The U.S. Air Force Academy Military and Family Readiness Center Financial Assistance Program offers financial crisis and emergency assistance through Air Force Aid Society and individual consultation. Programs offered are budgeting, checkbook maintenance, consumer protection, debt liquidation, credit management, insurance, and investments. To make an appointment or for more information, call 719-333-3444 or DSN 312-333-3444.

When preparing for your permanent change of station, be financially prepared. We discourage taking advance military pay since it can cause you a hardship at your new duty station when it starts coming out of your check. If rotating from overseas, remember your Cost of Living Allowance, Overseas Housing Allowance and other entitlements will stop. Do not spend this money if it continues in your pay since it will all be taken back once it processes in the military pay system. Stop by the Accounting and Finance office in the Community Center, Building 5136. Call the office at 719-333-4298 upon arrival to ensure accuracy of pay. If you are still being paid for overseas allowance and should not be receiving the allowances, contact the finance office and put the money aside. Finance will take the overpayment back. Check your Leave and Earnings Statement monthly.

There is a shortage of affordable homes and rentals in the Colorado Springs area. Ensure that you know what your Basic Allowance for Housing will be and what mortgage or rent amount it will cover for your family size. At this time there is no Cost of Living Allowance paid to military who are stationed at this location. Be prepared to stay in a temporary lodging facility or a hotel longer than expected.

Be aware of your dislocation allowance amount. Many initial expenses will have to be paid out-of-pocket soon after your arrival. Temporary quarters may be one of your first costs. On-base lodging begins at $68 per night, depending on rank. Motels in the area range from $100 to $200 per night. Do not forget to include your meal costs. Once you find permanent quarters, you can expect to pay other fees in advance, including first month's rent and security deposit (if you lease) as well as telephone installation charges. 

Your automobile insurance rates may increase and you may be required to pay the first two months’ payments to initiate coverage.

Meeting financial obligations and goals is a common objective of every individual and family. There are base programs, which have been established to provide long-term solutions to financial problems. For a short-term financial crisis, you may be able to get help from the Air Force Aid Society.

Air Force members, inquire at the Military and Family Readiness Center about PCS Child Care for those completing a permanent change of station. There is a program that provides, via voucher, up to 20 free hours of childcare per child upon your arrival.  You will need a copy of your orders to obtain the voucher from M&FRC. Keep in mind that currently there is very limited availability in Family Child Care homes.

Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities are high cost-of-living areas. The cost of living in the Pikes Peak region is higher than the national average. The rapid growth and economic development in the region have nudged up prices for grocery items, fuel, health care and especially housing.

While most of the high costs are associated with housing, everything else is relative. Your actual cost-of-living expenses will vary and depend on a variety of factors, to include where you choose to live. The size and location of your home or apartment, and whether you chose to buy or rent, are also factors.

Rent/Utility Average Cost Information:

Find out your basic housing allowance and try to live within your allowance limit. Consider utilities associated with your housing such as electricity, water and gas, as prices vary across the city of Colorado Springs. Consider contacting the utility companies in the city and requesting average utility rates throughout the year. Go to the Colorado Springs Utilities website.

During your move, if you find yourself in need of emergency financial assistance, the Air Force Aid Society may be able to assist you. You can apply for assistance at www.afas.org. To contact the Academy Air Force Aid Society Officer, please call 719-333-3444.