Love & Money: How Military Couples Can Keep Their Finances (and Sanity) in Check

By Chavelle Zackery | DEPLOY Financial Wellness Fellow

Money … It can be the ultimate love language or the ultimate stress test. It's one of the biggest stressors in any relationship, but for military couples, the financial rollercoaster comes with even more twists and turns. Between PCS moves that drain your savings, deployments that throw off your budgeting routine, and the general unpredictability of military life, keeping your finances in check can feel like a full-time job.

Growing up as a military kid, I never really grasped the financial struggles my parents went through, but looking back, there were definitely signs. One of my favorite (and thankfully funny) examples is from when I was just a baby.

Both my mom and dad were serving in the Navy in Norfolk, Virginia, and let's just say a car payment wasn't exactly in the budget. Their top financial priorities? Their biggest investment — me (obviously!) — and, of course, their home, deployments, PCS moving, and more. So, instead of buying a car, they turned to rentals from CarMax.

Not the worst setup … until you factor in a few hilarious details. Picture this: no built-in sound system, so they blasted music from a boombox in the car like it was a DIY surround sound system. And let's not forget those scorching Virginia summers — no power windows meant they had to manually crank them down just to get some air. Talk about a serious oof!

But here's the thing: just like a good deployment care package, a solid financial plan is packed with essentials, a little creativity, and a whole lot of love.

So, how do you and your partner keep your finances tight while navigating this wild military life? Let's break it down.

1. Talk About Money Before It Talks for You

Nobody likes the "We need to talk about money" convo, but trust me, it's better than the "Why is our account in the red?" one. Schedule a monthly money date (yes, snacks are required) and ask each other questions like:

• What are our individual and shared financial goals?

• How do we want to manage joint expenses?

• What are our spending and saving habits?

• How will we handle financial decisions during deployments or TDYs?

Military life is unpredictable, but your finances should not have to be. Drop some fun date ideas that you and your partner have tried! 

2. Preparing for PCS Moves Without the Stress

A PCS move is more than just packing up — it's a financial adjustment. Even with reimbursements, there are unexpected costs. Planning ahead can make the transition smoother.

• Set aside a PCS fund to cover travel costs, temporary housing, and those unexpected expenses such as pet relocation fees, late-night child care, or, funny enough ... the cost of a new license plate (and many more because they always happen).

• Know what's covered – Learn about Dislocation Allowance (DLA) and other entitlements to ease the financial burden.

• Keep receipts – Submitting reimbursements for covered expenses quickly ensures you're not left paying out of pocket.

By planning ahead, you can focus on settling into your new home without financial anxiety. Drop some ways you and your partner plan ahead in the comments! 

3. Long-Distance Love? Keep Your Wallet in Check.

Deployments and TDYs mean extra costs (hello, care packages, and last-minute flights). Here's how to prep:

• Budget for staying connected – Whether it's an international phone plan, a surprise FaceTime date night, or using affordable apps like WhatsApp, Google Voice, Skype, or Rebtel, set aside some cash to keep communication strong without breaking the bank.

• Care package planning – Thoughtful doesn't have to mean pricey. Get creative!

• Automate, automate, automate – bills, savings, investments — set them up so you don't have to stress while apart.

Love isn't about how much you spend, but having a plan makes long-distance sweeter.

4. The Deployment Money Glow-Up

Deployments aren't fun, but they can be a financial game-changer. Take advantage of:

• Savings Deposit Program (SDP) – Earn 10% interest on up to $10K (way better than a regular savings account!).

• Lower expenses – Less eating out, fewer date nights — redirect that extra cash into savings or investments.

• Extra pay and benefits — hazard pay, tax-free income, bonuses — don't let them disappear into "Where did my money go?" land.

Make your money work for you while they're away. In the future, you will thank yourself.

5. Sharing is Caring! 

Here are some great resources for military couples looking to stay on top of their finances while keeping your sanity intact:

• Military OneSource – A go-to hub for financial counseling, budgeting tools, and general military life resources.

• MilSpouse Money Mission – A financial education platform designed specifically for military spouses, covering budgeting, investing, and saving strategies.

• The USAA Educational Foundation – Provides financial education tailored to military families, covering everything from investing to debt management.

• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – A retirement savings and investment plan for service members, offering tax advantages and matching contributions.

• Homes for Heroes – Offers discounts and financial assistance for service members purchasing homes.

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Military Financial Life – Provides tools and guides to help service members with financial challenges, including PCS moves, debt management, and credit protection.

Drop some resources down below that have helped you and your family! 

6. Final Thoughts: Keep It Smart, Keep It Together

Love isn't just about big romantic gestures — it's about the quiet moments, the teamwork, and the plans you build together. By prioritizing financial security, military couples can create a future filled with stability, joy, and adventure.

So, what's your next money move? Drop your best military money tip in the comments! ⬇️