Financial Assistance

If you anticipate being short of cash for your move, contact your local finance office to discuss the possibility of travel advances:

• Travel advances are only authorized if a member isn’t eligible for a government travel card.
• A basic allowance for housing advance comes out of your paycheck over 12 months like a base pay advance unless you request two to three months, and then with extra work/signatures, you can do a 24-month repayment.

Be aware of the misuse of a government credit card:

• Unauthorized purchases
• Non-reimbursable expenses

Housing Costs

Average rental cost for a three-bedroom house is $1,400 per month. The average price for homes in popular neighborhoods is $198,000.

Temporary Lodging Allowance

There is no Lodging Facility on base, so you will not need a non-availability statement from temporary lodging before you can be reimbursed for off-base lodging.  You will need to take your lodging receipt to Finance to be reimbursed at the per diem lodging rate for the Oklahoma area.

To help budget your move wisely, contact your local Military and Family Readiness Center and sign up for classes and counseling sessions on your permanent change of station move. Even if you are an experienced mover, you need to know the most current and up-to-date allowances and benefits available. Remember, you normally incur expenses that will not be fully covered by your PCS entitlements. A good rule of thumb is to have at least enough savings to cover 90 days of cost-of-living expenses.

At Vance Air Force Base, the M&FRC offers many programs to help you become financially fit. A budget can be the best indicator of what you need to do with your money (savings, investing, paying down consumer debt, etc.) and will help you plan accordingly.

Let your M&FRC representative help you:

• Create a budget based on your lifestyle and needs
• Reduce your consumer debt quickly and efficiently by providing a Power Pay assessment
• Learn about the Thrift Savings Plan and other investment options
• Prepare for various life events

You can contact one of our Certified Personal Finance Counselors at DSN 448-6330 or 580-213-6330.