Military Families Affected by Government Shutdown

As politicians disagree on government spending (gee, we have to watch our spending...why can't government?  Hmmmm), military families face a financial stress that none deserve, especially added to those families whose servicemember is deployed.  Chris Lawrence of CNN comments about this threat to military families. 

None of this makes for a fun time for military families.  Hype such as It's Time for A Government Shutdown where it's questionable about military tasks serving US security doesn't help ease the rhetoric and talk about the Department of Defense or the Pentagon.  Claiming our wounded veterans as "unfunded liabilities" is harsh.  Granted, tough economic times calls for this long overdue assessment of the Federal Government, but please, it's important to our country to NOT denigrate those wounded in combat.

CNBC does a great job of breaking down areas of the potential government shutdown. 

• For this to occur during Tax Season, it is not the best timing, and disruption regarding you filing your tax return is a factor. 
• Benefits for military veterans may very well be affected,  and while I've reviewed CRDP in a previous blog, it may not be a fun time for those dependant upong those benefits.  Alfa Sugar article on CRDP   
• Since 1980, all federal agencies are required to have plans for who gets affected or not when the potential government shutdown occurs. 

Caution flags are high especially amongst the upper ranking personnel who know who will and will not be affected by this potential government shutdown. 

For many military families, it is recommended that you not get upset and be patient as politics plays out. 

In No Pay if Fed Shutdown Occurs, I comment about this probable interruption in military pay.

For those harboring debt or lacking an emergency fund, it is important to try the following:

1. Please do not panic or stress
2. For debt or monthly payments, it is wise to call the business and make other payment options.   By calling or contacting the business especially if it's related to a medical bill, the party owed will work out a payment plan that will help with your short term needs.
3. Immediately curtail all unnecessary spending such as eating out, having your nails done, etc...  This is a time for beans and rice, brown bag lunches, and other cost cutters.
4. Review your finances to see what you must cover and what you can postpone for the next month.
5. There will be a lot of hype amongst the media, politicians and other venues so it is wise to tune it out and tune in to your personal finances.
6. For those dealing with a deployed family member, I strongly recommend that you contact your church or chaplain.  Legitimately, should you require help and your church home agrees, the church may seek ways to financially assist you during this time period.  Anything to reduce stress on a military family that is already stressed is a great way to say thanks, and though humbling, it is good to say yes and accept this gift.

Copyrighted (c) 2011 by Stephanie Arredondo, aka Alfa Sugar

Disclaimer:  This article is the opinion of the person writing it, and any financial decisions made as a result does not make the writer liable for any action taken.  Please consult your personal financial advisor for more information.