Military

Once a member, always a member. You can leave the military, change employers, move, get married, retire—and always stay with Andrews Federal. We’re ready to serve you.

We have services to help ease the transition of your temporary military orders. Here are a few steps we recommend taking before you relocate:

• Designate your spouse or a close relative as the joint owner of your accounts. This will prevent any missed payments or overdrafts during your absence.
• If you want someone to conduct further business on your accounts, provide them with a Power of Attorney to act on your behalf for a certain time period. If you’ve already designated a Power of Attorney, take a peek to confirm you have that persons, most up-to-date information and that the document has not expired.
• Be prepared for the worst by creating a will. A will ensures that your property and your accounts are distributed according to your wishes. You may also want to create a living will. A living will clarifies your medical desires in the event that you are not able to speak for yourself.
• Review your insurance coverage. Supplement your military life insurance and death gratuity benefit with other life insurance. Consider Credit Life and Disability protection on your loans and credit cards to cover you and your family if the unexpected occurs.
• If your vehicle will be stored, comprehensive insurance may be required. Provide us with a copy of your insurance policy to confirm these details.

It’s easy to get bogged down with all the details of moving. Remember we’re here for you and your family no matter where the military takes you. Once you have your PCS orders in hand, here are a few steps we recommend.

• Keep your membership open. Your account will be just as convenient to use, even if you are heading overseas.
• If you are renting a home, tell your landlord right away about your move. A clause in your lease may allow you to break it under such circumstances, although a 30-day written notice may be required.
• Making a move will no doubt be a drain on your funds. Consider applying for a Personal Loan to help cover the costs of relocating.
• If you haven't found a new residence yet, obtain a post office box or forwarding address for your mail until you have a permanent address.
• Confirm your account has overdraft protection. Things happen, which is why it’s a good idea to protect your accounts from being overdrawn due to a miscalculation, a delayed paycheck, etc.
• Arranging power of attorney. If you need a spouse or other relative to manage some details of your move, arrange to give them power of attorney to act on your behalf. Your legal office can help with this.
• Make sure your family is protected with an insurance plan. We offer affordable permanent life insurance, disability income protection, and critical illness insurance.

Every military member is faced with at least two major decisions in their career: the decision to join the military, and the decision to leave. Both decisions are life-altering.

• Find a mentor—a veteran who can advise you on the transition.
• Update your resume and begin your job search. Check job postings, visit veteran job boards and attend career fairs. Don’t forget to develop your professional network by reaching out to friends, family, and colleagues who may have career connections or job leads.
• Explore unemployment benefits availability. Depending on the state you’re in and the terms of the discharge, you may be able to collect unemployment.
• Create a transition budget. Depending on the career you pursue, it can take several months to find the right job and complete the necessary training, so plan your finances accordingly (i.e. rent/mortgage, utilities, medical expenses, transportation, groceries, etc.).

As proud partners of various financial readiness and literacy campaigns, we are aware of the life changes for our members living overseas.  The Armed Forces Financial Guide, developed by military financial education experts, offers strategies and tips we believe will help you succeed.

GET THE GUIDE