Financial Assistance

The Military & Family Readiness Center has staff on hand to assist with basic personal financial readiness assistance like creating a budget, debt management and retirement/investing.  

There is no American banking facility in Izmir. Ensure that your pay is being automatically deposited to a stateside institution and that you have a checking account in place before you PCS (if married, it is advised to have separate accounts to avoid check bouncing). It is also highly recommended to have online baking services. Pick an institution that has web access where you can do your banking on-line. It is advised to order personal checks so bring plenty of checks with you. Checks can be cashed at the Finance Cashiers Cage and the Izmir Club (check cashing privileges for members only, so you might consider joining). Checks should be preprinted with name, rank, address, duty phone, branch or service. Establish on-line access to your account before leaving the states, as statements often arrive late. This applies to on-line bill payment to. Late statements often arrive after their due date. This can lead to late fees and sky-rocketing interest rates. Remember to set up a budget with your spouse/family member. Make sure you have an ATM or Debt Card prior to coming and increase your daily withdrawal. Inform your credit card company that you are being assigned to Turkey so they won't decline any of your cards once trying to use them here in Turkey. Have at least $3500 to be able to cover your 1st-month rent and set-up costs.

You may be entitled to the following while at Izmir:

• Family Separation Allowance, TypeR, for members with dependents.
• Civilian Clothing Allowance (for Air Force and Army) one-time entitlement (make sure it is authorized on your orders.)
• Temporary Lodging Allowance
• A one-time entitlement of a Moving-in Housing Allowance. 
• Check with your Finance Office about your entitlements.