Military saves week 2017: Makes sense to save cents

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy McGuffin
  • 19 AW/PA

The Military Saves Week started Feb. 27 to educate Airmen and their families about finances at the Walters Community Support Center. 

This event, hosted by Airmen and Family Readiness Center, encompassed free classes and booths, which ranged from basic savings programs, to living on less, understanding credit and teaching children about money.

The Department of Defense campaign is supported by the America Saves program, which helps people pledge to get out of debt.

“The intent of the pledge is three fold,” said Rick Tomaskovic, 19th Force Support Squadron Community Readiness Consultant. “Saving money, getting out of debt, and building wealth.  These are the three best purposes to which you can apply any of your financial resources.”

In 2016, nearly 30,000 individuals took the Military Saves pledge or re-pledged, increasing the number of people who have taken the pledge to more than 250,000 across the DOD.

“Last year we had approximately 700 people take the pledge,” Tomaskovic said. “We are hoping to at least double that number this year here.”

This year marks the 11th anniversary of Military Saves Week giving an opportunity for installations across the DOD to promote financial readiness.

 “Military Saves Week is an opportunity for military installations, commands and detachments, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies around the world to motivate service members and families to reduce debt and build wealth,” said James Lander, Military Saves Director Washington D.C.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center will continue to offer these classes and more after Military Saves Week has concluded.

“We never stop providing financial classes or one on one appointments,” Tomaskovic said. “We have six financial classes every month. In addition, every year for the last three years we have added an additional accredited financial counselor at the Airman and Family Readiness Center to provide that personal experience for every customer that seeks information.”

 

For more information call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (501) 987-2667.