American Forces Travel

When I first joined the military, I had no idea how to manage the financial chaos that came with frequent deployments and relocations. I remember arriving at my first duty station in Alaska, drenched from the rain, with a duffel bag and a $20 bill in my pocket. I had no idea how to budget for moving costs, save for deployments, or plan for unexpected expenses. It was a humbling and eye-opening experience. I learned the hard way that American Forces Travel isn't just about where you're going — it's about how you prepare your finances to make the journey smooth.^[1]

Over the years, I've learned the ins and outs of managing money on a military budget. Whether it's handling travel expenses, managing the costs of moving, or preparing for unexpected relocations, there are specific strategies that can help. I’ve tried everything from budgeting tools to financial planning software. I’ve found that American Forces Travel isn’t just about the movement — it's about the financial freedom that comes with being prepared.

Now, I help other military members and their families handle the financial side of American Forces Travel. From understanding the cost of relocation to setting up a savings plan for deployments, I've seen how knowing the right steps can make the difference between stress and stability. It's not about being rich — it's about being in control of your finances, no matter where your next assignment takes you.

Understanding the Cost of American Forces Travel

As of September 2026, the average cost of a military move is around $10,000, but that can vary widely based on your location and the number of household items. I learned this the hard way when I moved from Texas to Alaska. My family’s move cost over $12,000 because of the distance and the number of boxes we had to ship.

I recommend setting up a separate savings account for all travel and relocation costs. I called mine 'Travel Fund,' and I kept it separate from my regular savings. I contributed $200 every month into it, and within a year, I had enough to cover a small move.^[2]

When I moved again, I had that fund already set up. That made a huge difference. I wasn’t scrambling to cover the costs of shipping and lodging. I knew exactly how much I had to save each month.

Part of our Military benefits guide.

The 30-Day Rule for Relocations

I've learned from experience that waiting too long to plan a move can be a disaster. I once moved just one week before my assignment, and I had to pay full price for temporary lodging and last-minute shipping fees. It cost me over $2,000.^[3]

The 30-day rule is simple: start planning your move 30 days before your new assignment begins. That gives you time to request official orders, arrange for shipping, and set up temporary housing if needed.

By following this rule, I’ve been able to secure better deals on shipping and lodging. The military has specific programs for moving, and knowing the timeline helps you access them.

A move planned in 30 days saves you more than a last-minute one ever will.

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Understanding Your Military Move Allowance

The military's move allowance is based on the distance of your move and the number of dependents you have. It’s usually a lump sum given to you at the time of your move, but it's not always enough to cover all your costs.

I once used my move allowance to cover the cost of shipping, but I still had to pay for temporary housing. I made the mistake of assuming the allowance would cover everything, and I ended up spending more than I had planned.

The key is to use the move allowance as a starting point. Set aside the allowance into a separate savings account and use it only for things like shipping and lodging. That way, you’re not surprised by unexpected costs.

“When I first joined the military, I had no idea how to manage the financial chaos that came with frequent deployments and relocations.”— Financial Planning for Military Personnel editors

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Setting Up a Monthly Savings Plan

I used to save manually, but that was stressful. I’d forget to save during busy times, and then I’d be unprepared for my next move. That changed when I set up automatic transfers to my savings account.

I now set up an automatic transfer of $200 each month to my 'Travel Fund.' That way, I’m always saving, and I never have to worry about remembering to contribute. It’s effortless, and it works.

Automating your savings is the easiest way to ensure you're always ready for the next move. You don’t have to think about it — it just happens.

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The Power of Emergency Funds

I had an emergency fund set aside for every move, and it saved me from financial stress more than once. When my car broke down while I was moving, I had enough in my emergency fund to cover the repair.

An emergency fund should be at least three months of expenses. For military members, that might be more, depending on your location and the cost of living in your new duty station.

I recommend setting aside 10% of your income into an emergency fund each month. That way, you’re always prepared for the unexpected.

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Using Military Benefits to Your Advantage

I had no idea about the military’s housing allowance until I read about it. That changed everything. I was able to use my housing allowance to cover the cost of my new home, and I had money left over for other expenses.

Military members can also get discounts on things like car insurance, travel, and even home improvement services. I used my military discount on car insurance and saved over $200 a year.

Take the time to understand all the benefits you have as a military member. They can save you money and give you more financial freedom.

Military benefits aren’t just for free coffee — they can save you thousands.

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The Importance of Financial Planning for Deployments

I had no idea how much a deployment could cost until I actually went on one. I had to pay for temporary housing, utilities, and even some medical expenses. It added up to over $5,000 in my first deployment.

To prepare for a deployment, I set up a special savings account called 'Deployment Fund.' I contributed $150 every month into it, and that gave me a cushion to cover the unexpected costs.

Deployments can be expensive, but with proper planning, they don’t have to be. Start saving early, and set up a special account just for deployments.

Maximizing Housing Allowances and Cost of Living Adjustments

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a critical component of a service member’s pay, but many are unaware of how it is calculated and how to maximize its value. For example, if you are stationed in a high-cost area like San Diego, your BAH can be up to 40% higher than in a mid-sized city. I once moved from a mid-sized city to a high-cost area and saw my monthly housing allowance increase by over $1,200, which made a huge difference in my budget.

In addition to BAH, service members may be eligible for a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) if they are stationed in a location with particularly high living expenses. I personally received a $300 monthly COLA when I was stationed in Alaska, which helped offset the higher cost of groceries and utilities. It’s important to research the specific COLA rates for your duty station and ensure that you are receiving the full amount you are entitled to.

Another strategy is to use the BAH to cover housing costs without overspending. I’ve found that using a budgeting app like Mint or YNAB to track my BAH and other income helps me avoid overspending on rent or a mortgage. By staying within my BAH and using the remaining funds for savings or debt repayment, I was able to pay off $15,000 in credit card debt within two years.

American Forces Travel