FINANCIAL CONCERNS


Voters were also asked to disclose the amount of debts they had, excluding any mortgage. Whilst some were understandably uncomfortable about sharing such information, many were forthright about their financial situation (Figure 19).


Figure 19:


“All that is keeping our family finances afloat at the moment is my wife’s pay in her civilian job which is increasing only because she is still on increments and is able to take on extra responsibilities.”


“Whilst I have little debt, I am not able to save for the future. The mobility associated with my branch has meant my wife has had to forego her career, hence we are worse off financially.”


“I have been fortunate to never have accrued a significant debt other than my mortgage but that has been achieved through planning and restraint, not good luck.”


“As the wife of a Serviceperson I have a large student loan debt. Getting a job and managing to stay in the job long-term is very difficult, because of having to move with the serving family member, making repaying the loan hard.”


“Much worse off now than 3 years ago as I have given up my high paid job to: a) have children, b) move with my Serving husband to an area that doesn’t have jobs in my career field.”


“We have no debt but are dipping into savings just to get by.”


“Although LOA does not factor spouses earnings prior to leaving the UK, the continued job cuts has had a major impact in employment opportunities. Therefore, most rely on the LOA to make up the shortfall. I’m coming to the end of my 3 year tour, in that time I have seen our LOA cut to nearly half.”


www.raf-ff.org.uk


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