Commentary: The $100K Airmen: Where did all the money go? Published Oct. 22, 2015 By Chief Master Sgt. Marvin V. Parker 36th Mission Support Group ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- A cup of coffee at breakfast, an energy drink with lunch, a beer with dinner and a cigarette just to close out the day. Yeah, this is not too farfetched to believe that this is a routine process for much of our Airmen. When I was stationed at a previous base, I noticed an Airman who worked in the office would pass by my desk every morning and afternoon. Each time he passed by he would have a massive cup of coffee. The Airman mentioned he stops by the coffee depot every day at least twice a day. His weapon of choice was a large, double shot, extra hot, nonfat, light foam, latte with a light dusting of cinnamon at a cost of $5.50 per visit. When I asked him if he knew how much that was to date and how much that would cost him over his career, he just stated; "a lot." I took the Airman back to my office and pulled out the old calculator, plugged in a few numbers. He was right: a lot more than $57K in 20 years! So, I have highlighted a few figures for consideration and hope that, as leaders, we had or will have the conversation with Airmen. A Cup of Coffee: Katy Perry wrote a song about it, poems have been written about it and some would claim they just couldn't go one day without it. Some have spent years searching for the perfect cup and still have yet to find that which makes their journey complete. A cup of coffee could range from $2.38 to $3.95, not too expensive in the very short-term. That same cup of coffee across the 20-year long-haul could yield potential savings of $12.3K to $20.5K for our Airmen. A Six-Pack of Beer: Of course, after a long day or week it is no secret our Airmen like to kick back and relax responsibly with a few beers from time to time. Have you ever stopped to think what a six-pack could cost in the longterm? A six-pack could range from $5 to $12. That same six-pack could costf $26K to $62.4K for our Airmen at 20 years. An Energy Drink: Aside from the enormous amounts of calories, the potential for caffeine toxicity and Type 2 diabetes just one energy drink could cost an Airman $1.50 to $2.50 each day. If the Airman is taking in more than one a day, this cost could be significantly more. At a 20-year period, the airmen could save an average of $7.8K to $13K. A Pack of Cigarettes: If our Airmen are members of the "pack-a-day" gang, this area is for them. If the associated health risks from smoking don't cause our Airmen to rethink their habit, hopefully knowing the associated financial costs will. The average costs per pack cost our airmen $4 to $10 per day. At the 20-year period, that same pack of smokes could potentially yield average savings of $20.8K to $52K for our Airmen. Experts tell us that we should save at least three months of our basic pay for unexpected emergencies, such as loss of employment, medical expenses, car trouble, etc. Example: If an A1C with less than two years of service earns $1,823 per month, saves just $5 per day (recapitalized from daily cups of coffee, beer, energy drinks and cigarettes), during a 1-year period, could yield $1,825 in savings or 33 percent toward his or her emergency fund. Simple steps like having a budget, not purchasing on impulse and eating out one less time per week will have a significant influence on the Airman's financial future. As I stare down the short hallway to retirement, I can't help but think, "I wish someone would have engaged with me earlier in my career." The Airmen's financial destiny can be turned around at any time; they just need to get started. Starting small with taking a look at the habits previously discussed will get them moving in the right direction. Rest assured our local 36th Force Support Squadron Airmen and Family Readiness Center staff can get you, your Airmen, and their families on track with personal financial management program guidance and information. The PFMP includes both seminars and one-on-one counseling in such areas as budgeting, debt liquidation and credit card management. It's never too late to start saving a few dollars a day, week, or month toward preparing your families for the uncertain future.