Financial Assistance

Although Albany and Southwest Georgia have a fairly low cost of living, you need to account for certain expenses in your budget. Vehicle maintenance is a high priority, between the hot weather and sometimes less than perfect roads, you should budget at least $75 or more per month per vehicle for upkeep.

Furnishing your home: A good cost-saving strategy is to buy second-hand and replace as you go. Be careful if considering financing furniture for two reasons: buying furniture can be quite expensive; and some contracts may include high fees and interest rates compared to others. Contact the Legal Assistance Office at 229-639-5212 for advice or to review any contracts prior to signing.

Public transportation is available in the City of Albany but does not come onto the base. A personal vehicle can be seen as a necessity. Buying a new vehicle is not a necessity, however, and there are plenty of new and used car dealers in the Albany area. As with furniture buying, if you get a preliminary contract from a dealer, bring the contract to Base Legal for review if possible.

Personal Financial Management is available, either for individual counseling or classroom training, on a variety of financial topics. For Financial Education Action training, you can meet with the PFM one on one vice having to take a formal class. Classroom trainings on a variety of topics are available, scheduled once a month or whenever requested from your unit or work section. The PFM is an Accredited Financial Counselor and will work with you to address whatever your personal needs are. Call 229-639-6440 for more information.

For those families experiencing financial difficulty, the Personal Financial Management Program is prepared to assist in establishing a realistic budget. Information and literature on a variety of consumer-related issues, including processing of consumer complaints, are available. Contact the PFMP at 229-639-6440 or visit the MCCS Personal Financial Management webpage.

Some units require that junior enlisted Marines or sailors wishing to move off-post with family members have a budget prepared by M&FP. This requirement is met through scheduling individual appointments. Call PFMP to schedule an appointment or come by Building 7122. Financial readiness classes are also provided, including basic budgeting, retirement planning using Thrift Savings Plan, debt/credit management and car buying.

For those active duty or retired military families who find themselves in unexpected, emergency financial situations, the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) stands ready to assist them with an interest-free loan or grant. The program also provides assistance to surviving family members of deceased service members. Call 229-639-9106 and leave a message; meetings are by appointment only, no walk-ins allowed. You may also contact NMCRS at 912-573-3928, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Visit www.nmcrs.org for more information.

At night, on weekends, or when traveling for PCS, active duty members, retirees, and surviving spouses can also call the American Red Cross for financial assistance.at 877-272-7337.