Military Saves Week begins Feb. 22 on JBER

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The Military and Family Readiness Center, in coordination with the financial institutions on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, is scheduled to host Military Saves Week Feb. 22 to 27.

Military Saves is part of the America Saves initiative, said Pamela Tucker, director of the MFRC-Richardson. It encourages service members, their families, and Department of Defense civilians to create a savings plan to gain and maintain financial independence.

According to the Consumer Federation of America, fewer than 50 percent of Americans say they have a savings plan with specific goals.

"I have seen a lot of military members who don't think about their future and live paycheck to paycheck," said Martin Rivera, MFRC financial counselor. "What I like to do is encourage them to not just think in the moment, but to consider their future. I have them think about what is going to happen to them when they leave the uniform."
Active duty, Guard and Reserve, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and their dependents are eligible to participate in events held on JBER during Military Saves Week.

A booth will be located near the Exchange the week before and the week of the event, Tucker said. There, people will have the opportunity to take the military saves pledge - to "start small, think big."

The events featured during Military Saves Week are designed with the pledge in mind.
Car buying tips and techniques will kick off the event on Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. in Building 600, Room A-37.

"It's important for people to research prior to going to the dealership," Rivera said. "We will give tips [to guide car buyers] from the moment they step into the dealership, to the time they close the deal."

Understanding Your Credit Report will be hosted Feb. 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Building 8124.

Attendees will learn the importance of maintaining good credit, said Tucker, as well as factors that affect a credit score, and how to improve a low score.

One-on-one financial counseling will be hosted Feb. 24 in Building 600 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Feb. 26 in Building 8124 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration for this event is required, and individuals will be able to meet with financial counseling professionals for 30 to 60 minute sessions, Tucker said.

Saving and Investing: Simple Tips to Secure a Strong Financial Future, will be hosted Feb. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Building 600, Room A-18.

"[The Saving and Investing event] is something beyond what we normally offer," Tucker said. "We typically focus on Thrift Savings Plan, but these counselors will provide other types of investing options."

Other notable events include PCSing on a Budget, Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. in Building 600 Room A-137, and Resources for Families with Special Needs on Feb. 23 at 1:30 p.m. in Building 600, Room A-137.

"It's important for the JBER community to take advantage of the programs offered," Tucker said. "The resources and benefits provided help and allow for them to enjoy their financial freedom later in life."

To take the Military Saves pledge, go to www.militarysaves.org
For more information, call 384-1517 or 552-4943