Financial reset after PCS: Managing unexpected expenses and reimbursements

Tamika Sherman Avatar

By Tamika Sherman

Posted on Aug 28, 2024 7:40 AM PDT

Reviewed By Tessa Robinson

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Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves can be both exciting and challenging for military families. While the prospect of a new location brings fresh opportunities, the financial strain associated with the move can be significant, especially when unexpected expenses arise. Even though reimbursements are promised, navigating the financial waters during and after a PCS move requires careful planning and resourcefulness. This guide aims to help military families manage these unexpected costs and reset their finances effectively.

The Challenge of Unforeseen Expenses

My recent PCS experience was a testament to the challenges many military families face. After living with friends, in hotels. and on the road for the better part of a month, I was thrilled to finally sign into our new home on post. However, we were informed that our furniture would not be delivered within the standard five-day period. This led us to utilize the resources of the lending closet, borrowing essential items like an air mattress and a few kitchen supplies. While the lending closet is incredibly helpful, it doesn’t always have everything you might need, and sometimes you still have to make purchases.

One thing that many may not realize is the availability of an inconvenience claim. This claim allows you to receive funds for items you need to purchase due to the inconvenience of not receiving your Household Goods (HHG) on time. By the time we received our HHG, several items were broken, and we had to buy a new couch because our sectional was lost during the move.

Tips for Managing Unexpected PCS Expenses

  1. Prioritize Necessary Purchases
    • Only purchase absolutely necessary items or ones that you can afford immediately. Claims can take time to process, so avoid spending money upfront if you don’t have it and the item isn’t critical.
  2. Utilize the Lending Closet
    • Borrow essential items from the lending closet to minimize immediate out-of-pocket expenses. It’s a great resource for temporary needs.
  3. Submit Inconvenience Claims
    • Familiarize yourself with the process of submitting inconvenience claims. These claims can compensate you for the cost of essential items you had to purchase due to delayed delivery of your HHG. Ensure you keep all receipts and document everything thoroughly.
  4. Buy Second-Hand
    • Look for yard sales and check Facebook Marketplace for gently used, low-cost items instead of buying new. This approach can significantly reduce costs.
    • Be cautious of scammers. Always meet sellers in person and inspect items before exchanging money. Avoid sending money through apps like CashApp before verifying the purchase.
  5. Use Credit Cards Wisely
    • If you must use a credit card, only charge what you can pay off before the billing cycle ends to avoid interest charges. This helps in managing debt and maintaining a healthy financial state.
  6. Plan for the Unexpected
    • PCS moves can bring unexpected costs. Build an emergency fund specifically for PCS-related expenses. This fund can help cover immediate needs without straining your finances.
  7. Document and Report Damages
    • When your HHG arrives, document any damages or missing items immediately. Reporting these issues promptly can expedite the claims process for repairs or replacements.
  8. Connect with the Community
    • Engage with other military families who have recently gone through a PCS. They can offer valuable advice and share resources that can help ease the transition.

Real-Life Insights

In our case, by taking advantage of the lending closet, submitting an inconvenience claim, and finding affordable second-hand items, we managed to navigate the financial hurdles of our PCS move. We also ended up getting a great deal on a washer/dryer set on FB Marketplace since our current post did not include one. Although we faced challenges, such as replacing a lost sectional and dealing with broken items, planning and resourcefulness helped us mitigate the financial impact.

PCS moves can be daunting, but with the right strategies, military families can manage unexpected expenses and reset their finances effectively. By prioritizing essential purchases, utilizing available resources and being financially savvy, you can ensure a smoother transition and maintain financial stability. Remember, you’re not alone—lean on your community and share your experiences to help others navigate their PCS journeys.