Episode 19 Summary – CFD Podcast: Adjudicative Guidelines Part F

In this episode, Tabetha Baume examines Guideline F: Financial Considerations, the leading cause of clearance denials. She explains that it’s not debt itself that concerns adjudicators, but whether financial stress could make someone vulnerable to coercion or blackmail.

Tabetha breaks down common red flags — unpaid debts, tax issues, and living beyond one’s means — and stresses that honesty and responsibility matter more than perfection. Lying or hiding problems on the SF-86 is far worse than having them. Through real-world examples, she shows how proactive steps like payment plans, counseling, and documentation can strongly mitigate concerns.

She also urges Facility Security Officers (FSOs) to support employees facing financial hardship, noting that self-reporting and collaboration can prevent problems from becoming security risks.