The latest government shutdown has left the news cycle, but the impact—and anxieties—remain for many Federal employees and contractors. Those whose careers depend upon maintaining their security clearance have been managing a special sort of strain. They have not only been facing furloughs, but the additional risk of managing that furlough poorly and losing their security clearance—and job—as a result.
Financial considerations (Guideline F) remain the most common reason for security clearance revocations and denials in 2025. One may set themselves up for success in 2026 by addressing some common financial pitfalls for security clearance holders: one of which is assuming that debt is the only financial red flag for Security.
Does Your Financial Situation Affect Your Security Clearance Eligibility?
Yes, your finances, including debt, are an active security concern. Debt in and of itself, even bankruptcy, is not necessarily disqualifying. It is not only money going out that can trigger security concern under Guideline F, but money coming in, as well.
Understand that the concern with your finances is not about personal judgment. It is about protecting United States security interests from the liability of a clearance holder being leveraged by a foreign intelligence service into unlawfully disclosing classified information.
