You are returning home post deployment. A lot is changing and your financial situation and obligations are bound to change too. After your return, you are experiencing a big transition back to “normal” life. This is a good time to revisit your finances to minimize any stress regarding your financial well-being and money management. Your financial efforts pre and during deployment will determine the health of your post deployment budgeting & financial well-being. Follow our credit counseling tips to handle your finances.
ACCC hopes that these post deployment budgeting tips make your transition easier.
Tips to Post Deployment Budgeting
Take Control of Your Finances
While you were away, you most likely appointed a spouse, parent, or trusted friend as your financial overseer, and hopefully they responsibly managed your finances as anticipated. Now that you’re home, it is important that you regain control of your financial situation. Do this immediately for the smoothest possible transition.
Review Your Power of Attorney & Will
If you chose a financial overseer during deployment, you most likely gave this person power of attorney. Remember that power of attorney will remain in effect until you revoke it, or it expires. Think about whether you would like this person to retain power of attorney status. Also, revisit your will to be sure it is current and still meets your needs.
Review Leave and Earning Statement
Undoubtedly, your income will change post deployment. Be sure what you earned during your deployment is accurate. This will be especially important in reassessing your budget.
Reassess Your Budget
Reassess your budget to account for changes in expenses and income, and areas you might be able to cut back on now that you are home. Once you have reassessed your budget, you will have a clearer sense of your current financial situation.
Review Your Financial Protections
Know when these protections expire to get a clearer sense of you current financial situation and what your financial obligations are moving forward. Contact your nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program for clarification.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
If you find you need assistance on how to manage your budget or addressing your debts, schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
