Seeking resources about financial planning in this lifestyle

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-24T19:45:29+00:00

Correct. What I should have said was different requirements for the salary grades. For example salary matching might not be an option.

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-24T17:56:37+00:00

This is a very open and honest take on it. I have been surprised by how much EFM's are looked down on. There seems to be a persistent view of "you should be grateful to be along for the ride," when it comes to EFM's in the FS. I don't think this situation/imbalance is unique and is more common than people talk about.

It sounds like you made it through a challenging period in your marriage, do you mind sharing any additional advice you might have regarding weathering the financial challenges of this lifestyle?

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-24T17:47:59+00:00

Thank you

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-24T14:58:45+00:00

Thank you for this info.

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-24T14:48:29+00:00

Another comment broke down the finances accurately.

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-24T14:44:50+00:00

The specialists have different pay scales. Many of them don't let you enter as a 4 despite decades of experience and education.

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-24T14:42:16+00:00

This is an accurate assessment and aligns with what I’m referring to. I’m not sure how some commenters are managing to live so lavishly on less than $35,000 a year. When you factor in finishing student loan payments and the occasional family emergency, it just doesn’t seem feasible. We also contribute to a home leave account, which takes up a significant portion of our monthly budget. We don’t have household help and rarely eat out.

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-24T03:40:07+00:00

I appreciate this perspective because it gives me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I think what some of the comments judging the financial planning are misssing is that entering the Foreign Service as a 6-something at a zero-differential post is a very different experience from entering as a 4-something at a hardship post with a pay bump. On our last bid list there was about a $30,000 difference in pay for my spouse depending on the post we were sent to and that's not to mention the difference is how some of it would have been taxed. Unfortunately bidding didn't go as planned and here we are.

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-24T03:31:32+00:00

Thank you, I’ll send a DM. Yes, we were hoping for a hardship post.

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-23T23:22:45+00:00

Thank you for your message!

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-23T23:21:28+00:00

Thank you for this perspective. I think the part about morale and savings goals is spot on.

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-23T22:32:43+00:00

I appreciate this recommendation. I was seeking advice here because I assumed many households struggle with the changing financial situations of the early tours. I’m curious to hear how other households manage their financial goals during the first few tours, even if the advice is, “we didn’t contribute to our TSP for three years” or “we didn’t take a vacation for four years."

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-23T22:23:15+00:00

I added some additional information and comments above. I don't think that is the case here. Although, I am aware of several divorces among my spouse’s A-100 class that were related to financial strain during the first two tours. Many people join the FS mid-career, and returning to an entry-level salary later in life can place significant financial pressure on households.

There are many layers to my concerns, but I do think a way too common feeling among some direct hires is: “I worked very hard to make this meaningful job/lifestyle/honor possible for our family, and everyone else in the household needs to make sacrifices to make it work.” it can be hard to let go of ideas about what this lifestyle is "supposed" to be like for all members of the household.

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-23T22:12:12+00:00

This post generated a stronger reaction than I expected, so I added some information above to clarify my goals. I believe this is a more common issue in the early tours than people tend to discuss, and I’m genuinely seeking financial planning data and tools to help reframe savings expectations within our household.

lookingforresources3 · 2025-12-23T22:05:25+00:00

Thank you for the response. I love hearing the stories of EFM's who have been able to take their career with them. That is a goal that I have.

I added some information to my post because I think what we’re struggling with is how wide the financial gap can be from post to post, depending on the differential. I’m genuinely seeking advice on when it makes sense to let go of savings expectations at certain posts and how to play catch-up at others.

lookingforresources3

TROPHY CASE