My Husband is on a security hold, help! :(

[Sarah]

After months of being on hold and being done with a school since October, my husband just found out that the reason he is on hold and stuck in his a school location is because of student loan debt and I guess his car loan. It's less then 50000 but i understand that's a lot. I hate that were just now finding this out. I am freaking out because they told him he will be stuck there until this gets figured out meaning he pays off some debt. I miss him so much and was moving there but now I can't because I have to pay off some of his debt. He's also been so mean so this has just been hard. If you know any advice to give me or your sailor was in this position, I would appreciate anything. I want him to get out of there. He wants to get out of there. We've been together for 7 years and married before he even knew he was going to Join do the distance has been hard. My husband said he has to show proof that he's paying on his debt. I just need advice. I'm stressed!

[Edwards19 ( Tricia )]

Wow it has to be paid off, not just make payments?

[Sarah]

I have no idea :( I don't know what needs to be done in order for him to get orders. He seems to not know either. 

[Edwards19 ( Tricia )]

How frustrating, I sure hope they can get it figured out. That is along time to be on hold

 

[Najul]

Lower all your expenses and start making payments. That's what they want to see, that the debt is being handled right and you're not getting further into debt.  I know during my daughters security clearance they were checking to see if she had high credit card debt and high car loan debt etc.  When her recruiting office had officers come visit, they talked about paying down debt and keeping no debt, even only have one car that the spouse has so that they can keep their debt low and not have a car that's sitting while they are out of town.  He's grumpy because his world is on hold, they just don't handle the worry the same.  Do what you can, put yourself on a food budget, an expense budget and pay as much of the loans off as you can.  It's investing in your future too !  That's the best way you can help him and let him know the plan you worked out so he knows you're in with two feet, it will help a lot if you follow through.   Good luck!  So sorry you're stuck in limbo.....I know that stinks when there's so much anticipation about moving etc. 

[Sarah]

Thanks for your response. I wish we had a way to only have one car but there is no way since I have to work. I am gradually paying. I paid 200$ last night and will continue.  I hope they don't make us pay all this before he even gets orders. He will be miserable. Luckily, he has no credit card debt. Just car and student loans.  I am hoping they just want proof he is paying.

[Najul]

I think you'll be fine with payments...really do. they do ask a lot to people on what is owed for student loans.  I was surprised. That' s such "normal" debt.  I guess they just don't want people getting in trouble financially or getting desperate. I hope you guys get out of limbo soon, I'm sure that's hard !

[Sarah]

I really hope! Thank you!

[CryptoBiz]

Hmm...

I've seen some people get sent up for failure to make payments. It would definitely ruin opportunities for a security clearance. If he's at A school that requires a clearance, then once the issue is resolved, he may be forced to go to the fleet as a rate that doesn't have a required A school. 

[MyBoyAustin]

Sarah, I am sorry to hear this. I had trouble with my school debt after I had a bad accident and was not working plus having a lot of medical bills.  While he needs to figure out what to do perhaps you can call the creditors as well and see if they can help the two of you with a manageable plan.  I know with medical bills there are payment forgiveness plans if you follow their payback system. Perhaps the student load people could help you find a doable plan that will help you get to a financially healthy state. This is a time for some marriage counseling and you do not have to both go. If you cannot find affordable counseling then try talking to your husband's recruiter and see if the Navy has any services for Navy spouses.  You can go alone to sessions to help you find your footing.  It is hard to think straight when stresses and separated from your partner.  Hopefully this helps. Good luck. 

[Anti M]

The Navy does offer free financial counseling through Fleet and Family Services.  

[OGThuggyPanda]

Unfortunately this is a serious issue and it is too bad y'all are only finding out about it now. Obviously large debts (no matter what type they are) and security clearances are not compatible. I do hope he can receive some specifics about what is expected of him so you and he can move forward!

[heidi86]

First: Sell one or both of your cars, which sound like they are beyond your means, and buy something cheap to drive, which you can afford to pay cash for, from the proceeds of selling your expensive cars, thst you owe so much money on.

Second: Google 'Dave Ramsey', and listen to his radio show. He taught me how to get out of debt. One thing is, I never buy a vehicle I can't afford to pay cash for. My whole household drives $3000 dollar cars/vans around town. We have one car which is newer, and more reliable for longer trips. But we also paid cash for that. Otherwise, if it gets you from point A to point B, it doesn't matter what s vehicle looks like, and I love my cars, because I own them, not the bank.

Car loans are one of the biggest financial headaches, as you've discovered. I'll never have a car loan again.