Posted on Feb 10, 2022
How do you help a financially irresponsible soldier?
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I'm trying my best to juggle personal tasks and my soldiers but it's been tough being able to focus on both. It seems I'm always missing something. I currently have three soldiers and one of them is damn near broke a week after payday. He's E-4, makes around $930 after taxes/TSP every two weeks. We've been through a company finance class, in-office class and the SM has had a visit with the finance CTR in our unit all within the past six months. Somehow he ends up with no money before his next paycheck... I have counseled him on managing his finances and to write a report on what he spends once a week but I somehow feel he's not telling me the truth. That he's lying about what he's really buying or paying for.
Being a fresh NCO, I'm still not sure of my limits when it comes to finances nor am I the type to get into one's financial privacy thus why I trusted him to write me an accurate weekly report. However, something isn't adding up and I would like to get to the bottom of it. If it's really necessary I don't mind taking a look at his bank statements and view his credit card statements over the past few months so that I can come to my own conclusion. Is that allowed or stepping over the line?
He only told me of his balance when I asked the other day, during his monthly counseling beginning of the month he was fine. No expensive car, no major purchases that I've seen...
Being a fresh NCO, I'm still not sure of my limits when it comes to finances nor am I the type to get into one's financial privacy thus why I trusted him to write me an accurate weekly report. However, something isn't adding up and I would like to get to the bottom of it. If it's really necessary I don't mind taking a look at his bank statements and view his credit card statements over the past few months so that I can come to my own conclusion. Is that allowed or stepping over the line?
He only told me of his balance when I asked the other day, during his monthly counseling beginning of the month he was fine. No expensive car, no major purchases that I've seen...
Finance
SPC
Military Pay
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Career Counselor
Edited 4 y ago
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 13
You've done everything you could do. Trying to help him build a budget and control spending is going an extra mile. I would add that you need to stress to the SM that they're at risk of losing their clearance
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LTC Jason Mackay
I agree. What I read in the OP was really solid mentorship. If he has a stripper habit or something similar, you can give the tools, you can set the example, you can get them help, but at some point they have to pick up the ball and run it. He either can’t or won’t. You’ve done what you can.
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I always kept enough for smokes, a haircut, and laundry, but my pay was gone by Sunday apart from that. Its part of being young and not thinking past today. If I had it to do over, I would have gotten rich lending 10 for 20 on payday, which the ones who were smart with their money did back then.
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It seems you are doing well at what you can do for the soldier. Obviously he's had the check writing classes and how to balance his account. The only other thing I would suggest would be for him to get a Debit Card so that, say $150 a week, would be deposited every week. At the end of the month the rest to be placed in a saving account not on the post but maybe at his home-of-record. When the debit card was empty - no more $ until the next Monday. I say Monday because if it was Friday there wouldn't be $ there after the weekend.
I would emphasize that you can't make those decisions for him. If he does choose to follow that regiment then he could still change it whenever he wanted/needed (after counseling with COC) but would have to go to the bank to do so. The money at the other place saving account would be more or less out of sight/out of mind.
Best of Luck. Recommend this action be briefed to your COC so when he starts complaining (I expect him to do so) you are protected from the IG. The only alternative may be to discharge him - which probably isn't in his best interest. Sounds like he just needs to mature.
I would emphasize that you can't make those decisions for him. If he does choose to follow that regiment then he could still change it whenever he wanted/needed (after counseling with COC) but would have to go to the bank to do so. The money at the other place saving account would be more or less out of sight/out of mind.
Best of Luck. Recommend this action be briefed to your COC so when he starts complaining (I expect him to do so) you are protected from the IG. The only alternative may be to discharge him - which probably isn't in his best interest. Sounds like he just needs to mature.
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SSG (Join to see) You are to be commended for the effort you are putting out to help the troop. Great model for an NCO. However, you have other troops to manage as well, so your time is finite. Keep a good balance, and when you are at the end of your resources to help, get the COC involved for their input and guidance.
A thought comes to mind - this troop is spending around $60 per day. Can't eat or drink that much - gambling could be one outlet for the money. Good luc.k getting the issue resolved
A thought comes to mind - this troop is spending around $60 per day. Can't eat or drink that much - gambling could be one outlet for the money. Good luc.k getting the issue resolved
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SSG (Join to see) I served a long time ago and will let current service members offer advice. It sounds like you are an excellent NCO. Many folks have problems managing their money. During my civilian career, I would hold brown bag lunches where I would help women co-workers with the basics of money management.
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Just protect yourself, and line up your ducks that you did the right thing.
There are those that are going through life with insufficient financial education, and plenty of businesses willing to take advantage of that. That is the population of folks I am more than willing to go out of my way to help set on the right path, and educate toward a sustainable personal financial plan.
Then there are those that want more in life their means allows them, and you are not going to be able to do anything about it.
The military, places on your shoulders the burden of your subordinates' incompetence and irresponsibility. You as a leader can only extend so much help. You have no obligation to ensure this soldier succeeds past that help.
When the axe fall from a result of this solider failing you want to be in a position to deflect that axe toward the next level up from you in the chain of command.
There are those that are going through life with insufficient financial education, and plenty of businesses willing to take advantage of that. That is the population of folks I am more than willing to go out of my way to help set on the right path, and educate toward a sustainable personal financial plan.
Then there are those that want more in life their means allows them, and you are not going to be able to do anything about it.
The military, places on your shoulders the burden of your subordinates' incompetence and irresponsibility. You as a leader can only extend so much help. You have no obligation to ensure this soldier succeeds past that help.
When the axe fall from a result of this solider failing you want to be in a position to deflect that axe toward the next level up from you in the chain of command.
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As an NCO you cannot force a Soldier to provide private financial information, however you can offer to go through it with the individual Soldier and make suggestions on where they can trim the fat. I have personally done this for one of my Soldiers who was on the brink of being evicted and having their car repossessed. But I must stress the fact that if they choose not to they absolutely cannot be forced to do so, however seeing as you are a signaleer I would assume that your Soldier is as well and therefore has a security clearance to consider as well. Financial difficulties is one of the quickest ways for someone to lose their clearance. Good luck. Also feel free to seek guidance from your NCO support channel as well, your Platoon Sergeant and 1SG are amazing resources that should be utilized as I am sure they have had similar experiences throughout their careers.
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Life as a parent and sibling has taught me to follow the money. When the money has no trail then it’s probably going to things it shouldn’t. You might have a high functioning addict or alcoholic on your hands.
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If his issue causes problems with him preforming his duties. A hardship discharge would be the only option. If he refuses to manage his finances, he'll only become a burden upon his unit. That, is unacceptable. The "One Bad Apple" will have to face harsh judgement and punishment. The Unit Must go on!
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As a former Navy financial counselor. My honest answer would be "You Can't". Simply put, you can do everything possible by the script, and even toss in some personal advice, assistance, and more. Truth of the matter is, you can't help someone who doesn't Want to be helped.
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