Your financial situation and obligations are bound to change now that you are returning home. As part of your transition to civilian life, revisit your finances to minimize any stress regarding your financial well-being. If you financially prepared for deployment and stuck to your budget during your time away, you will be relieved to come home to a financially healthy life.
Take Control of Your Finances
While you were away, you most likely appointed a spouse, parent, or trusted friend as your financial overseer and hopefully they responsibly managed your finances as anticipated. Now that you’re home, it is important that you regain control of your financial situation. Do this immediately for the smoothest possible transition.
Review Your Power of Attorney and Will
If you chose a financial overseer during deployment, you most likely gave this person power of attorney. Remember that power of attorney will remain in effect until you revoke it, or it expires. Think about whether you would like this person to retain power of attorney status. Also, revisit your will to be sure it is current and still meets your needs.
Review Your Financial Protections (Under SCRA)
Know when these protections expire to get a clearer sense of you current financial situation and what your financial obligations are moving forward. Contact your nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program for clarification.
Review Your Leave and Earnings Statement
Undoubtedly your income will change post deployment. Be sure what you earned during your deployment is accurate. This will be especially important in reassessing your budget.
Reassess Your Budget and Stick to It
Reassess your budget to account for changes in expenses and income, and areas you might be able to cut back on now that you are home. Once you have reassessed your budget, you will have a clearer sense of your current financial situation.
Reach Out for Help if You Need It
If you find you need assistance on how to manage your budget or addressing your debts, please contact ACCC at 800-769-3571 or begin a counseling session online. Also, check out our Resources page.
