Fort Campbell  Military and Family Support Center

If you are having trouble managing your finances, the Financial Readiness Program will assist you. Individual budget counseling is provided to teach soldiers how to increase their monthly cash flow. Money management classes are provided to educate soldiers and their families about savings and investment options to create future financial freedom.

If you need financial assistance for rent, food, utilities, vehicle insurance and unexpected vehicle repair, contact the Army Emergency Relief at 270-798-5518. AER is located at the main ACS Building at 1501 William C. Lee Road. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and federal holidays.

Army Emergency Relief – Financial assistance is available for active duty, retired service personnel, and their Family Members. Family members of deceased personnel and members of the reserve components on continuous active duty for more than 30 days are also eligible for AER assistance. Assistance will be provided as a non-interest-bearing loan, a grant (when appropriate) or a combination of loan and grant. Types of emergencies covered are nonreceipt of or loss of funds; medical, dental and hospital expenses; funeral expenses for immediate family members; travel expenses related to emergencies and living expenses including rent, food, utilities, vehicle insurance and unexpected vehicle repair. Emergency Leave and AER are usually unavailable without American Red Cross validation. All financial assistance is provided on behalf of the AER or aid society applicable to the branch of service. Financial assistance is provided from the American Red Cross after duty hours.

Financial Planning – The ACS Financial Readiness Program provides financial management training through scheduled classes, one-on-one financial counseling, workshops and seminars to help soldiers and family members improve their financial stability.

Budget Counseling – One-on-one counseling services help establish an individual or family budget that will create a more effective monthly spending plan.

Financial Classes – Financial classes offered by our financial counselors include:

• Money Management

• Managing Credit and Debt

• Buying and Maintaining a Car

• Savings/Investments

• Real Estate Basics

• Preparing Financially for Permanent Change of Station Moves

• Consumer Education

• Thrift Savings Plan

• Blended Retirement System

• Other topics, upon request

Consumer Affairs Office – The CAO serves as a consumer advocate for soldiers and their families and serves as a mediator between soldiers and business establishments. The CAO is a one-stop service for soldiers and their families to save money. We maintain a library of consumer materials and can assist you in making wise decisions with large purchases and contract reviews. Our office will review contracts prior to signing, assist with price comparison and financing information, discuss warranties and provide the client with negotiating power to make a purchase. Carfax, a report that provides a complete history on used vehicles, is available free of charge to soldiers purchasing used vehicles. Contact the CAO at 270-798-5518.

Plan a PCS Budget
The Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program provides financial management to include a permanent change of station budget and one-on-one financial counseling for soldiers and families making a PCS move. Contact the Financial Readiness Program at 270-798-5518 to schedule an appointment. The ACS Financial Readiness Program is located at the main ACS building, 1501 William C. Lee Road (inside gate 1).

Where the Money Might Go When You PCS:

Whenever you PCS, you are going to be faced with some unusual expenses. Be sure to plan ahead! Listed below are several expenses you will incur. You may have additional expenses besides these:

• Travel costs – tickets, gasoline, food and lodging, tolls, car tune-up, new tires before the trip and emergency repairs along the way
• Deposits – damage and rent deposit on new apartment, utilities, telephone and cable TV
• Closing costs if buying or selling a house
• Temporary lodging at the old post and at the new post
• Food – restocking the refrigerator and the food pantry
• Household incidentals – light bulbs, toilet paper, soaps, cleaning supplies and equipment
• Curtains and rods (and the tools required for installation)

Other Financial Impact:

• Do you depend on the money your spouse gets from his or her job? How long will it be before he or she can get a new job in the new location? Will it pay as well? You may have to live on a lower income for a couple of months or more.
• You may face a higher cost of living. This includes not only higher housing and food costs but also things like having to drive farther to work, childcare costs and school costs.
• You may receive a lower Basic Allowance for Housing at the new post.

Where the Money Might Come From:

• Dislocation Allowance – You can request to receive DLA before you leave your current-duty station, or DLA can be reimbursed 100% at your gaining installation. This must be requested from PCS Finance Office.

• Travel Pay – This pay is mileage-related. If you're relocating within the continental U.S., you can request Travel Pay at your current installation’s Finance Office and receive 80% before you leave for your new duty station, or you can receive 100% after you sign in at the new installation.
• Miscellaneous income – Consider hosting a garage sale before you move.
• Refunds – You may be due refunds from rent and damage deposits from your old home or apartment. Again, it may take a couple of months to get these.
• Returned deposits – You may be entitled to deposits, plus interest, from apartments and utilities.
• Cost of Living – You may experience a lower cost of living or increased BAH at the new post.

Caution: Don't take or spend Advance Pay unless it is absolutely essential. You will have to pay it back through monthly deductions from your pay, which will leave you with less money to live on every month until it is paid back in full. Don't take Advance Pay just to buy something you want, like a new stereo or car. Be even more cautious when considering Casual Pay, or an advance of wages.

Plan ahead for your move. Start saving now!