Complaint Review: Rent A Center - Valdosta Georgia

i'm not sure about anyone else on here, but i don't blame her one bit about not going to goodwill for a mattress. you see all kinds of horror stories on tv about hotel mattress's but buying a mattress that you don't know who has slept on it? ew, but that's just me!! we haven't hear anything from the OP in a while and i do sincerely hope that everything is working out for the best, and that your husband comes home safe and hopefully soon. my husband was deployed with the marine corps for 6 months and instead of staying there where he was stationed i just came home because i couldn't of have worked because i didn't know anyone to watch my little girl and i couldn't afford daycare because i still had other bills that needed to be paid and his income alone wasn't going to be enough. it's just easier to do anything when your around family to help you out with the kids. G-luck with everything jenn, with of a former cpl of the marine corps

and to decide what is a 'need' vs a 'want'. I'm sorry, but why would a mattress set be considered a 'want'? Where is she supposed to sleep? Don't give me the runaround about the sofa or the floor, neither one is suitable for more than a night or two. As for the TV for the children's room, being a single mother takes up far more time and effort than when you have a partner to help. That TV may be her saving grace, giving her just a small span of quiet time that she probably wouldn't have been afforded otherwise. Another thought insofar as what she 'deserves', how about this? A lot of support and understanding (and this applies to all spouses and children left at home while mom or dad is deployed). These special women and men are married to those that make a sacrifice most people will never know. They protect and defend that which most take for granted, while their spouses and children wait at home, worrying, wondering and making it through the day. They are not inmates, they've done nothing wrong, but the career choice of one partner, and their acceptance of same, means that they are subject to some of the harshest conditions that a marriage can endure. My family has been military for many generations, and for those of you that haven't been there, you can't understand (nor do we expect you to). And finally, yes, military is held to a higher standard, but here's a thought to ponder.... What about all the bases/installations that currently are unable to pay their bills.... who do they answer to? Utility bills, layoffs, and building closings, all of which have made the news as of late, due to transferring funds from one account to another to help finance the war that our servicemen and women are currently fighting. Who loses rank for this fiasco? What kind of an example of 'higher standard' does this set, when the EMPLOYER itself can't pay it's bills, yet holds the individual in disdain when they can't pay their's? Living within your means, budgeting your money, making do.... all admirable traits, learned of experience usually in an environment with 2 people shouldering the load. Things happen that throw off the best of intentions and result in mis-steps, and as pointed out, this is true not only of the individual, but the country at large. I'm not condoning mansions and luxurious meals, but I don't think that a mattress set, a computer and a 2nd TV are grounds for the type of comments that I've seen posted here. Blessings to all of you that have gone before, those that are there now, and those that will be there in the future. Thank you for your courage and tenacity, your commitment and responsibility. For those of you that are deployed, and the family members that are seperated from you, thoughts of love and peace.

Hello About your mattress.I dont know if you know this or not,but places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill may donate a new mattress to you free of charge.You may want to call around to these places and see what they can do.They probebly even have a TV for your girl's room for free or little cost to you. I know how hard it is to try to makes ends meet on a small salary, and you are attending achool,but one way you may allievate some of this burden is a part time job.Is there someone in your church or community that you could trade off babysitting with? Even if you worked 10 hours a week,it would be enugh to make your rental payments till they are paid off. Being a SAHM is really great,but unfortunately,It is a luxury that even middle income people cannot afford most times. How long till you finish school? I know youll be glad to get done,then your girls can have the lifestyle you want for them. Unfortunately,with RAC,they arent really to blame for all this.The miltary is a job your husband chose for himself,pay and all.It is great that people choose this profession,but there are downsides to it as there is in all lines of work.Money is one of them. Imagine if RAC didnt make any miltary familes pay for weeks at a time,without trying to collect? They would go out of business.Their employees have children to support as well who want nice things. Just call them and let them know when youll be back,and offer to pay a few dollars a week on the behind payments.If they wont,let them get it.And start over with a different rental company.But do try to call those places I mentioned and see if they can help you. Also, if your income is as low as you say,you know you are eligable for food stamps,WIC if your girls are under 5, and probebly a check.Try to go apply in your county welfare office. Good Luck To You!

Hello About your mattress.I dont know if you know this or not,but places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill may donate a new mattress to you free of charge.You may want to call around to these places and see what they can do.They probebly even have a TV for your girl's room for free or little cost to you. I know how hard it is to try to makes ends meet on a small salary, and you are attending achool,but one way you may allievate some of this burden is a part time job.Is there someone in your church or community that you could trade off babysitting with? Even if you worked 10 hours a week,it would be enugh to make your rental payments till they are paid off. Being a SAHM is really great,but unfortunately,It is a luxury that even middle income people cannot afford most times. How long till you finish school? I know youll be glad to get done,then your girls can have the lifestyle you want for them. Unfortunately,with RAC,they arent really to blame for all this.The miltary is a job your husband chose for himself,pay and all.It is great that people choose this profession,but there are downsides to it as there is in all lines of work.Money is one of them. Imagine if RAC didnt make any miltary familes pay for weeks at a time,without trying to collect? They would go out of business.Their employees have children to support as well who want nice things. Just call them and let them know when youll be back,and offer to pay a few dollars a week on the behind payments.If they wont,let them get it.And start over with a different rental company.But do try to call those places I mentioned and see if they can help you. Also, if your income is as low as you say,you know you are eligable for food stamps,WIC if your girls are under 5, and probebly a check.Try to go apply in your county welfare office. Good Luck To You!

Hello About your mattress.I dont know if you know this or not,but places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill may donate a new mattress to you free of charge.You may want to call around to these places and see what they can do.They probebly even have a TV for your girl's room for free or little cost to you. I know how hard it is to try to makes ends meet on a small salary, and you are attending achool,but one way you may allievate some of this burden is a part time job.Is there someone in your church or community that you could trade off babysitting with? Even if you worked 10 hours a week,it would be enugh to make your rental payments till they are paid off. Being a SAHM is really great,but unfortunately,It is a luxury that even middle income people cannot afford most times. How long till you finish school? I know youll be glad to get done,then your girls can have the lifestyle you want for them. Unfortunately,with RAC,they arent really to blame for all this.The miltary is a job your husband chose for himself,pay and all.It is great that people choose this profession,but there are downsides to it as there is in all lines of work.Money is one of them. Imagine if RAC didnt make any miltary familes pay for weeks at a time,without trying to collect? They would go out of business.Their employees have children to support as well who want nice things. Just call them and let them know when youll be back,and offer to pay a few dollars a week on the behind payments.If they wont,let them get it.And start over with a different rental company.But do try to call those places I mentioned and see if they can help you. Also, if your income is as low as you say,you know you are eligable for food stamps,WIC if your girls are under 5, and probebly a check.Try to go apply in your county welfare office. Good Luck To You!

Hello About your mattress.I dont know if you know this or not,but places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill may donate a new mattress to you free of charge.You may want to call around to these places and see what they can do.They probebly even have a TV for your girl's room for free or little cost to you. I know how hard it is to try to makes ends meet on a small salary, and you are attending achool,but one way you may allievate some of this burden is a part time job.Is there someone in your church or community that you could trade off babysitting with? Even if you worked 10 hours a week,it would be enugh to make your rental payments till they are paid off. Being a SAHM is really great,but unfortunately,It is a luxury that even middle income people cannot afford most times. How long till you finish school? I know youll be glad to get done,then your girls can have the lifestyle you want for them. Unfortunately,with RAC,they arent really to blame for all this.The miltary is a job your husband chose for himself,pay and all.It is great that people choose this profession,but there are downsides to it as there is in all lines of work.Money is one of them. Imagine if RAC didnt make any miltary familes pay for weeks at a time,without trying to collect? They would go out of business.Their employees have children to support as well who want nice things. Just call them and let them know when youll be back,and offer to pay a few dollars a week on the behind payments.If they wont,let them get it.And start over with a different rental company.But do try to call those places I mentioned and see if they can help you. Also, if your income is as low as you say,you know you are eligable for food stamps,WIC if your girls are under 5, and probebly a check.Try to go apply in your county welfare office. Good Luck To You!

Unfortunately, Rent-A-Center does have the right to call the military anytime a serviceman goes past due and seems to be avoiding them. What you can do to protect yourself is to have a copy of his orders sent to them, for coverage under the Soldiers/ Sailors Civil Relief Act, but if you are on the contract, you are still liable. This is the case not only with Rent-A-Center, but with any "debt," listed as such since RAC is technically not a debt. A serviceman can be (though it is not likely) discharged for failing to meet his obligations. Check out http://www.myvesta.org/pubs/pdf/military_debt.pdf for a detailed explanation. I was in the military, and we had a 2 hour briefing on the UCMJ and indebtedness in the military that explains all of this. I feel for your situation, being an ex-employee of the company I despise, but they are not in the wrong.

I really think all of u need to re-think all of this.This isnt about the service this is about the company treating a customer like a piece of you all know what.Maybe she worded her report a little wrong no matter who u are or what your line of work is you as a customer do not deserve to be treated as such by a company who has no compasion for anyone or anything.Youve all made this about you and thats not what this was for.I hope you all think about this because none of u have have hardly been supportive of this person.

Jennifer, The OP said that she is living on less than minimum wage. This pisses me off. NO military member, even an E-1 makes less than minimum wage. People make these comments because they are financially ignorant. I made basic calculations based on an E-1 overseas with all of the allowances. I was not looking at a pay chart, I was going from memory. I got out of the Army last year with a medical discharge and a 30% disability rating. I know how it works. I served more than 10 years active duty and also guard time, in 3 branches. Re-Read my post, and think about it.

Thank you Hi, Everyone, This is Lynette.I have read everyones comments and I would like to make some of my own. First, I am 27 years old and I had my 1st child at 21 and I had been married for 3 years at the time and going on 10 years now.I don't drink, smoke or use drugs. My husband was my first and only. Not that any of this is anyone elses business. I came to this site because I had a question and was looking for some help. Instead I found many people worried about my education and when I had my children.Or what comes in and out of my home. I believe the saying is "He that is without sin throw the first stone". To the people who did have some answers that were actually worth reading thank you. To those of you who have perfect credit and has never been late on a bill or only have the things that you "need" and no "wants" great, I take my hat off to you and I hope that it is always like that for you but please don't every say what you won't do or what won't happen to you because it can. Be thankful and continue the good work. To the ones out there that are having a hard time.keep your head up and keep going.Because if you are like me you have these bills rent $852, child care $375, food $200, lights $225 , gas $100, car note $250, car insuarance $125, gas for the car $100, phone bill $60, dapers $70, wipes $25, medicine $50,baby formula and food $150,school books $200,Supplies and thing that he needs over there $75, postage to send things to your spouse who is over seas $30, Shoes and clothing $45 ( on a good month when no one needs anything) personals (tissue, soap, pads, toothpaste,ETC..)$125 What normal things come up from month to month like Brakes on the car needing changing, oil changes, tire blow, lose your wallet( that has all of your bill money in it), field trip at daughter school, project supplies for school work, your mother need food for her house because she's not able to work.Oh for the people so worried about alloments we can't forget the $20 for dental that comes out, and the alloment for AAFES $75, and the one for housing insurance $125. To these people I say keep your head up I know how it is because I have been through all of this in less then 7 months and I have to keep going through this.Please don't tell me what the military has and what they offer because every base is different as they are all ran by different people, that run things there way. So for you perfect people you want my business now you have it maybe you can work a budget for me that will help. As far as rent a center goes they have there things back and all that they did, didn't help me or them,but guess what with the God that I serve it did nothing to hurt me either. Thanks,

Hi Lynette. I am also a military wife. I have never been a customer of RAC, but I get their flyers in the mail at least once a week. The prices for all of the items are triple (maybe more) than what they would noramlly cost if bought outright. As far as your husbands rank is concerned. RAC calling his 1SG or CO can cause big problems. Promotions - he may be stopped or flagged from going to the promotion board. Reduction in rank - That depends on his CO. If his CO wants to punish him that way, he certainly has all the right and power to. Try going to one of ACS's financial budgeting classes.

I would like to think that you have been making positive strides in resolving this matter so that RAc will get off your husband's case, but from your remarks you aren't really seeking a solution you have to put an effort into. I sincerely hope I am wrong, and maybe you haven't responded because you either turned the computer back in, or you are on your way back to your residence to coordinate RAC picking the items back up. One person informed you that you can get a 20" tv from Walmart for less than $100, and you can get an air mattress, full size, from Linens And Things for about $40.00, actually more important than a tv, but that is me thinking basic needs vs wants. Here is another option for you regarding a computer: Check with a local county or state agency and ask when they will be sponsoring their next computer surplus sale, $30 will get a Pentium 3 with another $20 for a 17" monitor, and basic operating software, many time with MS OFFice still loaded. Course it takes work, and patience, can you do it?

Lynette, as you can read, there are, and have been many families struggling with finances, and family seperation due to deployment or whatever reason. I again reiterate that there are resources available to you, and I urge you to avail yourself of them, starting with the Army Community Service financial counselor. It might also lessen the stress of your husband if you informed his boss you are taking positive steps to prevent RAC from having to contact the unit again. That same boss would probably be willing to help return the rentals items, or get someone within the unit, if you ask. Please keep us updated on your progress.

This went from a ? of whether it was right to judging teenage mothers. I was a teenage mother. I have a seven year old now and I am only 22. There is nothing wrong with that. I graduated top of my class, went to college and made a life for myself with 2 kids before I was even out of college. I am a military wife and I worked for Rent-A-Center also, so this really hit home. After working there I would reccommend all military stop renting there. They give you no discounts. They just add it to the end. You should have a friend or your husbands shirt unlock the door so they can get thier stuff. Really it is not worth it. They can call his shirt and if the shirt is a real hard one, they can make trouble. MY ADVICE AFTER WORKING THERE IS NEVER, NO MATTER WHAT.

My assumptions are based on experience for the norm of junior enlisted ages, routinely 18 when they come in with a spouse of 17 and newborn child, and Lynette's vocabulary/spelling; however you could be entirely correct, she could be 26, 27, or older. Her spouse could also be an NCO with more than 6 years in the service, instead of 2, 3, or 4 years in the service. I did not suggest, or hope it didn't get communicated in that way, that she was unwed at the time of her 1st child. My apologies to Lynette and others if I came across that way.

norris i love how you just assumed that because she is a mother of three with the oldest being six, that she was a teenage mother. i myself am a mother of three with my oldest being six. so, how old am i? any guesses? well, i wasn't a teenager when i had my first kid. i wasn't single when i had my first kid either. i was 21 and married... im 27 and i'll be 28 in november. you had a valid point with everything else you were stating and it all made sense. you just shouldn't assume that since someone oldest child is 6, that they were only a teenager when they had there first kid. mine are 6,4, and 1.

Lynette, you are not in a unique situation, many young families get caught up in financial situations, regardless of the breadwinner's career choices. It is sad that you are a mother of three, with one being 6 yrs old, and I am presuming you are no more than 24 yourself. From teen to mother without learning the pitfalls of adulthood is a hard obstacle to overcome. The Army attempts to lessen that obstacle by providing financial counseling, basic banking skills, parenting classes, reduced childcare rates, depending on spouse's rank, and family support groups to provide mentoring,and a social outlet to lessen the loneliness. Start by contacting the post Army Community Service. It doesn't matter if I have one TV, 2, or three, I can comfortably afford to have them, not the case when I first started out, and the same can be said for the vast majority of military families. Each of us scraped, ate hotdogs, and pinched pennies until we were able to buy one new thing, or one used but workable thing. By being retired Army, and working as a financial counselor to soldiers in debt, I know to the penny how much your spouse makes, if you provide his rank and years of service, and if you say whether you reside offpost or on. Your family income is much greater than most high school graduates make in the civilain sector, and yes, the challenges of a military career are much greater too, as are the hardships of single parenting that go with that career. Basic needs must be met, food, clothing, and shelter. Wants and "I Deserve" are never as important as "Needs", and if you think otherwise you still NEED to do some growing. You have an important part in helping your spouse suceed in his career, not the least of which is spending the family funds wisely. Either take yourself back to your residence and turn in the rental items, or ask a family member to go with you to help negotiate a return of the items, since you are visiting relatives anyway you are not using the rentals,and you already owe more than you can safely divert from your basic household needs. RAC won't stop their pursuit to either get their justly owed funds, or retreive their assets. Nor will they just write off any damages because the spouse is in the military and they should have empathy for the homefront spouse, that isn't why they are in business.

Wow this is all crazy to me.Listen to all you so called perfect spending people out there.First of all God Bless all of our men in the armed forces.We are safe and at home and them? We really need to get to the sole purpose of rent a center its to rip the customer off and only treat them as good citizens if they are perfect payers and rent a center hits their weekly numbers. Are you people getting this? If you go back and read all the comments and rebuttles on rent a center its always the same thing I do agree that when u sign an agreement you should try and abide by it the best way possible,but do you people understand *&*& happens its always when its least expected. Send your merchandise back to the horrible company in which you received it and go to a good will store you can find the same quality there that you can at rent a center.And for gods sake get off this womans butt.Good luck to u and yours and god bless

I've been there done that. Let me first state off by saying that when I met my husband who is in the military that I was a single mom of an almost 2 year old. if I could make it work making $250 a week ($1000 but take home per month) and my rent being $500 a month and manage to pay off my electric and phone. (couldn't afford cable.) So as a fellow military wife, I have to say that you are living ABOVE your income. (My husband is a Specialist) I saved $5000 when he was only in Iraq for 5 months, (When I had rent to pay and everything.) and over $15,000 for the year he was in Afghanistan just last year. (because I live on post.) and before you ask yes I have 2 kids. and before you say that's only 2, my friend with four kids has already saved over $2000 (her husband was deployed in Oct.). Oh and by the way the most that his company will do is put an allotment on his paycheck, with a bigger first payment, so be careful and check his LES or with the bank before purchasing anything. (I know this because my hubby, once had a star card that he didn't pay on and they contacted the commander and that's what happened. If that's all that happens with a military charge card, I don't think that you have to worry about him losing rank due to this.) Good luck!

Why rent? Went to walmart's website. There are several 20" TV's for under $100. If you drop to a 19", they go down to the $80 range. You can get a 19" with a DVD or a VCR player, which I don't recommend, to put in the kids room, for under $100. I'll bet you're paying RAC a heck of alot more then $100 for the TV. Dad was in the Air Force for 20 years. I was in the Marines for 7, before they retired me. I use to make $175 per month. My daughter-in-law just got back from Baghdad, after a one year tour, her second, in the last 3 years. I never heard anybody say they deserved anything. These rent places are a ripoff. You shouldn't be renting from them. You should establish a budget. Save up for an item and buy it cash. It'll cost you probably twenty five percent of what you are paying the rental place. My daughter-in-law and her husband togeather, knocked down close to $90,000 untaxed for their year in Baghdad and still have financial problems. God bless our troops and those navy guys too.

This young military wife came here to make a consumer complaint. Her husband has gone into harm's way for all of us. None who are not in the military have the right to criticize this lady. If you are not making the sacrifice of this military family, kindly keep your mouth shut.I remember the bums who disrespected our Viet Nam vets. If you are not making the sacrifice her husband is, just shut up.

Let me preface by stating I am retired army, currently working as a DA Civilian. I can presume that the soldier is an E-3 or E-4, as a minimum, receiving tax free base pay (if he is in Kuwait, Afganistan, or Iraq) and while probably not drawing ration allowance, he is getting combat pay and seperation pay that makes up for it. That said, RAC might or might not have the ability to contact the soldier's command, depends on the state, or if he signed an agreement when he began the rental. This isn't the primary issue though: The issue is instant gratification at higher costs vs planned purchases within a known budget. RAC does not care if you have overextended the family income, they are a business, not a non profit organization. You, Lynette, have some hard choices; The rent needs to be paid, food needs to be bought, utilities need to be kept on, and then you work from there. You don't NEED a second television, call waiting and call forwarding on the home phone, premier cable with HBO, and until you can afford it you can get by with a daybed from the Salvation Army. A computer is nice, but until you can buy it outright the local library has one to use, as does the school, at no cost. If you are in school that says the children are in daycare, or with a family member, so organize your time to get some computer work in before you pick them up. Bottom line: You are the adult on the ground, your spouse is not there to take care of the day to day challenges of managing a household, only you. You must change your spending habits, get help for your depression, and realize that those few dollars to this and a few dollars to that add up to the point there are no dollars for milk, eggs, diapers, auto gas, etc.

i love your figures, but do we even know what rank this guy is? we had our first child when my husband was an E2 and our take home pay after our allotment for a vehicle and our housing allowance was only 450.00. they only pay you for 1 dependent if you have more than one kid, you do not get paid more. and if you are suppose to, then they shorted us money. you don't know if this women lives in base housing or not, and if she doesn't they only way you are going to know they exact rate of BAH is if you know his rank and what county they live at in Georgia. every states BAH is different, indiana for instance, is 200.00 higher than north carolina's. when my husband was an e4, we lived out in town and had 2 kids, the bah for then was 630.00/mth. we only had 1 allotment which was a vehicle for 390.00/mth. we were bringin home around 2200 a month. it aint cheap to feed a kid or get gas today either. you don't know if there are already other allotments being taken out of his pay or not. and if you are in a place with no family, and your husband on deployment its kinda hard to go to work because daycare is just outrageous. yeah sure, the base probably has daycare but in havelock, you have to put your kid on the list while your pregnant if you expect to have your kid in daycare by the time they are 6mth old. lynette, i'm sorry that you are having so much trouble. it might be easier to go out and buy a fouton bed and suffer through endless dora the explorer cartoons and just keep the computer. i'm not trying to be rude, it's just a suggestion to help you along. i hope everything gets better for you

i love your figures, but do we even know what rank this guy is? we had our first child when my husband was an E2 and our take home pay after our allotment for a vehicle and our housing allowance was only 450.00. they only pay you for 1 dependent if you have more than one kid, you do not get paid more. and if you are suppose to, then they shorted us money. you don't know if this women lives in base housing or not, and if she doesn't they only way you are going to know they exact rate of BAH is if you know his rank and what county they live at in Georgia. every states BAH is different, indiana for instance, is 200.00 higher than north carolina's. when my husband was an e4, we lived out in town and had 2 kids, the bah for then was 630.00/mth. we only had 1 allotment which was a vehicle for 390.00/mth. we were bringin home around 2200 a month. it aint cheap to feed a kid or get gas today either. you don't know if there are already other allotments being taken out of his pay or not. and if you are in a place with no family, and your husband on deployment its kinda hard to go to work because daycare is just outrageous. yeah sure, the base probably has daycare but in havelock, you have to put your kid on the list while your pregnant if you expect to have your kid in daycare by the time they are 6mth old. lynette, i'm sorry that you are having so much trouble. it might be easier to go out and buy a fouton bed and suffer through endless dora the explorer cartoons and just keep the computer. i'm not trying to be rude, it's just a suggestion to help you along. i hope everything gets better for you

I would like to talk to all of the people who had something to say negative about this comment. Firt I would love to see all of you make it off of what the military members make. I would even love to see you give up what they have. And as far s the pawn shops go half of that stuff doesn;t wok and it isn't refundable or covered so then what is to be done. As far as alloments go you cant set themup rental companies. And since when was it a crime to try and provide the same thing for your children that their friends have. I am more then sure that all of you have more then one tv in your house. And How about your credit and debt are you all caught up have you ever been in a bad place and not have anywhere to turn. Yeah the military puts this act on as if they are all about there people. And no yu don't lose your rights just because you are military we have the same rights as you. And how come military is suppose to be held higher but are paid lower. Normally more responsiblity means more money. And if you all have so much why not help out. you know put your money where your big mouths are. And just because you are in school and able to function doesn't mean that you cant suffer from depression look up the information.

I would like to talk to all of the people who had something to say negative about this comment. Firt I would love to see all of you make it off of what the military members make. I would even love to see you give up what they have. And as far s the pawn shops go half of that stuff doesn;t wok and it isn't refundable or covered so then what is to be done. As far as alloments go you cant set themup rental companies. And since when was it a crime to try and provide the same thing for your children that their friends have. I am more then sure that all of you have more then one tv in your house. And How about your credit and debt are you all caught up have you ever been in a bad place and not have anywhere to turn. Yeah the military puts this act on as if they are all about there people. And no yu don't lose your rights just because you are military we have the same rights as you. And how come military is suppose to be held higher but are paid lower. Normally more responsiblity means more money. And if you all have so much why not help out. you know put your money where your big mouths are. And just because you are in school and able to function doesn't mean that you cant suffer from depression look up the information.

I would like to talk to all of the people who had something to say negative about this comment. Firt I would love to see all of you make it off of what the military members make. I would even love to see you give up what they have. And as far s the pawn shops go half of that stuff doesn;t wok and it isn't refundable or covered so then what is to be done. As far as alloments go you cant set themup rental companies. And since when was it a crime to try and provide the same thing for your children that their friends have. I am more then sure that all of you have more then one tv in your house. And How about your credit and debt are you all caught up have you ever been in a bad place and not have anywhere to turn. Yeah the military puts this act on as if they are all about there people. And no yu don't lose your rights just because you are military we have the same rights as you. And how come military is suppose to be held higher but are paid lower. Normally more responsiblity means more money. And if you all have so much why not help out. you know put your money where your big mouths are. And just because you are in school and able to function doesn't mean that you cant suffer from depression look up the information.

I would like to talk to all of the people who had something to say negative about this comment. Firt I would love to see all of you make it off of what the military members make. I would even love to see you give up what they have. And as far s the pawn shops go half of that stuff doesn;t wok and it isn't refundable or covered so then what is to be done. As far as alloments go you cant set themup rental companies. And since when was it a crime to try and provide the same thing for your children that their friends have. I am more then sure that all of you have more then one tv in your house. And How about your credit and debt are you all caught up have you ever been in a bad place and not have anywhere to turn. Yeah the military puts this act on as if they are all about there people. And no yu don't lose your rights just because you are military we have the same rights as you. And how come military is suppose to be held higher but are paid lower. Normally more responsiblity means more money. And if you all have so much why not help out. you know put your money where your big mouths are. And just because you are in school and able to function doesn't mean that you cant suffer from depression look up the information.

I spent 10+ years in 2 different branches of the military. I can tell you that he does not make less than minimum wage. Not even as an E-1, especially with dependents. You need to learn basic budgeting skills and live within your means without the excuses. Take your husbands base pay and all allowances and the value of your benefits and add them up. Be sure to add on the value of the non-taxable staus of these allowances and benefits. add that up and divide by 60 as that is a fair estimate of how many hours a week a military person deployed serves. I can guarantee you it is nowhere near minimum wage. Do you know what your medical benefits alone would cost in the civilian world for 2 adults and 2 children with NO deductibles and NO co-payments? At least $1000/month. So lets just say that benefit is worth $500/month. Your subsistance allowance is at least $300/month with dependents. Your quarters allowance is at least $600 or the value of government quarters. Right there is at least $1400 a month and we haven't even added his base pay! That has to be at least $1600/mo. Now take $3000/month and divide by 4.33 which is the number of weeks in a month. [$692/week] Now divide by 60 hours average which is high over the course of a year. That is $11.53 an hour based on 60 hours. If he worked only 40 it would be $17.30 an hour. How is that less than minimum wage? FYI...You don't take NET/Take home pay and divide by hours to figure hourly. Think about the person making minimum wage with NO benefits of any kind, and No allowances of any kind. Lets say $6.50 an hour x 40 hours a week. Thats $260 a week BEFORE taxes..Approx $180/week take home with NO medical benefits or allowances! That is minimum wage. Your telling me thats what you live on? Please.

Now stop it. You know that RAC only has thongs and no skivvies.

I too have had problems with these parasites. During the big IT crash here, I suddenly found myself unemployed, penniless and homeless. I was living in a dumpster behind a Wal-Mart in Stockton. Times were very bad. Having been unemployed for about a year and with no hopes of obtaining another VP of Technologies position, I lowered my sights. I decided to apply for a position as a pretzel roller at Wetzels. The only problem was, I needed some clean underwear. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford a new pair. I just didn't have the cash. So, I went to RAC. They seemed very nice. They would rent me a slightly skidmarked pair of BVDs for 10 cents an hour. This was perfect, I needed 2 hours, and I had 30 cents from collecting cans the day before. I signed the contract, and was on my way. Upon arriving at the interview at 1PM, I was shocked to see many of my former colleauges apllying for the same position. There were at least 23 people applying for the job. I waited over 4 hours, I knew I was going to owe extra money,but I'd just collect a few cans at the mall and take care of it. Finally, at approximately 6PM, it was my turn. The inteview was going great, but just as they were going to offer me the position, a posse of goons from RAC burst into the interview room demanding the underwear back immediately. They threw me to the ground and ripped it off my butt wedgie style. Of course, the underwear was damaged, and they demanded payment not only for the rental, but for the underwear as well. Well, as a result of this episode, Wetzels never made the job offer. RAC charged me $200 for the underwear THEY damaged. I'll never be able to pay it though. I'm still unemployed, and I've been evicted from my dumpster. RAC, thanks for ruining my life.

When you agreed to pay too much for the items you say you "deserve", did you get this upset when they called your husbands place of employment PRIOR to the rentals, as RAC always does? If you did, you failed to mention it here.My son just returned from Kuwait, has a family as well, and shops for many items such as you described in the paper,garage sales, and a host of other places.Equating RACs practice of looking for payment/return of goods as somehow unAmerican for contacting his superiors is ridiculous.No, you do not have an intrinsic right to sleep on a new mattress, or even have a computer or a TV in the kids room.Like millions of others, you can have them when you can afford them. Give them their property back, and stop embarrasing the families in the services who DO pay their bills and do not overextend.I agree the military folks have always been underpaid, but you get no sympathy from me.

When you agreed to pay too much for the items you say you "deserve", did you get this upset when they called your husbands place of employment PRIOR to the rentals, as RAC always does? If you did, you failed to mention it here.My son just returned from Kuwait, has a family as well, and shops for many items such as you described in the paper,garage sales, and a host of other places.Equating RACs practice of looking for payment/return of goods as somehow unAmerican for contacting his superiors is ridiculous.No, you do not have an intrinsic right to sleep on a new mattress, or even have a computer or a TV in the kids room.Like millions of others, you can have them when you can afford them. Give them their property back, and stop embarrasing the families in the services who DO pay their bills and do not overextend.I agree the military folks have always been underpaid, but you get no sympathy from me.

When you agreed to pay too much for the items you say you "deserve", did you get this upset when they called your husbands place of employment PRIOR to the rentals, as RAC always does? If you did, you failed to mention it here.My son just returned from Kuwait, has a family as well, and shops for many items such as you described in the paper,garage sales, and a host of other places.Equating RACs practice of looking for payment/return of goods as somehow unAmerican for contacting his superiors is ridiculous.No, you do not have an intrinsic right to sleep on a new mattress, or even have a computer or a TV in the kids room.Like millions of others, you can have them when you can afford them. Give them their property back, and stop embarrasing the families in the services who DO pay their bills and do not overextend.I agree the military folks have always been underpaid, but you get no sympathy from me.

my husband was in the military also, and we dealt with rent a center alot. and the main reason we ever dealt with them in the first place was because we needed a new refigrirator, can't get around that. the freezer broke and wouldn't freeze anything at all and ther fridge didn't want to work completely either. anyway, we got behind several time because of our landlord being a complete scum and being derlict of his responsibilites to fix our ac/heat, water, and sewer sitiatuions. he was causing us to have 80.00/mt water bills, 250.00/mth sewer bills, and 350.00 electric bills. we had a 3 bedroom house with a relativiley large square footage with now ac, no heat. my point being with utilite bills totaling more than our rent and paying rent and fridge on top of all that we had to let the fridge get behind. normally, rent-to-own places don't give the option of getting allotments because they would rather you go to a furniture store to get your items. and i do agree with really not needing an extra tv, in havelock nc where we lived there was a pawn shop ever 2 miles where you can generealy get a decent priced tv. and yes you can get depressed regardless of how much you keep yourself busy! in the back of your mind no matter what you do, your always thinking that what if something bad happens and i'm left here alone. there is no way to get arround those feelings. and yes, and military can "recommend" you go home because of depression. they can't make you, but they can highly recommend it. so yes i do know how you feel because i was there myself. and i've been through the little or no money situation because regardless of what people think military personnel are extremely underpaid for what they do. esp, when they are lower in ranks

Lynette, Answer some questions for me please: Why are the payments not setup as allotments from your husbands pay? How are you taking care of 3 children AND going to school if you were SENT home for depression? (and WHO sent you?) I can see the justification for the computer (although I am SURE you are OVERPAYING for it), but you have a TV in your girls room? Is this a second TV in the home? If so, you dont NEED it. If you must have a tv for their room, BUY one. You can get a NEW one for about $100, $50 if you go to a pawn shop (there are usually MANY pawn shops around military bases). I personally also think the mattress set is a luxury. Being that your husband is in the military, they basically DO have a right to notify his superiors. Military personnel are held to a higher standard and are expected to pay their bills. If the payments had been set up as allotments this would never would have been an issue. It boils down to you signed the contract and breached the contract. If you cant make the payments, give the items back or make some kind of arrangements to give the items back (since you are not at home). I do thank your husband for his service.