Setting up a spending plan is one of the smartest things that can be done prior to a deployment or any time. A spending plan helps to show where money is going and what adjustments may need to be made to meet financial goals. It is a good idea for spouses or partners to do a plan together so both understand and agree to how finances will be handled during the deployment.

A spending plan, or budget, can be as simple as documenting income and expenses or much more elaborate.