You just moved to a new community. You are ready to make a new start. You know the drill, or maybe this is your first move. Then you find out your spouse is going to be deployed. Whether it comes as a complete surprise, or you had an idea it was coming, a spouse's deployment can be a time of stress and uncertainty. Here are a few tips to help you survive and thrive during your spouse's deployment:

• Make your own community: Look for people with similar activities that you enjoy doing, whether it is exercise, knitting, chess, or getting together for coffee, just to name a few things. A PCS is not the end of the world, neither is a deployment. Make the best of your situation and create your own community.

• Find support: It may not be easy to find the emotional, financial, and social support you need at this time with people you are just getting to know. Try getting help from professionals. It's very normal for people who have just moved to experience adjustment issues after a move. Seek out the help of an experienced life coach or counselor. See if there might be one on the military base who has experience helping other spouses when their spouse is deployed. Also see if there might be a support group for military spouses on the base too.

• Get financial help: Financial literacy is seldom taught in school. When your spouse is away, it can be hard to juggle finances and pay the bills. Even just trying to balance the housing allowance after a relocation can be daunting. Seek out the help of a certified financial planner to help you pay your regular bills, track your finances, and pay down your debts. Try to learn about investing as well, so you can better safeguard your family's financial future no matter what lies ahead.

• Practice self-care: Remember that your job isn't easy, so take good care of yourself. Remember to eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. Spend time with new friends and keep in contact with your old friends. You deserve it.