<p>$965 each ticket? Ouch!! My $500 ticket is looking better and better!</p>
<p>Although not exactly on the topic, I thought some of you might like to know some money management tips we picked up during the last four years while our son was at USMA.</p>
<p>Since travel expenses are a big item for most cadets and parents, one thing to keep in mind about off post summer assignments at USMA (it may be similar at the other academies) is that with a little forethought and planning, cadets may be able to route their summer travel flight itineraries in such a way as to include a stop at home at the beginning or end of an assignment. </p>
<p>For example, our son traveled to California on assignment this summer. On his return flight to West Point he was able to route it through Nashville with a several day layover before he flew back to New York. On anothor assignment he wasn't able to route through Nashville but he was able to route it through Chicago with a several day break. We then booked low cost flights from Nashville to Chicago that were much cheaper than booking the flights in and out of New York. This takes some extra time on the cadet's part since they, not the parent, have to arrange the flights with the travel organizer at USMA. </p>
<p>Also on summer assignments, the cadets are often entitled to per diems for food that can be turned into spending money if the cadet is frugal in his meal selection.</p>
<p>Another area of potential savings for USMA cadets is how they purchase their books, uniforms and equipment which are charged to their cadet account. In some cases the cadet can save money by selecting used rather than new books and uniforms. Also, at the end of each year and when they leave USMA they can return, rather than keep, some of their books/uniforms and have money credited to their cadet accounts. The cadets are entitled to keep any surplus money in the cadet account.</p>
<p>Overall, the cadets can manage their finances while in the academies and stretch their pay further than you might expect. The key is for them to be informed and motivated.</p>
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The cadets are entitled to keep any surplus money in the cadet account.
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<p>If your cadet refers to "top-off" this is what they are talking about. I was really surprised how much top off my cadet was entitled to this year. :)</p>
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Plebes receive $175 a month after the "funny money" trail. Remember, too, we paid $2900 over the summer to defray initial expenses!
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<p>at usna, up and including the class of 2010, about $2500 was paid up-front as well- it is my understanding that is now "rolled into" their initial loan expenses- which gets paid off behind the scenes each month- </p>
<p>they, too, get unused funds back quarterly-</p>