After Your Move: Settle In

The first weeks after a move can be as busy as the days before the move. The best thing you can do is pace yourself. First, settle into your new life. Learn about the local area, research what benefits the new installation has to offer, ease your family through the transition, and start making friends. Give yourself a break and then start thinking about financial matters again.

Get Organized

As soon as life settles down, organize your receipts and submit all qualified expenses for reimbursement. Make copies of receipts just in case the paperwork gets lost. You’ll also need to note which moving expenses don’t qualify for reimbursement—but may qualify as deductions on your income taxes. When the reimbursement checks arrive, pay off your military travel card and put any extra money away for your next move.

Review How You Did

How much money did the move cost you? Did you have enough in savings to cover expenses that were not reimbursed—or did you have to rely on credit cards or other loans? This is good information to keep in mind as you prepare for future moves.

Think About Jobs and Education

If the nonmilitary spouse wants to work, find out what employment-assistance programs the new base or post offers. Many installations have partnerships with employers in the local community and try to help place military spouses. Some even offer training programs to help spouses update their work skills.

Consider Temporary Agencies

One option is to register with a national temporary employment agency. Some of these agencies provide general office support to companies; others focus on locating specialized talent, such as accountants or nurses. The advantage of working through a national agency is that your work history travels with you. Since you are working for the same employer—just in a different state—you don’t have to reestablish your good reputation.

Consider Self-Employment

Another option is to operate a home-based business. For example, many spouses have converted their computer skills into home businesses. This also allows them to carry their jobs with them from base to base. Work such as word processing, e-commerce, graphic or Web design, and transcriptions can be performed at long distances, so moves may not mean an end to work.

A nonmilitary spouse also may be able to provide other valuable services, such as tutoring, catering, or baby-sitting. Talk with neighbors and discover their needs. A self-employed spouse may be able to offer a valuable service—and help the family’s bottom line. Before starting a home-based business, check with the base or post to get specific regulations for that business. Also, consider working with a tax professional on self-employment tax issues.

Consider Further Education

Look into local colleges, online universities, community colleges, or vocational programs. Your installation’s education center has an array of education information for both military personnel and nonmilitary spouses. Consider the following:

• Learn about online degrees. If you have a computer, you can take classes from home. To find out if online learning is right for you, visit Thomson Peterson's—College and Graduate School Planning, Test Preparation, Financial Aid, Career Advancement Web site. Make sure courses are from an accredited educational institution.



• Explore grants. Grants can help pay the cost of higher education—and don’t have to be paid back. Two of the largest programs are federal Pell Grants and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.



• Research work-study programs. These programs help students find jobs while in school. Talk with the school’s financial aid officer for more information.



• Evaluate student loans. The three main federal student loans are Perkins, Stafford, and Federal Direct. They don’t have to be repaid until you stop going to school. Other loans are available, but often are costly and could mean making payments while still in school. Before borrowing, review your finances and decide if you can afford a student loan.



• Visit helpful Web sites. The following Web sites can provide helpful information on financial aid: SallieMae, CollegeBoard, FastWeb!, U.S. Department of Education, FinAid!, and Student Loan Network.