First Command will cover federal pay in event of government shutdown

FORT WORTH, Texas — First Command Financial Services, Inc. announced today that it will extend direct deposit federal pay as part of a comprehensive plan to address potential financial hardships in the event of a government shutdown.

“First Command is committed to doing all we can to ensure that our clients are not financially harmed by government actions or inactions that are beyond their control,” said First Command CEO/President Mark Steffe. “During past government shutdowns we stepped up to help our clients with payroll advances and other financial offerings. As we face another government shutdown, we again commit to help our clients and ensure their family finances are squared away.”

The payroll advance offer will extend to several thousand affected clients with existing direct deposit arrangements for their government paychecks through First Command Bank. The plan includes:

• Zero-interest payroll advances. First Command Bank is committed to making sure that clients who have existing direct deposit arrangements for their government paychecks will continue to have money in the bank. The program is designed to ensure that payroll advances will be transparent to clients, who will see the usual direct deposit amount credited to their account.
• Loan Assistance. Understanding that a government shutdown may strain family budgets, First Command Bank is prepared to work with clients on any First Command Bank loan payments.
• Penalty-free early C.D. withdrawals. First Command Bank will waive any early withdrawal penalties for clients who need to redeem a First Command Bank Certificate of Deposit prior to its maturity.
• Secured Lines of Credit. First Command Bank is ready to help clients use their non-tax qualified mutual fund as collateral for a low interest rate line of credit.
• Special handling of credit card accounts. First Command Bank’s Visa cardholders will be offered priority processing for increases to credit limits and deferments of monthly payments. The bank will also waive cash advance fees during a shutdown.

Meanwhile, First Command Financial Advisors are prepared to offer guidance on dealing with federal allotments for investments and insurance as well as other issues affecting family finances. 

“While we remain optimistic that lawmakers will ultimately find a path forward that keeps the government operating, our knowledgeable Financial Advisors are available now to discuss possible ramifications for the finances of our clients,” Steffe said. “We have helped thousands of military and federal employees and their families plan for their financial futures, supporting them through times both good and bad. We are committed to make good on our mission of coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security.”

About First Command

First Command Financial Services and its subsidiaries, including First Command Brokerage Services, First Command Advisory Services and First Command Bank, coach our Nation’s military families in their pursuit of financial security. Since 1958, First Command Financial Advisors have been shaping positive financial behaviors through face-to-face coaching with hundreds of thousands of client families.