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 (AER)  at 270-798-5518. Army Emergency Relief is located at the main ACS Building 1501 William C. Lee Rd. Hours of Operation are; Mon to Fri 0730-1600 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; rent, food, utilities, vehicle insurance, and unexpected vehicle repair.  Emergency Leave and Army Emergency Relief (AER) are usually unavailable without 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 – Help establish an individual or family budget that will create a more effective monthly spending plan.

Financial Classes given by our Financial Counselors –

• Money Management
• Managing Credit and Debt
• Buying and Maintaining a Car
• Savings/Investments
• Real Estate Basics
• Preparing Financially for PCS moves
• Consumer Education
• Others on Request
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
• Blended Retirement System (BRS)

Consumer Affairs Office -- The Consumer Affairs Office (CAO)  270-798-5518  serves as a consumer advocate for Soldiers and their Families. CAO serves as a mediator between Soldiers and business establishments. 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.

Cost of Living -- There is no COLA entitlement for this area. The local area enjoys a cost of living lower than the average for all major U.S cities. On a nationwide average of 1.0, Clarksville's cost of living .75 and Hopkinsville is .58. The sales tax for Tennessee is 9.5 and Kentucky is 6.0. Tennessee does not have a State Income Tax, Kentucky pays State Income Tax.

Advanced Pay -- Do not request advance pay from basic pay. This is a loan and you will pay the money back. Advanced pay repayment will be automatically withdrawn from your monthly pay. This will reduce your monthly income.

Average Costs for Rentals - Apartment

• $783.00 and up for 1 Bedroom
• $816.00 and up for 2 Bedrooms
• $950-1250.00 and up for 3 Bedrooms

Houses for Rent

• $1100.00 for 3 Bedrooms
• $1300.00 4 + Bedrooms

Average Monthly Utilities

• Electric $60-$120
• Water $40-$60
• Gas   $20-$40
• Trash Removal $13-$18

Car Insurance --Minimum car insurance coverage requirements $25000.00. Maximum car insurance coverage $50000.00.

If you need financial emergency assistance while en-route to Fort Campbell, request financial assistance at a nearest American Red Cross or Salvation Army. If it's a medical emergency call 911 or go the nearest local hospital for assistance.

If your vehicle brakes down contact the American Automobile Association for assistance.

Remember to contact Ft Campbell Replacement Detachment at 270-798-2813 if you are unable to report in on the date written on your orders due to an emergency situation.

Army Emergency Relief --  270-798-5518 - 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: Rent/Mortgage, Utilities/Deposit, Food, Emergency Travel, Dental Medical, Car Seats, Vehicle Repair, Replacement Vehicle, Essential Furniture, Funeral Expenses, Non-Receipt of Pay/Loss of Funds, Minor Home Repairs, Cranial Helmets. 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.

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!