Financial Assistance

Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP)

The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson PFMP provides financial information, education and counseling. We can assist with budget analysis and provide service members strategies for monitoring their spending habits. The PFMP also provides free credit scores and reports, savings and investing information (such as Thrift Savings Plan, individual retirement accounts and diversification) and one-on one counseling sessions on various financial topics. Each first-term Airman or Soldier is required to complete a financial class upon arrival at JBER. Additionally, classes can be brought to your squadron/unit and designed to meet the individual needs of your group. 

Plan a Permanent Change of Station Budget

It is recommended that you create a budget to help with getting your finances in order prior to relocating to Alaska. Please note:

• Anchorage has a high cost of living.
• Cost of living and Temporary Living Allowance is annually adjusted according to yearly market surveys.
• The state of Alaska has a minimum mandated car insurance liability coverage. Please work directly with your vehicle insurance carrier to ensure compliance.

Relocating can be less stressful if you plan ahead. Keep receipts by date and make any special notes that may prove helpful in filing your travel voucher. Travel vouchers will be completed with finance shortly after arrival. Those items that are not reimbursed to you may fall under annual tax reimbursements for relocating due to your job. Check the current tax rules for more information. If traveling through Canada, we suggest having Canadian money for transactions (gas, food and lodging) as the internet is not reliable and not every small business accepts or has access to internet/credit card payments along the Alaska-Canadian Highway. 

Please make sure your GTC is active prior to travel.

Relocating can be less taxing on your pocket book if you plan ahead. Make advance payments on credit or loans, if you can, to cover the period of time that you are traveling. Most creditors will work with you to delay payments during your transition period, call them and work out a payment plan. Use a spiral notebook and tape all of your receipts in it; Keep them by date and make any special notes that may prove helpful in filing your travel voucher. Those items that are not reimbursed to you may fall under annual tax reimbursements for relocating due to your job. Check the current tax rules for more information. If traveling through Canada, purchase Canadian money for transactions (gas, food, and lodging) along the Alaska/Canadian Highway. Most major credit cards are useful too, and help with keeping record of purchases.