MCLB Barstow  Military and Family Support Center

The financial management counselor holds virtual and in-person classes through Marine and Family Programs. Workshops are available on various aspects of money management, and one-on-one appointments can also be scheduled. Customers have the option of requesting a face-to-face office visit noted in the sessions or may schedule these appointments over the phone. Appointments can be made by calling the Camp Pendleton Personal Finance Management Program at 760-829-0105 Monday – Friday from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Most in-person trainings are located in Building 218, McTureous Hall.

For detailed information on pay and allowances, contact a Marine Corps Community Services Personal Finance Counselor at 760-725-9478.  Counselors are accredited through AFCPE and can share information on military pay, budgeting, saving, debt, investing and more.

The purpose of Advance Pay is to help the service member meet extraordinary expenses incident to relocation during a permanent change of station move, though it is rare as travel cards are more widely used. Advance Pay may be drawn up to 60 days prior to your move. Up to three months of Advance Pay can be drawn with PCS orders and the approval of the commanding officer. If you request Advance Pay, you are basically taking a loan from your future paychecks. Advance Pay repayments will be automatically withdrawn from the service member’s pay monthly which, in some cases, can reduce their monthly income drastically.  Contact the PFM program at Camp Pendleton to get the most accurate and current information.  

The small community of Barstow has a cost of living of 87.4% of the U.S. average, however California's overall cost of living is 149.9% of the national average.  Barstow has limited retail services, and many residents shop outside of Barstow. 

Utilities costs in Barstow average 115.9% over the national average mainly due to extreme temperatures in the summer that can reach 120 degrees.

As of May 2021, The unemployment rate in California was 7.5 % compared to the US rate of 5.8%.   Barstow is usually higher due to its rural economy.  

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow has a 32.41% cost of living allowance.

The American Red Cross emergency assistance number is 877-272-7337.

In Barstow, the American Red Cross is located in Victorville, California. They can be reached at 760-245-6511. If you need to reach your family in times of emergency, call the American Red Cross at 877-272-7337.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society over Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow is located at Camp Pendleton. It is a private non-profit charitable organization providing financial, educational and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States. The NMCRS works with Air Force Aid Society and Army Emergency Relief.

These agencies can provide interest-free loans or grants to help with emergency needs such as:

• Emergency transportation
• Funeral expenses
• Medical and dental bills (patient's share)
• Food, rent and utilities
• Disaster relief assistance
• Child care expenses
• Essential vehicle repairs
• Unforeseen family emergencies 

Quick assist loans of up to $300 are designed to help with emergency needs for basic living expenses such as housing, utilities, food and clothing costs, medical or dental expenses, vehicle or transportation expenses and other costs associated with family emergencies. Like other NMCRS loans QALs are interest free.

Any active-duty sailor or Marine who has no outstanding loans from the NMCRS and is in good standing qualifies. Their goal is to serve their clients in as little as 15 minutes. To help them with that process, please have your most recent leave and earnings statement and your active-duty identification card ready. You can speed up the short process by filling out the single-page application available online.

QALs are for financial needs of $300 or less. If the need is for more than $300 you can make an appointment with the Camp Pendleton NMCRS Office for assistance call 760-725-5337.

When volunteers are available MCLB Barstow hosts a NMCRS Thrift Store located at Building 204 to assist families by providing affordable, gently-used clothing, toys and other merchandise. Call 760-577-5870 for location and hours of operation. Free childcare is offered to Thrift Store volunteers.

AUTO INSURANCE

The state of California requires Auto owners to carry Liability insurance, which compensates a person other than the policy holder for personal injury or property damage. Comprehensive or collision insurance does not meet vehicle financial responsibility requirements. Check your policy or talk to your agent or broker to make sure you have sufficient liability insurance coverage for each vehicle you own. State law requires a minimum level of coverage; however, individuals may meet with a personal financial counselor to discuss the level of coverage that is appropriate for their circumstances. Contact the Marine Corps Community Services personal finance counselor at 760-725-9478.

Minimum coverage includes:

• $15,000 for injury/death to one person
• $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
• $5,000 for damage to property 

Keep in mind that whatever your policy doesn't cover, you may be financially responsible for.

BUYING A CAR

Buying a Car classes are available through the Personal Financial Management program.  Many service members get into debt higher than they can afford.  Give yourself the advantage by consulting the experts on finance and debt before you sign any contracts.  They can also inform you of your rights as a service member, and warn you about trending scams and fraud.  Remember to include the cost of insurance, fuel, and maintenance when determining how much you can afford to spend on a vehicle.

RENTING A CAR

Car rentals are available off base, and the cost of renting a vehicle has risen drastically due to the recent economic downturn.  Consult a financial counselor when determining the best solution for your budget.

DRIVER SERVICES

Taxi's, Uber, and Lyft drivers may not have base access.  Prepare to meet them at the front gate. 

• Temporary Lodging Allowance rate up to $180 per day
• Continental U.S. – maximum of 10 days
• Transfer outside continental U.S. – maximum of 5 days
• Reimbursement-only benefit
• Keep receipts

Costs for the Oasis Temporary Lodging Facility here at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow range above $60 per night. For more information on the TLF, please call 760-577-6418. Off-base hotels average about $105 per night. 

Planning for Emergencies

If you happen to experience an emergency while you are en route to a new duty station, contact your new unit. If you are near any military installation, you can contact the Information and Referral department of that installation for additional guidance and referrals. At Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow I&R is located at Marine and Family Services in Building 126 and can be reached by phone at 760-577-6675. For crisis financial assistance contact the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society at Camp Pendleton. The Personal Financial Management program can help you budget to build an emergency fund.