Financial Assistance

A PCS move can be one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of a military career; new places, new faces and new challenges. However, for the service and family member who is not prepared, a PCS move can be a very unhappy time.

Most of the unhappiness is caused by money problems associated with the PCS move. The following are some tips to make your PCS less stressful.

1. Start saving now! Any PCS move is going to cost money.
2. Contact your local military finance office to inquire how much travel pay you will receive and obtain information about dislocation allowances (DLA), etc.
3. Plan ahead for travel costs such as tickets, gasoline, food, lodging, tolls, car tune-up, new tires, before the trip, emergency repairs along the way. You will be faced other unusual expenses such as new curtains, restocking the refrigerator, rent deposit on new apartment, utilities, etc.
4. Decide how to save for unreimbursed moving expenses.
5. Begin keeping track of relocation expenses for tax purposes.
6. Take care of auto maintenance and repairs.
7. Do not use advance payments to pay credit cards or buy unnecessary articles or clothing.
8. Make an appointment with your local M&FRC Personal Financial Readiness Team for a look at your financial fitness.

Your Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) is here to assist you with your personal finance needs. Budgeting lies at the foundation of every financial plan. Contrary to popular belief, budgeting isn't about restricting what you spend money on and cutting out all of the fun in your life. It is more about understanding how much money you have, where it goes, and then planning how to best allocate those funds.

If you need assistance with budgeting, saving and other financial matters, please contact the M&FRC and to request appointment with one of our consultants or our Personal Financial Counselor (PFC).

A variety of financial workshops are also available at the Military & Family Readiness Center. Please call to obtain dates and times. Below is a sample of our most popular workshops, all geared towards helping you have a positive a financial future. If a workshop is not listed that you are interested, in please contact us at 609-754-3154.

New workshops are always being added:

• Home Buying
• Car Buying
• Thrift Savings Plan: Active Duty and Civilian
• Bundles for Babies/Birth of a First Child
• Leaving the Dorm
• Money and Stress

In the event of a financial emergency, there are Emergency Relief Agencies available to assist.

Emergency assistance usually combines an assessment of the emergency situation and an evaluation of the personal budget to arrive at a decision to make an interest free loan, a grant, or combination of both. Financial assistance is given when a qualifying individual cannot otherwise pay for specific basic needs essential to continued personal effectiveness as a military member. We are able to help with creating a budget but for direct assistance, please contact the agencies below.

Air Force Aid Society – www.afas.org

Army Emergency Relief - https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/

Army Emergency Relief is located in 5428 Delaware, Dix, 609-562-4245

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society - https://www.nmcrs.org/

The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society is located at Bldg. 158 Berry Road, Lakehurst,732-608-3444. Appointments only, no walk-ins

American Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/financial-assistance.html

Advance pay is a "loan" on income not yet earned, and it must be paid back within 12 months. Although it seem like a good idea and you can afford it now, things could change during that year placing you in a financial bind. Before taking advance pay, carefully consider your budget so you can determine if this new debt is your best option.

JBMDL is considered a high-cost-living area. If you plan to rent off base, be prepared to pay 1 1/2 month's rent as a deposit, plus the first month's rent to lease an apartment. Single family homes to rent are difficult to find at reasonable rates (within BAH). Apartments, town homes and condominiums are easier to find within or close to BAH.

Other than housing and car insurance, the cost of living is average when compared with other areas of the US. Fresh produce at country markets during growing season are sold at low prices for excellent quality. Columbus Market is about 15 minutes from JBMDL (McGuire side) and about 40 minutes from Lakehurst.

Temporary Lodging Expense is paid to partially offset lodging and meal expenses when a member and/or dependents need to occupy temporary lodging in during a CONUS PCS.