How much can you save during NS? Any NSFs care to share your tips and tricks and how much have you saved up since?

I'm a 3SG in an Infantry battalion. So my take-home allowance is $1121.80 (-$3.20 for chevron membership...)

I've been in service for 16 months (6 more months to ORD!) and have amassed a savings of $11k.

Now let's go onto the tips and tricks.

1) I'm a stay-in personnel. (free meals + no transport fees, if you are stay-out consider the concession for NSF)

2) I only order-in once a week and I order with my friends. (save on delivery fees)

3) I wash my clothes in camp using a washing machine. (save utility bills)

4) On bookout days, I take public transportation back home or grab back if I leave camp after 9pm. (claimable! Just contact your S1 welfare clerk)

5) I make use of my 'status' as a NSF to get discounts and benefits when I'm buying snacks or food outside.

6) I hold off purchasing new clothes and shoes cause let's be real, you aren't wearing it that often as a NSF.

7) I invest $400 USD monthly into a S&P 500 RSP on FSMONE and it has given me a 8.54% return. So I make my allowance work for me.

8) I also do YouTube on the weekends. (Channel: abettermanth, heh sorry for the shameless advertising)

9) Get your IPPT Gold and Marksman ($300 + $200 in cash)

10) Make use of the dental centre if your camp has one for free dental services. Remove your wisdom tooth during your NS time to save on the operation costs!

That's all for me. Stay strong brother!

I personally use $250-$300 a month to spend on necessities or on entertainment (frugally). I will invest and save the rest.

With about $400-500 a month to spare after deducting my monthly expenses, here's what I have done with it up till now.

1) $100 - StashAway

2) $200 - POSB Invest Saver

3) $200 - Kristal AI

Note: you should only invest all your money when you have built up your emergency funds! If you haven't, I would suggest sparing $200 for savings to be placed into Singlife where your capital has a non-guaranteed growth of 2.5% p.a. My experience with Singlife has been good so far as a stash for emergency funds.

Cheers!