So While Deployment Sucks......The Money Aspect Is Nice.

[McD]

So, as many/all of you know, my husband left for 'the rack' as we tend to call it. We knew we were going to be saving money because of his getting promoted to sgt. which is an increase of like 300$ a month, the hazardous duty pay, the separation pay, etc. And it's all tax free.

But we are taking full advantage of the Soldier's and Sailor's Relief Act to reduce the interest rates on debts that have Zac's name on them. Zac's credit card interest rate went from 17% to 6%. Our house loan went from 6.75% to 6%, we aren't quite sure how much the payment will be reduced. But on Zac's personal loan the rate went from 12.6% to 6% and that made the minimum payment go from 205 to 97!

Not only that, but I'm saving more money with him being gone. We spend less on gas, on groceries, etc. Plus, I got to drop down the insurance on one car to storage.

At least there's a silver lining to my rain cloud.

[ktsmama]

I am sorry that he has to be gone and proud that you can find a silver lining.

Praying for him and sending hugs to you!!

[Missy]

aren't silver linings ggreat to find? Makes the cloud a little lighter.

[baronmom]

That was the one thing that was nice while my dh was deployed. I was able to pay off a few bills, and also put a new roof on the house. What we did with out payments was continue to pay the regular amounts, but since the interest rate was lower, we were able to lower balances on some of the larger loans quite a bit. I also tried to put the tax checks into the bank and tried to save them. Didn't always work, but it helped.

[SSGWilkesWife]

My husband was also in Iraq. There are alot of money saving aspects of it, but be careful, the soldiers and sailors relief act normally applies if a soldier is taking a pay cut. We too thought we qualified until we had to show proof of income to more than one of our creditors...... The act is only if it puts a hardship on your family with a reduction of income. Just keep your head up because a creditor may come back and ask for financial proof. We had 2 of them ask.

Also, if I am able to find the link, there is a savings account program offered to the soldiers........ you put money up to 10,000 and it will pay 10% interest. We were able to put back quite a bit using this. You can not get 10% anywhere else, it is a good return.

Is your husband in the guard? Make sure you get you and your children all a military Id, this can get you lots of military discounts....... just ask when checking out, I found out that Goodys clothing gives 10% with a military id

I have alot bookmarked pertaining to activated soldiers and their families....I will post a few. There are alot of good things out there to take advantage of.
I will pray for you and your family, it will be a hard and trying time. It is tough, I have been there and done that. My husband did not stay the whole year due to getting hurt while on duty, my son is there now and was to come home in July but has been extended to October, which makes 18months there! I wish you lots of prayers.

[FrugalMomof3]

Wow that's great! Lower payments and more money coming in is always a plus!

[Mom23boys]

I am glad you are finding the silver lining in your rain cloud. It is good to know that there are some creditors that are willing to help those who are over in the "sandbox".

[bumplett]

ssgwilkeswife ~ I'd love to see some of your bookmarked favs.

MrsMac ~ I think it's great that you found the silver lining!
I wasn't able to drop insurance on one car, so that's GREAT that they let you do that!!

Just remember, as hard as it is - just think of TAX time next year

[fernykins]

I pray that God keeps him safe. At least you seem to be altogether. My son was over there and his wife spent everything and didn't pay any bills.
Fern

[kittykatstrong]

Way to find the silver lining. It makes things easier. I was keep him in my thoughts.

Katy

[Jenna]

I pray that God keeps him safe. At least you seem to be altogether. My son was over there and his wife spent everything and didn't pay any bills.
Fern

That's awful.

[SSGWilkesWife]

I actually got this.....I also had my sister and mother call and I had plenty of pking supplies.


MILITARY CARE PACKAGE KIT

Since Priority Mail® supplies are the packaging of choice for families preparing care packages for service members overseas, the USPS® has created a "Mili-kit" based on the items most frequently requested by the military.

The kit contains:

Three (3) each of flat rate boxes O-FRB1 and O-FRB2
Two each of Cube boxes OBOX4 and OBOX7
Address labels - Label # 228 10 each
One roll of Priority Mail tape
15 customs forms with envelopes.
The kit may be requested by calling 1-800-610-8734 (Packing Supply) and:

Choose your language (1 is English, 2 is Spanish).
Choose option 1 (it states it is for Express Mail®, Priority Mail or Global Express Guaranteed® products).
When you reach a live agent, request CAREKIT04.
Please allow 7-10 days for delivery.
Note: These are free supplies, postage must be affixed.

[SSGWilkesWife]

http://www.herosalute.com/cavatx/index.html

[SSGWilkesWife]

Cellular phone companies are offering 15-20% military discount. Current military discounts apply to most carriers. You may be able to leverage other carriers to match these military discounts. You may need to provide proof of Federal employment - such as your supervisor's name, phone number and your unit's address. We have contacted these companies and confirmed their discounts!



Sprint offers a 15% military discount. Call 1-888-788-4727. Update: Sprint has changed their policy and now require an additional 2-year service agreement for the discount.


Cingular offers a 19% military discount. Call 1-800-319-6393. Update: for Cingular's discounts to take effect, you will need to sign up for at least a 1-year service agreement. With a .mil email address, you can sign up for the discount at their website.




T-Mobile Call 1-866-646-4688. No additional contract required. Their military discounts are: Activation Fee: Waived, Voice rate plans: 9.3%, Data Standalone plans: 3.3%, Add on features: 5.3%, Blackberry Plans: 3.3%, Equipment: $20 off, Overages: 11.3%, Long Distance: 11.3%, International Long Distance: 11.3%




Nextel offers an 18% military discount. Call 1-800-639-6111. No additional contract required.


Verizon customer service number is 1-800-511-1150 and is open 8am-9pm M-F - the military discount is 15%. No additional contract required.

[SSGWilkesWife]

I will post more on a new thread when i have a bit more time.