Military Saves Week begins soon

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt Joshua Jasper
  • 39 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The Incirlik Airman and Family Readiness Center will host Military Saves Week Feb. 22 to 27, here.  The DoD-wide financial readiness week is an annual opportunity to attend courses and workshops designed to give Airmen and their families the tools for good savings behavior and self-assessment of their financial status.

This year, the A&FRC will host free financial focused and educational programs.  These programs are designed to encourage military members and their families to reduce their debt, save money and build their overall wealth.

"Anyone with a valid US Department of Defense ID Card can attend with no cost to the customer," said Sam Smith, 39th Force Support Squadron A&FRC, director. "I would encourage anyone who manages their own financial resources or has questions about financial management to attend."

According to the www.militarysaves.org website, 45% of military families say they have not set aside sufficient emergency funds to cover at least three months' worth of expenses. The goal of Military Saves Week is to encourage servicemembers and their families to begin their journey toward financial freedom.  These classes offer the information needed to get started. 

"People should attend these classes for the same reasons that one attends basic training, technical school or completes their career development course materials," Smith said. "To acquire and develop the knowledge, skills and ability to be successful.  In this case, that comes in the form of financial success."

Class will be held at the A&FRC, located on the 2nd floor of Building 833, throughout the week. Below are the dates and times of the classes available.

- Basic Budgeting Workshop - Mon. Feb. 22 from 10 - 11 a.m.
- Credit Management - Tue. Feb. 23 from 10 - 11 a.m.
- Financial Goal Planning - Wed. Feb. 24 from 10 -11 a.m.
- Cutting Expenses Workshop - Thurs. Feb. 25 from 10 -11 a.m.
- Thrift Savings Plan Basics - Fri. Feb. 26 from 10 -11 a.m.
- Financial Management for the High School student - Sat. Feb. 27 from 2 - 3 p.m.

In addition to these programs, one-on-one financial counseling opportunities can be arranged until March 16.  To RSVP for a class, make an appointment or for more information, contact Incirlik A&FRC at 39fss.fsfrairmanfamilyreadinessctr@us.af.mil or call 676-6755.

"Everyone should have an effective financial plan," Smith said. "I consider such a plan to be as important as maintaining ones health and education/training.  Being as strong as possible in areas of finances, health and education and training, gives one options. Most financially successful are not millionaires or billionaires.  They are people who acquired the knowledge, the skills and the ability to successfully manage their financial resources."