Set Yourself Up for Success by Age 21 with a Degree, Military Experience, CDL, and Financial Discipline!

Not sure what to do after high school? If you’re 17 ½, your journey can start now with parental permission. By combining military service, a CDL, and financial discipline, you can set yourself up for success by 21.

Step 1: Join the Military

Enlist for two years to gain discipline, steady pay, and GI Bill benefits. By 19 or 20, you’ll have valuable skills, VA medical benefits for life, and, if qualified as a veteran, the ability to buy your first home with no down payment using a VA loan.  

Step 2: Earn Your CDL and Specialized Endorsements

With the GI Bill, get your CDL and add endorsements like doubles, triples, and hazmat—it’s not hard and highly lucrative. From personal experience, you can earn $10k+ a month. Add crane operator training, and your earning potential skyrockets. 

Within the year, get your TWIC card to unlock $10k opportunities hauling $1M cargo, driving routes like Texas to California in just four days. 

Step 3: Fully Fund and Front-Load Your 401(k)

Once you’re earning—whether in the military, college, trucking, or a trade job—start fully funding your 401(k). Front-load contributions if possible, putting the maximum amount in early to let compound interest work its magic.  

For example:  
If you invest the max ($22,500/year as of 2024) starting at age 21 and continue until age 65, you could retire with $4–6 million, depending on investment returns. 
The earlier you start, the more significant your gains—thanks to the power of compounding over decades. 

This approach builds wealth and ensures you stay debt-free and financially secure. 

How Coleman Public Relations and Consulting Can Help
Planning your future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or exploring other opportunities, Coleman Public Relations and Consulting is here to help. We do life with you—guiding your journey and creating a strategy to achieve your goals. Book time with us to get started!  

Why This Works
By 21, you’ll have military experience, a CDL with top endorsements, no debt, VA medical benefits, and the foundation to purchase your first home if qualified as a veteran. Additionally, if you take a full load of classes, including summer school, and start basic courses while in the military (depending on your assignment), you can also earn a bachelor’s degree. This strong financial, educational, and professional base will set you up for a life of independence and success.

Final Thoughts

Your future starts now. Combine discipline, skills, and smart financial planning to achieve your dreams. Even if it takes an extra two years of military service or schooling, you’ll be in a far better position than most who graduate with debt or struggle to find a job.

I’m sure some will doubt this plan, basing their skepticism on their lack of success or past experiences in the military, school, or as a driver. This message isn’t for them, and I don’t want you to follow in in their footsteps.

Keep God first, and focus on your purpose more than parties, clubs, or social media. Shift your energy from fun to funds, so you can have a true “fiesta fiesta” of a life later.

God willing, in the future, I’ll write a plan explaining why nursing is the best and most guaranteed bachelor’s degree to pursue. The world always needs more nurses, while other degrees are optional or lead to low-paying jobs.

Share this plan with someone ready to succeed—and take the first step today!