Military Saves Week changes lives

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eboni Reams
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Department of Defense employees and their families are encouraged to pledge to save money and reduce debt during the annual Military Saves Week, which started Feb. 23 and runs through Feb. 28.

Since 2007, Airman and Family Readiness Centers around the Air Force have promoted the Military Saves program in an effort to help DoD employees with a range of financial problems from credit card debt to the lack of a savings plan. Military Saves Week, an extension of the Military Saves program, is an annual event designed to promote healthy spending, financial planning and goal setting.

"The goal is for military members to examine their savings strategy, set a goal and take the necessary steps to accomplish the goal through automatic savings withdrawals," said Jennifer Wood, A&FRC financial counselor. 

Wood shared that ninety service members and civilians here at Incirlik Air Base, have already taken the 'Savers Pledge'  online throughmilitarysaves.org. Additionally, She described the driving idea and events for this year.

"To promote this year's theme, 'Start small, think big,' the A&FRC has scheduled extra finance-related classes during Military Saves Week," Wood said.  "These classes will cover topics such as basic budgeting, financial goal planning and credit management. Signing up is quick and easy and shows a commitment to taking steps toward financial health."

Master Sgt. Janee Walker, NCO in-charge of the A&FRC, explains no matter the cause; saving is an important part of life.

"Everyone saves for different reasons; some save because they want a better life for themselves and their family, some save because they have children who will attend college, while others save simply for the comfort of knowing that they are prepared," said Walker. "Whatever the reason, Military Saves Week offers a variety of programs to help meet anyone and everyone's goals."

The A&FRC welcomes all military members and civilians to participate in this week's classes or visit the center for more information on financial readiness.

"If you need assistance in financial planning to include a strategy for debt reduction, credit building, funding major purchases or retirement planning don't hesitate to call the A&FRC," Wood added.



For more information or to setup an appointment, call the accredited financial counselor at 676-6755.