Wealth of financial advice available

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  • By to the Drop Zone
Financial readiness is a key to mission readiness that most Airmen don't realize until they have a problem.

There are a number of programs on base to help military people get on the right foot financially, especially young Airmen who are starting their careers.

"We all have financial questions, but not everyone knows where we can go for answers," said 2nd Lt. Jennifer Rock, 314th Comptrollers Squadron financial services officer. "There are many people and programs available, either for free or for very little cost.
Start taking advantage of the financial assistance offered to you and your family," she said. "Today is the best time to start saving for your future."

Some of the on-base programs all military people can take advantage to firm up their finances include:

Financial Peace University
The chapel offers a 13-week course, where you and/or your spouse attend one session a week which gives thorough personal financial education. Each week there is a different topic, such as living on a budget, reducing debt, starting an emergency fund, retirement plans, smart shopping, and much more. The cost is $20 (E1 - E4); $50 (E-5 and up; Civilians), and there are scholarships available. In addition, Chaplain (Capt.) Bradford Phillips is available for one-on-one faith-based financial counseling. For more information, call 987-6014.

Airmen and Family Readiness Flight
Pat Pope, the Personal Financial Management Program manager offers information, education and one-on-one counseling to assist individuals and family members maintain financial stability and reach their financial goals. Everyone in the Armed Forces family is eligible to receive services; active duty, reservists, retirees, Department of Defense civilians, non-appropriated fund personnel, single or married and all family members of these groups are included. Counseling includes budget preparation, credit and debt management, investment education, and community referrals. They also maintain a collection of financial resources to be use by base personnel and family members. There are monthly Lunch-n'-Learn seminars, where a variety of personal financial topics - from basic budgeting to estate planning -- are discussed. For more information, call 987-6801.

Volunteer Financial Counselors
This program is provided by the Airmen and Family Readiness Flight, where Airmen are trained in giving basic financial counseling to their by peers at the squadron level. Each squadron should have volunteers. For more information, call Ms Pope. Squadron first sergeants also serve as excellent resources for personal financial issues.

Arkansas Federal Credit Union
Tim Edwards, the branch manager at the Arkansas Federal Credit Union, has been providing financial assistance to military members. He can help Airmen review their income and expenses, and help them start budgets. Mr. Edwards teaches credit reporting classes, including viewing the misconceptions of your credit to how to repair them. Mr. Edwards offers ways to tweak your credit in order to receive higher credit scores, so people can receive the lowest interest rates possible on mortgages and credit cards. For more information, call 533-2170 or e-mail him at tedwards@afcu.org.