Financial Assistance

The following is a list of helpful tips to make moving to Keesler financially smoother:

• The best advice for those moving to Keesler and having to live off-base: Be Prepared! The cost of temporary lodging and housing is the #1 complaint of newly arrived personnel.
• Use your government-authorized credit card only for authorized purchases (lodging, meals, gas for your POV, etc). Misuse is punishable under the UCMJ!
• Avoid drawing advance base pay, since this money will be withdrawn from your regular paychecks right away, and may put you deeper in debt.
• Be Prepared to spend some time and money to acquire acceptable housing.
• Temporary lodging can be over $100.00 per night at some hotels! For Technical Training Students wanting to move their families here, these hotel expenses probably will not be reimbursed.
• There is no guarantee of on-base temporary lodging due to the large amount of people transiting. Some temporary (family) lodging does not have kitchen facilities.
• Research moving entitlements with the Finance Office. Not all people are authorized Temporary Living Expense (TLE) and Dislocation Allowance (DLA).
• Some deposits for utilities, telephone, etc. may be waived with proof of prior good credit (get this from the utility company before moving to Keesler) or a military waiver.
• It is imperative that students assigned to Keesler AFB for less than 20 weeks (who are thinking about moving family members to the area) check with TMO and Finance on their financial entitlements. Air Force Aid may or may not provide financial assistance to move into apartments to these "unauthorized" families. 
• Those of legal age (21 years old) choosing to visit the casinos are advised to take only as much money as they can afford to lose.

Free MyFICO service

A service being offered to active duty service members and spouses. If the person is considered at risk and can answer at least 2 of the following questions affirmative:

• denied a security clearance
• missed or made a late payment to a creditor within the last 6 months
• shares an account with someone who has missed or been late
• been denied credit
• fallen victim to identity theft
• finalized a divorce or separation within the past 24 months

This free service is called MyFICO.  Make a MyFICO appointment by calling, 228-376-8728.  You will receive your credit report and credit score.  MyFICO, a service only between yourself and MyFICO, will provide you with continued financial education that will later reflect the improvements achieved.

The cost of living remains high. Housing is the main reason it has become much more expensive to live in South Mississippi, experts say. Insurance costs have escalated, making it more difficult to buy a home, and rent also has gone up, though more and more apartments are being constructed. Average cost of utilities for a 3-bedroom home is approximately $125.00 to $180.00 for electricity, and $40-$60 for water. 

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

Mississippi law requires that all drivers maintain liability insurance and carry a card in their vehicles at all times showing that you have liability insurance. The minimum liability requirements are $25,000 per person (limited to a single accident), $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage (25/50/25). Technically, you, as a Mississippi driver, can legally satisfy these requirements by:

• Showing proof of liability insurance with bodily injury and property damage limits at least equal to the minimum requirement.
• Posting a bond for these same amounts.
• Making a cash or security deposit equal to the minimum requirements.

However, for the vast majority of people, automobile liability insurance is the most effective way to protect yourself financially in case of an automobile accident. Maintaining it in your vehicle is now the law. State law says that a law enforcement officer cannot stop you solely to check if you have an insurance card, but he or she can ask you for proof of insurance during a stop for any other statutory violation. The initial penalty for failing to maintain an insurance card is $1,000 and suspension of driving privileges for one year or until the motor vehicle owner shows proof of insurance.

The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the United States Air Force. Interest-free loans and grants are for short-term needs or emergencies such as food, rent and utilities, car repair and emergency travel. Each case is treated individually. AFAS will try to help if the assistance falls within AFAS guidelines.

Apply online at the AFAS website. 

The Military & Family Readiness Center offers financial counseling to Keesler personnel. All are encouraged to make an appointment prior to making any major purchase, a change in lifestyle such as marriage or divorce, or prior to moving off-base. You will be provided a budget analysis that will help you better understand what you can or cannot afford. Periodic investment seminars are also held. The Military & Family Readiness Center is located in the Sablich Center, Rm 110, and can be contacted at DSN 312-591-8728 or 228-376-8728.