Best Financial Tips for PCS Season

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can be one of the most disruptive parts of military life. Whether this is your first move or your fifth, the financial strain often adds to the stress. Even with reimbursements and entitlements, costs pile up quickly—and many expenses need to be paid out of pocket before you get reimbursed.

To help you feel more prepared, here are the best financial steps you can take before, during, and after your PCS move.

1. Create a PCS Move Budget

Before the move, start by estimating your total moving costs. Include items like:

• Travel expenses (gas, hotels, food)
• Pet transportation or relocation costs
• Moving companies
• Temporary housing or storage
• Utility setup or cancellations
• Storage or shipment of household goods not covered by the military
• Other costs that may not be reimbursed

Having a plan will reduce surprises and give you more control during this hectic time. But chances are, you will still need to pay for many things upfront, so plan your cash flow accordingly.

2. Understand Your PCS Entitlements

As mentioned, not every PCS expense will be your responsibility. Make sure you are familiar with what the military will and will not cover. You may be eligible for:

• Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
• Per Diem
• Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT)
• Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA)
• Dependent Travel
• Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move

MISSION-READY TIP: Ask your transportation office for a full list of what you qualify for.

3. Use a Separate Account for PCS Spending

Another smart way to stay organized is to open a dedicated checking or savings account just for PCS-related transactions. This makes it easier to track spending and submit accurate receipts or claims for reimbursement later. We suggest opening an account with a military bank who understands the needs of families during military moves.

4. Update Your Financial Accounts

To avoid missing payments, issues accessing your account, or billing issues during the move, be sure to update your mailing address and contact information. This includes notifying:

• Your bank or credit union
• Credit card providers
• Insurance companies
• Loan servicers (for auto, student, or personal loans)

5. Pause or Adjust Monthly Bills

Even small charges can add up if they are forgotten in the shuffle. Before you move, remember to take inventory of your recurring payments:

• Cancel or transfer utilities
• Suspend gym memberships, home security services, or local subscriptions
• Check your cell phone or internet provider’s relocation policies

And don’t forget to update your billing address on your streaming services!

6. Review Housing Costs at Your New Duty Station

Every duty station is different, and what worked at your last post might not apply this time around. Do your research now to save money (and stress) later! Look up:

• Local BAH rates (Basic Housing Allowance rates)
• Cost of living in new area
• Housing availability (on- and off-post)
• Potential wait times for on-post housing
• Temporary lodging availability, especially if you are house hunting

This research can help you make smarter decisions about whether to rent or buy, and how to adjust your budget accordingly. We recommend using a Home Rent vs Buy Calculator to give you a clearer picture of financial trade-offs.

7. Keep PCS Receipts for Reimbursement

If you are paying out of pocket for anything you plan to get reimbursed for—like lodging, moving supplies, or mileage—save every receipt. Keep both physical and digital copies. You will need to maintain accurate records to make it easier (and quicker) to file your claims through your military support office or My PCS mobile app.

8. Monitor Check Your Credit

Military moves often come with a lot of moving parts—both literally and financially. After your move, check your credit report to make sure all your accounts are in good standing and without unexpected activity. A move can also increase the risk of identity theft or missed payments, so reviewing your credit helps you stay ahead of any potential issues!

9. Evaluate Insurance Needs for New Location

If you are changing states, your auto and renters’ insurance coverage may need to be updated. Don’t assume your policy automatically transfers! Ask your provider about what’s required in your new location.

10. Adjust Your Budget Post-Military Move

Once the dust settles and you have settled in, take time to review your new cost of living and rework your monthly budget. You might have new expenses or a different BAH amount. Either way, it’s a great time to reset your financial goals.

MISSION-READY TIP: Use a Monthly Budget Calculator to evaluate your spending and identify areas for improvement.

Armed Forces Bank is Your Ally for PCS Moves

Even with perfect planning, many military families end up covering PCS costs themselves while waiting for reimbursements—or incurring expenses that aren’t covered at all! That’s where military personal loans* from Armed Forces Bank can help. A military personal loan provides quick, flexible funds for temporary housing, upfront moving costs, last-minute travel changes, furniture or home setup, and so much more! That way, your family isn’t struggling to cover essentials during such a busy transition.

No matter if you are relocating to a stateside military base, an overseas installation, a joint command, or a remote duty station, Armed Forces Bank is your one-stop-shop for PCS moves. We offer banking solutions built for military families. From personal loans to mortgages to digital banking, we are here to support your financial readiness every step of the way.

Let’s start your next chapter together!

 

MORE RESOURCESOR YOUR MILITARY MOVE:
Hidden Costs of PCS Moves
How a VA Loan Can Help with Your Next PCS Move
5 Tips for a Smooth PCS Move
PCS Move Checklist