I have heard there may be a bonus for joining SW careerfields is that true?
Yes. You receive the bonus once you get through and receive your beret. As of FY 19 PJ is $15K; CCT $8k; SR $10K; TACP, SERE, and EOD $8K.
I know military members don’t make much money and I’m afraid my wife and I will struggle without my current job salary. Any suggestions?
I understand your concerns and I will start by saying that this job is definitely not for everyone, as cliche as is sounds. To answer your first question, I don't know how much you make now, but as a PJ you will get a bonus for enlisting which is around 10000 as well as a reenlistment bonus every time you enlist which ranges from 25000 to 90000 depending on your commitment. You will also get an extra 750 per month in special duty pays as well as whatever per diem you may make from TDYs Deployments etc. Keeping all this in mind you just have to remember that this is still military service, so there is sacrifice involved.
When do you start getting pay?
You will be getting paid during BMT barring any clerical errors which happens sometimes. See more info here.