Military Saves visits Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Financial issues are more common in the military than people may think, and knowledge about such topics such as the Thrift Savings Plan program, credit reports and stretching money in a tight economy give military members more information on how to make financial decisions.

The Military Saves program offered events and classes on base recently during Military Saves week; yet the Airman and Family Readiness Center has information it constantly provides regarding finances.

"It's a really important topic because of the economy," said Latoya Reese, Airman and Family Readiness work life specialist. "It's important that people have finances in line and it's great that we have the financial assistance of the military family life counselor."
Military Saves is a financial readiness initiative endorsed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to be implemented by the Air Force to improve financial readiness of Airmen to enhance mission readiness. The purpose of this campaign is to promote this financial readiness to Airmen and their families.

During Military Saves week, six different classes were offered. The classes included Stretching My Money in a Tight Economy, Take Complete Control of Your Finances, Truth and Myths of Credit Reports, TSP: Pay Yourself First, You've Earned it- Making the Most of Your Military Benefits and Real World Finances for Teens.

Jim Harkey, Military Family Life counselor, instructed all the courses. He also briefed the First Term Airman Center students and visited squadrons to offer financial information.

"The reason I do it is because I'm retired military myself so I feel a connection to military people," said Mr. Harkey. "I get a chance to give back and teach them things I wish I had known early in my military career."

Mr. Harkey's courses were geared toward military personnel and the information was offered free of charge. He also addressed many questions Airmen had.

"You don't have to be a financial disaster to take advantage of these services and get a third set of eyes on your finances," said Mr. Harkey. "There is a lot of things the Airman and Family Readiness Center can do for financial assistance."

The Airman and Family Readiness Center offers financial one-on-one counseling daily. It can also conduct briefings to groups or units on financial topics.

For more information regarding the Military Saves program or on receiving financial guidance, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 283-4204.