what is going to happen there either, and if all the houses were to stay empty for a few years, we would be sweating it. Make a commitment today, to start saving. Vow to never be in such a situation. Make sure you have a good life insurance policy. If you are non-military, you'll need a good disability insurance policy as well. Many of these families in crisis today, didn't see it coming. You won't either, but if you follow these steps, you'll at least be able to roll with the punches and recover quickly.

Do you have any tips to share about fortifying your family and your life? Does anyone have any enlightening or uplifting stories to share?