The demands of deployment can be overwhelming and maintaining your financial obligations will make post-deployment life less stressful. Now that you’ve adequately prepared your finances for deployment, it is imperative that you follow these key recommendations to be sure you stick to your budget and remain financially responsible.
Follow Your Budget and Savings Plan
If you find you are overspending, reevaluate your budget and include those added expenses. See if there are any places you may be able to make cutbacks. If so, develop a new budget or savings plan including these new expenses and cutbacks. If you find you have extra money left over at the end of the month, consider using it to pay down debts or saving it in an emergency fund. Sticking to your budget will enable a brighter financial future for you and your family in post-deployment life.
Communicate With You Financial Overseer
As much as possible, stay in the know regarding your financial situation. After all, it is your financial well-being that is at stake so you should be aware of any issues that may occur while you are deployed. This way there will be no surprises or unforeseen expenses when you return home.
Track Your Payments
Track all bills (credit cards, rent/mortgage, utilities, etc.) that are paid while you are away, whether by your financial overseer or with automatic bill pay. If possible, try to sign in to your accounts at least once a month to be sure your bills are being paid on time and in full and that no issues have arisen. Although you are deployed, you are still required to meet your financial obligations in a timely manner.
