PCS Moves & Military Families

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is a defining part of military life and something that affects many military service members and families. One-third of military families experience a PCS each year. 

While PCS-ing can be a positive experience for many service members, it can also bring additional stress as lives are uprooted and family members must change houses or schools. That’s in addition to the change of responsibilities/situation for the service member and their potential stress of taking on a new role in a new location. 

To be successful during a PCS move, military families need strong financial resources and readiness. At Andrews Federal Credit Union, we understand the realities behind these moves and are ready to step up and help because we serve military families every day. 

We’ve put together some notes to help you if you and your family are preparing for a PCS. 

The Reality of PCS Moves

Many military families relocate multiple times during a service member’s career. These moves can be across different states or overseas. Military families often end up with extra costs related to moving. Even though the military provides support, there are still costs related to travel, moving, and preparing to live and work in a new location. 

The costs of PCS transitions can hit military families hard, with some families reporting thousands of dollars in unreimbursed costs per move. When military families are already struggling to cover costs or save, those added expenses can hit hard and add financial staring. 

The Financial Decisions Behind Every PCS

While every PCS move is different, there are some key financial issues that are likely to arise during every PCS, including: 

1. Housing Decisions

One of the first major choices is whether to rent or buy in the new location, and whether to choose base housing or off-base housing. 

Families may have different details to juggle, including whether they are selling a house in a previous area or renting it out because they hope to return in the future. If that’s the case, holding on to prior housing could keep funds tied up that would be needed for closing costs or for deposits on a new place. 

2. Budgeting for Transition Costs

Even when reimbursements are available, PCS moves come with immediate out-of-pocket expenses. Families may need funds available for travel costs or for hotel stays while scouting out the new area. In addition, there may be costs to board pets if staying in a hotel while looking for a home or extra costs for dining out because of not having a home base for cooking meals. 

A budget can be useful to help keep these costs in check while everything feels like it’s in flux. While the extra expenses are inevitable, just having a method of tracking can be helpful to feel more in control during transition. 

3. Employment and Income Shifts

While the military service members has a specific position lined up in the new station, the military spouse may not. If the spouse worked in the previous duty station, the loss of income during the transition may also affect the family finances while getting re-settled. 

In this circumstance, families may need more financial flexibility in the short-term. If they’re holding on to a house in their previous community, it may be a good time to tap into home equity or to use a low-rate credit card until reimbursements come through.  

How Andrews Federal Credit Union Supports PCS Transitions

At Andrews Federal Credit Union, we help military families navigate PCS moves with confidence. Members have access to financial products and services that travel with them wherever they go, including Digital Banking that gives them access to funds and account management 24/7 around the world. 

Members can also benefit from: 

Flexible Checking & Savings Accounts

Andrews Federal members can use our checking accounts around the world without paying monthly maintenance fees. The credit union pays either high dividends or cash back on purchases, which can add up when buying supplies for a new home. 

In addition, Kasasa Cash and Kasasa Cash Back Checking account both include up to $25 in ATM fee reimbursements monthly, which can make it much more convenient to access cash 

Our accounts are designed for mobility. With easy digital access, members can manage finances from anywhere in the world, ensuring uninterrupted banking during transition.

Low-Rate Credit Cards

Unexpected expenses can arise during PCS moves and you may need additional flexibility to cover costs at short notice. Our credit card options offer competitive rates and flexible repayment structures to help cover temporary gaps without excessive financial strain.

Home Loan Solutions

We offer mortgage options tailored to military life, including VA loan guidance and competitive lending support. If you are looking to purchase a new home stateside, we may be able to provide resources that will help and guide you through the process. 

Personal Loans 

From moving expenses to emergency needs, personal loans can help bridge financial gaps during PCS transitions when timing matters most. Andrews Federal was recently recognized as the a top provider of personal loans for veterans, and these loans also provide great flexibility and convenience to active military service members. 

Supporting Those Who Serve

PCS moves represent the sacrifice and commitment of our military families, as they make adjustments to their lives in service of our nation. 

At Andrews Federal Credit Union, we recognize that behind every PCS order is a family making important financial decisions under pressure. Our role is to provide stability, guidance, and tools that help make those decisions easier.

For more information about how Andrews Federal supports military service members, visit our military hub.