Navigating Financial Challenges as a Military Spouse: Lessons from Frequent PCS Moves

As a military family, you often find yourself at the mercy of the military’s needs, which can lead to unexpected changes in your life. My family experienced this firsthand when we received three Permanent Change of Stations (PCS) orders in just 18 months. The first two moves — from North Carolina to South Carolina and then to Germany — were anticipated, allowing us to plan for them accordingly. However, when we received our third set of orders just months after settling into our new home in Germany, we faced financial challenges and a whirlwind of emotions. 

The excitement of a new overseas adventure was quickly overshadowed by the stress of uprooting our lives once again. We had just hung our last picture on the wall, finally making our house feel like a home, and were still adjusting to the nuances of European life. The floodgates of checklists re-opened, and with them came the realization that we needed to be financially prepared for yet another move. 

After reflecting on our previous relocations, we realized how successfully we had managed our finances. We had avoided accumulating credit card debt, paid cash for our Euro car, and had even set aside savings to explore Europe’s many beautiful sights.  

However, the prospect of moving again brought a new set of financial stressors we hadn’t anticipated. One of the most pressing challenges was the need to sell our Euro car and all our European-plug appliances. We hoped to break even on those sales, but the reality of the market and the timing of our move made this difficult. Nobody is looking to buy an indoor AC unit in the fall. As a result, we found ourselves having to pause our travel plans and bucket list adventures while we were stationed overseas. The financial strain of selling items at a loss and the uncertainty of our next destination weighed heavily on us. 

To regain control of our finances, we knew we had to take proactive steps. Here are some of the financial strategies to take during a PCS move that can help you navigate a challenging situation: 

• Create a Detailed Budget: Revisit your budget to account for an upcoming move, including estimating costs for selling belongings, potential moving expenses, and any new purchases you might need at your next location. 
• Prioritize Sales: Make a list of items to sell, prioritizing those that would be easiest to part with and have the highest resale value. For items that you can’t sell quickly, consider putting them on consignment with the on-base thrift store. This will not only help you declutter but can also provide an opportunity to earn some extra cash without the hassle of individual sales. 
• Adjust Savings Goals: Instead of tapping into your savings, adjust your savings goals to accommodate the financial impact of a PCS move. Re-evaluate your priorities and set more realistic targets for your travel fund and other savings. This approach can allow you to continue saving while still addressing the immediate financial needs associated with the move. 
• Lean on Neighbors for Support: Your neighbors may be willing to step up in incredible ways. They might help prepare meals, offer transportation to the airport, and even lend you a broom and last-minute cleaning supplies to ensure you can clear out of government housing efficiently. This type of kindness not only eases logistical burdens but is also a reminder of the strong community you build. 
• Contact Your Local Transportation Office: Make sure to contact the local transportation office at both your losing and gaining installations to inquire about all financial entitlements related to your move. Being fully informed about what financial support is available during the transition can help you maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket expenses. 
• Plan for the Future: While you’ll have to hit pause on some things, such as travel plans, you can start saving for future adventures. Set up a dedicated travel fund to ensure that once you are settled into your next home, you’ll be able to resume exploring the area. 

While frequent PCS moves can bring financial stress, they also offer opportunities for growth and resilience. By staying organized, prioritizing financial goals, leaning on our community for support, you can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger. As military spouses, we are uniquely equipped to adapt to change and, with careful planning, we can turn these unexpected transitions into steppingstones for future success.