Financial Assistance

When you arrive at Camp Zama, visit the Army Community Service’s Financial Readiness Program. Our financial representative can help you prepare a budget and provide information on money management and saving while you're in Japan. This is an expensive service stateside but is offered free by the Department of Defense.

The FRP provides the following services:

• Financial counseling and planning
• Consumer information and advocacy
• Debt and checkbook management classes
• Money management
• Classes in investing, money management, budgeting and other financial-related issues conducted monthly

Note: Personnel requesting an Army Emergency Relief loan may also be referred to the Financial Readiness Program for budget counseling before a loan is approved.

Don't take or spend advance pay unless it is absolutely essential. You will pay it back by monthly deductions from your pay, so you will have less to live on every month until it is all paid back.

Although you will eventually receive funds to cover temporary relocation costs (lodging, meals, dry cleaning, etc.), you may be required to pay these costs before you receive your first paycheck. Be prepared and bring extra money or travelers’ checks with you.

Keep all receipts associated with your permanent change of station move. Start a notebook or ledger to record amounts and an envelope to file receipts. Start saving now. Any PCS move is going to cost money.

Suggestion: Make an appointment with a financial counselor at your present location before you leave. They can help you prepare a relocation budget.

Before You Move

Have a garage sale before you leave. This will help you get rid of some things you may no longer need -- and give you a little extra relocation money.