{"id":62078,"date":"2016-06-05T02:16:30","date_gmt":"2016-06-05T02:16:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/native\/uncategorized\/preparing-financially-for-pcs-season\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T13:08:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T13:08:07","slug":"preparing-financially-for-pcs-season","status":"publish","type":"native","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/native\/navy-federal\/preparing-financially-for-pcs-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing Financially for PCS Season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s that time of year: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) season. You’ve received your orders. What’s your next move?Peak season for PCS moves began May 15 and is expected to continue through August<\/a>. Whether you’re beginning to plan your move or expecting a move next summer, start preparing now. Your budget will thank you.If you’re moving this summer, you’re in luck. Moving companies are now allowed to book shipments of household goods a month earlier during the peak summer season. This should make the process easier for you and your mover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Review your overall financial picture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since you and your family are being relocated, it makes sense to expect all your PCS charges to be covered. That\u2019s not always the case. In fact, some experts suggest say that service members spend an average of $1,725 in non-reimbursable costs during each PCS. If you\u2019re moving every few years, this can be a significant burden on your finances over time. To limit your out-of-pocket expenses and going into debt during your move, consider these suggestions. Review all your spending, including housing, utilities, insurance, and your private vehicles and gas. Relocation can impact these major spending categories. Cost of living varies throughout the world, so expect these amounts to change. You may not know exactly what your projected budget will be, but a quick internet search will give you a general idea of how your spending will need to be reallocated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget to make an appointment with your finance office at your current duty station. They\u2019ll be able to provide you with more details about your relocation benefits<\/a>. You may be eligible for temporary lodging reimbursement if you\u2019re moving overseas, reimbursement for house hunting expenses and even per diem for PCS travel. Then you can budget and save for your upcoming move without having to dip into your savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Determine which move is right for you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You can decide if you want to conduct a Personally Procured Move (PPM) or opt for a government-arranged move.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo Credit: Navy Federal<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can decide if you want to conduct a Personally Procured Move (PPM) or opt for a government-arranged move, which is when a contractor packs and ships your belongings to your new location. Start by setting a meeting with your base transportation office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name of this office varies with your branch of service:<\/p>\n\n\n\n