Bottom Line Up Front: Automate all finances 60 days before deployment to prevent crisis at home. Key actions: Set up automatic bill pay with backup payment methods, give spouse strategic power of attorney (specific, not general), ensure bank account access without POA, max out Roth TSP during CZTE period (tax-free growth forever), build emergency fund (3-6 months expenses by rank), and create communication plan. Zero financial issues during deployment = focus on mission + family peace of mind. Real example: E-7 family automated everything, zero financial problems during 9-month deployment, saved $12K in Roth TSP tax-free.
Table of Contents
- Pre-Deployment Financial Timeline
- Automatic Bill Pay Setup
- Power of Attorney Strategy
- Bank Account Access Without POA
- Tax-Free Combat Pay Strategy
- Emergency Fund for Deployment
- Spouse Financial Autonomy
- Communication Plan for Finances
- Common Mistakes
- Action Steps
- FAQ
Pre-Deployment Financial Timeline
180 Days Before Deployment
Financial Assessment:
- Review current budget (income, expenses, debts)
- Check credit scores (both spouses if married)
- List all bills and due dates (create master spreadsheet)
- Calculate total monthly expenses
- Identify financial gaps or problems
Legal Prep:
- Update SGLI beneficiary (verify with iPERMS)
- Review will and estate plan
- Research POA options (legal assistance office)
Debt Reduction:
- Pay off high-interest debt if possible (credit cards >15% APR)
- Consider SCRA benefits (lower interest rates to 6%)
- Set up debt snowball/avalanche plan for spouse to continue
90 Days Before Deployment
Bank Account Optimization:
- Add spouse as joint owner or authorized user (see section below)
- Open separate "deployment emergency fund" account
- Verify online banking access for both spouses
- Set up alerts for low balances (<$500)
Bill Pay Automation:
- List all bills (rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, phone, internet, car, childcare)
- Set up autopay for fixed bills (see section below)
- Determine which bills need manual payment
- Set up backup payment method (secondary credit card or account)
Combat Pay Planning:
- Verify deployment qualifies for CZTE (combat zone tax exclusion)
- Calculate max Roth TSP contributions (tax-free growth)
- Open Savings Deposit Program (SDP) account (10% APY, up to $10K)
60 Days Before Deployment (Critical Window)
Automate Everything Possible:
- Activate autopay for all fixed bills
- Test autopay (confirm payments process correctly)
- Create calendar reminders for variable bills
- Set up automatic transfers to savings
Power of Attorney:
- Schedule legal assistance appointment (free on base)
- Decide: General POA, specific POA, or limited POA
- Execute POA documents (notarized, multiple copies)
- Give copies to spouse, bank, finance office
Emergency Fund:
- Calculate target (3-6 months expenses, see section below)
- Transfer lump sum if available
- Set up automatic deposit during deployment
Spouse Training:
- Review budget together (every bill, every account)
- Show spouse how to access online banking
- Practice paying a bill together
- Discuss "what if" scenarios (unexpected expense, job loss, emergency)
30 Days Before Deployment
Final Checks:
- Verify all autopay is working
- Confirm spouse has debit card, checkbook, online access
- Leave written instructions (account numbers, passwords, contacts)
- Set up communication schedule (when to discuss money)
Tax Strategy:
- Increase Roth TSP to 50-100% of base pay (if CZTE applies)
- Open SDP account (10% interest, $10K max)
- Notify payroll of address changes if needed
Insurance Review:
- Verify SGLI is $500K (max coverage, $29/month)
- Add spouse as beneficiary on all accounts (TSP, bank, brokerage)
- Review TRICARE coverage (no changes needed usually)
Document Prep:
- Scan all important docs (marriage cert, birth certs, POA, LES, orders)
- Store in shared cloud folder (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Leave physical copies with spouse in fireproof safe
0-10 Days Before Deployment
Last-Minute:
- Confirm all autopay payments processed (check accounts)
- Transfer emergency fund to accessible account
- Give spouse emergency cash ($500-$1,000)
- Final budget review meeting (30-60 minutes)
Communication Plan:
- Decide: How often to discuss money (weekly? monthly?)
- Set spending thresholds ("Tell me before spending >$500")
- Agree on emergency criteria (when to call immediately)
Peace of Mind:
- Trust spouse's judgment (you prepared them well)
- Focus on mission, not micromanaging from downrange
- Know help is available (AER, NMCRS, AFAS if emergency arises)
Pro Tip: Over-automate rather than under-automate. Spouse should be able to do NOTHING manually and all bills still get paid.
Automatic Bill Pay Setup
Which Bills to Automate
| Bill Type | Autopay? | Method | Backup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortgage/Rent | ✅ Yes | Bank autopay or landlord portal | Secondary checking account |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water) | ✅ Yes | Credit card autopay | Bank account on file |
| Car payment | ✅ Yes | Bank autopay | Credit card if allowed |
| Car insurance | ✅ Yes | Credit card autopay | Bank account on file |
| Phone | ✅ Yes | Credit card autopay | Bank account on file |
| Internet | ✅ Yes | Credit card autopay | Bank account on file |
| Childcare | ⚠️ Maybe | Depends on provider | Check or Zelle backup |
| Credit cards | ✅ Yes (minimum) | Bank autopay for minimum payment | Spouse pays extra manually |
| Student loans | ✅ Yes | Bank autopay | Credit card if allowed |
| Subscriptions (Netflix, gym) | ✅ Yes | Credit card on file | Update if card expires |
Autopay Decision Tree
Automate if:
- ✅ Fixed amount every month (mortgage, car, insurance)
- ✅ Variable but essential (utilities, phone)
- ✅ Low risk of overdraft (you have buffer in account)
Don't automate if:
- ❌ Infrequent or irregular (annual insurance, quarterly taxes)
- ❌ High risk of dispute (contractor work, variable services)
- ❌ You don't trust the company (history of overcharging)
Setting Up Bulletproof Autopay
Step 1: Primary Payment Method
- Best: Credit card with high limit ($5K-$10K)
- Why: Fraud protection, dispute ability, earn rewards
- Backup: Bank account in case card expires or is lost
Step 2: Secondary Payment Method
- Best: Different credit card OR separate checking account
- Why: If primary fails (expired card, fraud hold), secondary kicks in
- How: Most utilities allow 2 payment methods, try primary first then secondary
Step 3: Low Balance Alerts
- Set up text/email alerts when account <$500
- Spouse can transfer money or adjust spending
- Prevents overdraft fees ($35/fee = expensive mistake)
Step 4: Confirmation Emails
- Keep all autopay confirmation emails in dedicated folder
- Spouse can quickly check if payment went through
- Catch failures early (within 24 hours)
Real Example: E-7 deployed to Iraq:
- Mortgage autopay ($1,800): Bank account, backup credit card
- Utilities autopay (~$300): Credit card, backup bank account
- Car payment ($450): Bank account
- Insurance ($200): Credit card
- Phone ($150): Credit card
- Internet ($80): Credit card
- Total automated: $2,980/month
- Spouse manual responsibility: Groceries, gas, misc expenses
- Result: Zero missed payments, zero financial stress, spouse focused on kids not bills
Power of Attorney Strategy
Types of Power of Attorney
| Type | Scope | Use Cases | Risk | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General POA | Everything (financial, legal, medical) | Can sell house, access all accounts, make ANY decision | ⚠️ HIGH | Long-term care, trusted spouse, elderly parent |
| Specific POA | Named actions only (e.g., "sell 2015 Honda Civic") | Limited to exact wording | ✅ LOW | Single transaction, car sale, home sale |
| Limited POA | Specific time period (e.g., "during deployment 1 Jan - 30 Jun") | Expires automatically | ✅ MEDIUM | Deployment, TDY, training |
| Durable POA | Survives your incapacity (coma, brain injury) | Healthcare decisions, long-term planning | ⚠️ HIGH | Estate planning, worst-case scenario |
| No POA | Spouse uses joint accounts, authorized user status | Banking, credit cards | ✅ LOWEST | Most deployments, trusted spouse |
What Your Spouse Actually Needs POA For
Usually DOES NOT need POA for:
- ✅ Joint bank accounts (already co-owner)
- ✅ Paying bills from joint account
- ✅ Using authorized user credit card
- ✅ Accessing TRICARE (spouse has own ID)
- ✅ Shopping at commissary/exchange (military dependent ID)
DOES need POA for:
- ❌ Selling or buying a house (must sign closing docs)
- ❌ Selling or buying a car (must sign title)
- ❌ Accessing YOUR individual accounts (if not joint)
- ❌ Tax filing (if not married filing jointly with e-signature)
- ❌ Legal matters (court, contracts in your name)
- ❌ Certain finance office transactions
Recommended POA Strategy for Most Deployments
Option 1: No POA + Joint Accounts (Best for 90% of situations)
- Add spouse as joint owner on all bank accounts
- Add spouse as authorized user on all credit cards
- Spouse can pay all bills, access all money
- No POA risk, cleanest solution
Option 2: Limited POA for Specific Issues
- If you think you MIGHT need to sell car or house during deployment
- Draft limited POA: "Spouse can sell 2015 Honda Civic VIN [xxx]" or "Spouse can handle lease termination for apartment at [address]"
- Expires at end of deployment
- Covers edge cases without broad power
Option 3: General POA (Only if necessary)
- If spouse will definitely need to make major decisions (home sale, business deals)
- If you're deploying to location with ZERO communication (sub, SOF)
- If you're in combat arms with high risk
⚠️ Warning: General POA means spouse can empty all accounts, sell all property, and you have zero recourse. Only give to 100% trusted spouse in stable marriage.
Getting POA on Base (Free)
Where: Legal Assistance Office (every base has one)
Cost: $0 (free for active duty)
Time: 30-60 minutes appointment
Bring:
- Military ID
- Spouse's ID (if they're the POA recipient)
- Specifics of what POA should cover
Process:
- Explain situation to JAG attorney
- They draft POA document
- Review and sign (notary on-site)
- Get 3-5 certified copies (free)
- Give copies to spouse, bank, finance office
Pro Tip: Get POA done 60-90 days before deployment. Don't wait until last week (legal office is slammed).
Bank Account Access Without POA
Joint Accounts (Best Option)
How it works:
- Both spouses are full owners of account
- Both can deposit, withdraw, transfer, close account
- No POA needed
- Most common setup for married couples
How to add spouse:
- Visit bank branch (both spouses present with IDs)
- Sign joint account agreement
- Spouse gets debit card, checks, online access
- Takes 10-15 minutes
Best banks for military:
- USAA (military-only, no fees, excellent mobile app)
- Navy Federal (military-only, no fees, 350+ branches worldwide)
- PenFed (credit union, military-friendly, no fees)
Authorized User (Second Best for Credit Cards)
How it works:
- Primary account holder (you) applies for authorized user card
- Spouse gets card in their name, tied to your account
- Spouse can make purchases, pay bills
- You're legally responsible for all charges
Pros:
- No POA needed
- Spouse builds credit (if reported to bureaus)
- Easy to add/remove
Cons:
- You're liable for spouse's spending
- Not a full owner (can't increase limit, close account)
How to add:
- Call credit card company or add online
- Provide spouse's name, SSN, DOB
- Card arrives in 7-10 days
What About "Just Give Them My Login"?
Why this is a bad idea:
- ❌ Technically fraud (account is in your name only)
- ❌ Bank can freeze account if they detect "unauthorized access"
- ❌ Spouse has no legal standing if there's a problem
- ❌ Your login, your liability (can't claim fraud if spouse "steals")
Better: Take 15 minutes to add spouse as joint owner or authorized user (legal, protected).
Tax-Free Combat Pay Strategy (CZTE)
What is Combat Zone Tax Exclusion?
How it works:
- If you serve in IRS-designated combat zone, all pay is federal tax-free
- Includes base pay, bonuses, special pays (flight, dive, etc.)
- Does NOT include BAH, BAS (already non-taxable)
- Saves 10-22% on taxes (depending on rank)
Designated combat zones (2026):
- Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria
- Jordan, Kuwait (supporting combat ops)
- Arabian Peninsula (varies by mission)
- Somalia, Yemen (varies by mission)
How to verify your deployment qualifies:
- Ask command or S1/admin
- Check LES: "CZTE" will appear if you're in combat zone
- IRS Publication 3 lists all qualifying areas
The Roth TSP Strategy (Most Important)
Why Roth TSP during CZTE is powerful:
- You contribute tax-free income (CZTE pay)
- Growth is tax-free
- Withdrawals at retirement are tax-free
- Result: Never pay tax on this money, EVER
Example:
- E-5 deployed 9 months, base pay $3,000/month = $27,000 CZTE
- Contribute 100% to Roth TSP = $27,000 tax-free contribution
- Grows at 8%/year for 20 years = $125,000 tax-free at retirement
- If contributed to Traditional TSP or taxable account, would pay $25K-$40K in taxes
How much should I contribute?
| Rank | CZTE Base Pay | Recommended Roth TSP | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-4 | $2,000-$3,000/mo | 50-75% | Keep cash for spouse at home |
| E-5 to E-6 | $3,000-$4,000/mo | 75-100% | BAH/BAS covers home expenses |
| E-7 to E-9 | $4,000-$6,000/mo | 100% | Max out, live on BAH |
| O-1 to O-3 | $4,000-$7,000/mo | 100% | Max out, live on BAH |
| O-4+ | $8,000-$15,000/mo | 100% (up to $23K limit) | Hit TSP annual limit in few months |
How to adjust:
- Log into MyPay (mypay.dfas.mil)
- Navigate to TSP section
- Change contribution % (can change monthly)
- Switch to Roth TSP (not Traditional)
Pro Tip: Do this BEFORE deployment starts. CZTE only applies to pay earned IN combat zone, not retroactive.
Savings Deposit Program (SDP)
What is SDP?
- Military savings account, 10% annual interest (guaranteed)
- Only available during deployment to combat zone
- Max deposit: $10,000
- Interest paid for up to 90 days after return
How it works:
- Open SDP account through finance office in combat zone
- Deposit up to $10,000 (can be gradual, lump sum, or allotment)
- Earn 10% annual interest (compounded quarterly)
- Withdraw after deployment (or leave for up to 90 days post-deployment)
SDP calculation example:
- Deposit $10,000
- 9-month deployment = $750 interest
- Leave for 90 days post-deployment = $250 additional interest
- Total return: $1,000 on $10K = 10% APY (beats any savings account)
Strategy:
- Max out SDP first ($10K)
- Then max Roth TSP
- Any remaining? Send home for emergency fund
Where to open:
- Finance office in combat zone (deployed location)
- Cannot open before deployment or from home
Emergency Fund for Deployment
How Much You Need
| Rank | Monthly Expenses | Minimum | Recommended | Ideal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-4 | $2,000-$3,000 | $6,000 (3 months) | $9,000 (3-6 months) | $12,000 (6 months) |
| E-5 to E-6 | $3,000-$4,500 | $9,000 | $13,500 | $18,000 |
| E-7 to E-9 | $4,000-$6,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 | $24,000 |
| O-1 to O-3 | $3,500-$5,000 | $10,500 | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| O-4+ | $5,000-$8,000 | $15,000 | $22,500 | $30,000 |
Why higher for deployment?
- Unexpected expenses (car breakdown, home repair, medical)
- Spouse can't call you for approval (must handle independently)
- Prevents high-interest debt (payday loans, credit cards)
- Peace of mind for both of you
Where to Keep Emergency Fund
Best options:
- High-yield savings account: 4-5% APY (Ally, Marcus, Discover)
- Money market account: 4-5% APY, may have check-writing
- USAA/Navy Federal savings: 0.25-1% APY (lower rate but trusted)
Do NOT keep in:
- ❌ Checking account (too easy to accidentally spend)
- ❌ Cash (no interest, can be lost/stolen)
- ❌ Stocks/investments (too volatile, may lose value when needed)
Access requirements:
- Spouse can transfer to checking in 24 hours
- No penalties for withdrawal
- FDIC insured (up to $250K)
Pro Tip: Label the account "DEPLOYMENT EMERGENCY ONLY" to reduce temptation to tap it for non-emergencies.
Spouse Financial Autonomy
The Trust Problem
Common mistake: Deployed service member micromanages every financial decision from downrange.
Why this fails:
- Spouse feels disempowered, resentful ("I can't even buy groceries without permission?")
- Communication delays cause problems (you can't respond for 24-72 hours, bill is late)
- Undermines spouse's confidence (they become dependent)
- Adds stress to your deployment (constant financial discussions)
Better approach: Empower spouse to make 95% of financial decisions independently.
Setting Spending Thresholds
Create clear rules before deployment:
| Purchase Amount | Spouse Authority | Communication Required |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$100 | ✅ No approval needed | None (groceries, gas, daily expenses) |
| $101-$500 | ✅ No approval needed | Mention in weekly call ("Got car serviced, $350") |
| $501-$1,500 | ⚠️ Discuss first if possible | Text/email before purchase (new appliance, repairs) |
| $1,500+ | 🚨 Mutual decision | Must discuss, agree together (car, emergency expense) |
Adjust based on your income:
- E-4 family: Lower thresholds ($50 / $250 / $1,000)
- O-4 family: Higher thresholds ($200 / $1,000 / $3,000)
Emergency Decision Authority
Spouse should have FULL authority to:
- ✅ Medical expenses (urgent care, ER, prescriptions)
- ✅ Car repairs (if needed for work/kids)
- ✅ Home emergencies (plumbing, HVAC, roof leak)
- ✅ Legal issues (traffic ticket, legal advice)
- ✅ Childcare needs (emergency babysitter, daycare fees)
Why: You can't respond fast enough. Spouse is in the situation, you're not. Trust their judgment.
Building Spouse Financial Confidence
Before deployment:
- Review budget together monthly (6 months before deployment)
- Let spouse pay bills for 3 months before you leave (with your oversight)
- Discuss "what if" scenarios (car breaks down, kid needs ER, lose job)
- Practice problem-solving together
During deployment:
- Praise good decisions ("You handled that car repair perfectly")
- Don't criticize small mistakes (bought too much at commissary)
- Focus on big picture (are we staying in budget overall?)
Real Example: E-6 deployed to Afghanistan:
- Set threshold: Spouse has full authority up to $1,000 without asking
- During deployment: Car transmission failed ($2,800 repair)
- Spouse got 2 quotes, picked cheaper one, paid with emergency fund
- Texted update: "Car fixed, used $2,800 from emergency fund"
- Response: "Good call, that's why we have the fund. Thanks for handling it."
- Result: Problem solved in 24 hours, no resentment, spouse felt trusted
Communication Plan for Finances
How Often to Discuss Money
Weekly check-in (10-15 minutes):
- Review spending for the week
- Any issues or concerns?
- Upcoming expenses next week
- Confirm all bills paid
Monthly deep dive (30-45 minutes):
- Review full budget vs. actual spending
- Check account balances
- Update goals (debt payoff, savings progress)
- Plan for next month
As-needed (emergencies):
- Unexpected major expense
- Job loss or income change
- Debt or financial crisis
What NOT to Do
❌ Don't:
- Interrogate spouse about every purchase ("Why did you spend $8 at Starbucks?")
- Accuse or criticize ("You're spending too much!")
- Micromanage from downrange ("You should shop at Aldi, not commissary")
- Compare to others ("Jones family spends less")
✅ Do:
- Ask how spouse is doing (emotional check-in first)
- Focus on solutions, not blame ("Budget's tight, what can we cut?")
- Acknowledge stress ("I know managing finances alone is hard")
- Celebrate wins ("You saved $200 this month, awesome!")
Communication Channels
Best to worst:
- Video call (best): See facial expressions, deeper conversation
- Phone call: Voice tone matters, better than text
- Email: For detailed budget discussions, can attach screenshots
- Text: Quick updates only ("Bill paid"), not for serious discussions
- Social media message: Worst, insecure, don't use for finances
Pro Tip: Schedule financial discussion SEPARATE from personal/family call. Don't ruin a nice call with budget stress.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Mistake #1: No Backup Payment Method
Result: Primary credit card expires or fraud hold = all autopay fails = late fees, service shutoffs, chaos.
Fix: Set up secondary payment method (different card or bank account) for all autopay. Test it before deployment.
❌ Mistake #2: Spouse Can't Access Accounts
Result: Emergency arises, spouse can't pay bill or withdraw money. Has to wait for POA, finance office, or your communication.
Fix: Add spouse as joint owner on bank accounts AND authorized user on credit cards 90 days before deployment.
❌ Mistake #3: No Emergency Fund
Result: Car breaks down ($1,500 repair), spouse has no cash, goes into credit card debt at 24% APR. Debt spiral.
Fix: Build 3-6 months expenses in emergency fund BEFORE deployment. If don't have it, use SDP ($10K at 10%) as backup.
❌ Mistake #4: Not Maxing Roth TSP During CZTE
Result: Lose once-in-a-career opportunity for tax-free retirement growth. Could cost $50K-$100K in taxes over lifetime.
Fix: Change TSP to Roth and contribute 75-100% of base pay during deployment. Live on BAH/BAS at home. Use SDP for short-term savings.
❌ Mistake #5: Micromanaging Spouse from Downrange
Result: Spouse feels untrusted, resentful, disempowered. Relationship suffers. You're stressed about finances instead of focused on mission.
Fix: Set spending thresholds before deployment. Empower spouse to decide 95% of purchases. Trust them.
Action Steps
180-90 Days Before Deployment: Foundation
- List all bills and due dates (master spreadsheet)
- Review budget with spouse (income vs. expenses)
- Check credit scores (free at annualcreditreport.com)
- Apply for SCRA benefits (lower credit card interest to 6%)
- Schedule legal assistance appointment (POA if needed)
90-60 Days Before Deployment: Automation
- Add spouse as joint owner on all bank accounts
- Add spouse as authorized user on all credit cards
- Set up autopay for all fixed bills (mortgage, car, insurance, utilities)
- Create secondary payment method for backup
- Test autopay (confirm payments process correctly)
60-30 Days Before Deployment: Combat Pay Strategy
- Verify deployment qualifies for CZTE (ask S1/admin)
- Change TSP to Roth (in MyPay)
- Increase Roth TSP contribution to 75-100% of base pay
- Build emergency fund to 3-6 months expenses
- Review SGLI beneficiary (ensure spouse is primary)
30-0 Days Before Deployment: Final Checks
- Confirm all autopay is working (check accounts)
- Leave written instructions for spouse (accounts, passwords, contacts)
- Transfer emergency fund to accessible savings account
- Give spouse emergency cash ($500-$1,000)
- Set spending thresholds and communication schedule
- Final budget meeting (30-60 minutes, go through everything)
During Deployment: Maintain
- Weekly: Quick financial check-in (10-15 min call/email)
- Monthly: Review budget vs. actual spending
- Open SDP account ASAP (through finance office in theater)
- Max SDP to $10K (keep until 90 days after return)
- Monitor TSP contributions (ensure Roth is processing)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should spouse have POA for deployment?
A: Only if you need to sell house, car, or handle legal matters. For 90% of deployments, joint bank accounts + authorized user credit cards = no POA needed.
Q: How much emergency fund do we need?
A: 3-6 months of expenses minimum. E-5 = $9,000-$13,500, O-3 = $10,500-$15,000. More is better for peace of mind.
Q: Should I contribute 100% of my pay to Roth TSP during deployment?
A: No, contribute base pay only (which is CZTE tax-free). BAH/BAS stay at home for bills. E-5+ can usually afford 100% base pay to Roth.
Q: What if my spouse overspends during deployment?
A: Set clear thresholds before deployment. Monitor monthly (not daily). Focus on big picture—are we staying in overall budget? Minor overspend (10-15%) is normal and OK.
Q: Can I still access my money if spouse has joint account access?
A: Yes, joint account = both are full owners. You can still access, transfer, withdraw from downrange (if internet available).
Q: What is SDP and should I use it?
A: Savings Deposit Program = 10% APY, max $10K, available in combat zone only. YES, max it out first. Best guaranteed return you'll ever get.
Q: What if we don't have emergency fund before deployment?
A: Use SDP ($10K) as emergency fund. Build cash emergency fund over time with deployment pay. Consider selling unneeded items, pause non-essential expenses.
Q: Should I pay off debt or build emergency fund first?
A: Emergency fund first (at least $3,000), THEN debt. You need cash cushion for unexpected expenses during deployment.
Q: Will Roth TSP contributions reduce my taxable income?
A: No, Roth = after-tax contributions (no tax deduction now). BUT if you're in CZTE, your income is ALREADY tax-free, so Roth is perfect—never pay tax on that money.
Q: Can spouse use GTC (government travel card) for emergencies?
A: NO. GTC is for official travel only. Personal use = UCMJ violation. Use personal credit card or emergency fund.
Official Sources
- IRS Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE): https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/combat-zone-tax-exclusions (Last verified: 2026-01-15)
- Savings Deposit Program (SDP): https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/payentitlements/sdp/ (Last verified: 2026-01-15)
- TSP (Thrift Savings Plan): https://www.tsp.gov/ (Last verified: 2026-01-15)
- SCRA Benefits (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act): https://www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters/scra/servicemembers-civil-relief-act-overview.html (Last verified: 2026-01-15)
- SGLI (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance): https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/sgli.asp (Last verified: 2026-01-15)
Financial Assistance:
- Army Emergency Relief (AER): https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS): https://www.nmcrs.org
- Air Force Aid Society (AFAS): https://afas.org
Related Guides
- SDP Complete Guide - Maximizing 10% APY, deposit strategies, withdrawal timing
- Combat Pay Tax Exclusion Guide - CZTE rules, state taxes, Roth conversions
- Power of Attorney Guide - Types, when needed, risks, alternatives
- Emergency Fund for Military - How much to save, where to keep it, building from zero
Need deployment financial planning? Use our PCS Copilot tool (includes deployment financial automation module with personalized checklist).
Last updated: January 15, 2026. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense. All information verified against official DFAS, IRS, and DoD guidance. Contact support@garrisonledger.com with corrections.