Financial Assistance

The Army Community Service financial readiness program employs a Personal Financial Counselor.  The counselor can work with you to prepare a personalized budget and spending plan. Services are confidential and include information and assistance in areas such as consumer affairs, credit reports, saving and investing, retirement, home buying and more. All services are free.

Please call the Financial Readiness Program at DSN: 315-652-HELP or 315-652-4357 to schedule an appointment.

Moving to Okinawa can be expensive. Advance pay for up to three months can be received if there is a justified need.  However, remember this money will be deducted from your future pay. If you have to live off base, you can also receive Advance Basic Allowance for Housing in order to pay the deposit and first month's rent. These advances will be deducted from your pay over a 12–24-month period, decreasing your overall income during the repayment period. This is an option to avoid withdrawing a large sum from your savings.

The two biggest expenses when moving to Okinawa are setting up a household and purchasing an automobile. If on-base housing is not initially available, be prepared to spend between $2,000 to $12,000 to pay for initial fees, including expenses such as first and last months’ rent. Purchasing a reasonably priced used car will usually cost $1,500 to $6,000. It is recommended to consider selling any vehicles you presently own if you currently have a car payment.  Those additional expenses may cause a financial hardship once you get to Okinawa. Consider having three to six months pay in a separate emergency fund account.