I have a question about Navy "A" school?

[Tricia A]

My husband is about to graduate from Navy "A" school in a couple of weeks and he will be staying at Great Lakes to do his "A" school. He called and left me a message telling me that he could have his cell phone and his civilian clothes when he goes to A school. He also said that he needs his debit card so he can have money for stuff. My question is, how much clothes should I pack to take to him? Also, how much money will he need per week up there? Do they have living expenses? I am thinking about getting him a seperate account and putting money into it so he doesn't go into Chicago one day and spend the bill money. What do you think?

[Yak Rider]

He needs no money for expenses other than shampoo, soap and the occasional hair cut. He'll be living in the barracks and eating at the chow hall. He should be busy studying so that he can pass and get out of there on time.

Definitely setup a separate account for him. Having two people using one account is a bloody nightmare when they are separated like you two are.

[Critter]

I'd go for at least a weeks worth of clothes for him. But maybe ask him as he may want more or less than that.

While he won't *need* much money for expenses he may *want* more so that he doesn't have to be tied to the mess hall schedule all the time.

The separate account is a great thing *IF* he can balance the account. Some guys can and others can't. We have better luck keeping the same account and letting DH know how much he can spend. Whenever he has his own account we end up paying overdraft fees. And it doesn't work to try to put extra money in there because his mindset is that it's all his so he blows through it. Somehow, when he knows if he spends too much the girls and I will not be eating keeps his spending in check better.

[mariner31]

YES, it would be a GOOD idea to set up a separate account for his use. He should have his check direct deposited to the "FAMILY" account, and small agreed upon amount deposited to HIS account. His expenses are really about what the Chief describes: toiletries and snacks. When I was in A-School it also included smokes and beer... but I'd avoid both of THEM !!

Civies ?? I'd give him 2-3 outfits, little more.