American Consumer Credit Counseling helps minimize stress by providing tips on preparing and managing finances before, during, and after deployment
Boston, MA – March 5, 2018
Deployment can be an extremely stressful and emotional experience for service members and the families of those being deployed. To coincide with Military Saves Week (February 26, to March 3, 2018), national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling has created a series of videos with tips for military members on how to manage and prepare finances during all stages of deployment – including pre, during, and post.
“The demands of deployment can be overwhelming, so it is important to remember to prepare financially,” said Steve Trumble, President and CEO of American Consumer Credit Counseling, which is based in Newton, MA. “There are a variety of logistical and financial challenges military personnel have to take into account during this time. Maintaining your financial obligations and sticking to a budget can create financial peace of mind and make the deployment process less stressful.”
The three-part video series includes videos on Pre-Deployment Budgeting, Budgeting During Deployment, and Post-Deployment Budgeting. Military personnel face unique financial situations and considerations, such as managing deployments abroad, while also needing to follow billing and payment schedules in the U.S. These money management challenges can lead to a variety of issues, such as failing to pay household expenses, a heavy reliance on mortgage options to finance housing, and significant credit card usage and debt.
“Financial situations and obligations are bound to change post-deployment,” added Trumble. “As part of the transition into civilian life, it is important that returning servicemen and women revisit their finances to minimize any stress and improve their financial well-being.”
The Pre-Deployment Budgeting video explains the steps military personnel must take to ensure their financial readiness for deployment. The most important step one should take is choosing a financial overseer. The financial overseer will manage day-to-day financial issues, including what bills are due each month and when. This person may also be given power of attorney and can be authorized to act on a service member’s behalf in any legal or business matter.
The Budgeting During Deployment video explains the importance of sticking to a budget and remaining financially responsible. If service members find they are overspending, it is important for them to take another look at their budget and include these expenses. If they have extra money at the end of the month, consider using it to pay off debts or save for an emergency fund. It is important to track all expenses while away, whether it is by a financial overseer or with automatic bill pay.
The Post-Deployment Budgeting video explains how the financial situation of military personnel tends to change when they return home. It is important that servicemen and women regain control of their finances immediately for the smoothest possible transition. Income will most likely change, so review the leave and earnings statement and clarify what was earned while deployed. It is important to reassess a budget, especially if income changes post-deployment, and stick to it.
ACCC is a 501(c)3 organization that provides free credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling to consumers nationwide in need of financial literacy education and money management. For more information, contact ACCC:
- For credit counseling and student loan counseling, call 800-769-3571
- For bankruptcy counseling, call 866-826-6924
- For housing counseling, call 866-826-7180
- Or visit us online at http://www.ConsumerCredit.com
About American Consumer Credit Counseling
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a nonprofit credit counseling 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve financial management through credit counseling, debt management, bankruptcy counseling, housing counseling, student loan counseling and financial education concerning debt solutions. To help consumers reach their goal of debt relief, ACCC provides a range of free consumer personal finance resources on a variety of topics including budgeting, credit and debt management, student loan assistance, youth and money, homeownership, identity theft, senior living, and retirement. Consumers can use ACCC’s worksheets, videos, calculators, and blog articles to make the best possible decisions regarding their financial future. ACCC holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®). For more information or to access free financial education resources, log on to ConsumerCredit.com or visit https://www.consumercredit.com/debt-resources-tools/
