Take the pledge; be in control of your money

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danielle Quilla
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) partnered with other financial organizations at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, during Military Saves Week, Feb. 22 - 26, 2016, to spread awareness about the importance of financial security.

"Our office is the focal point for financial education at MacDill," said Mark Stanford, community readiness consultant at the A&FRC. "The goal of Military Saves Week is to encourage people to save more money."

According to the 9th Annual America Saves Week Survey, only about 52 percent of non-retired people said they were saving enough for a desirable standard of living during retirement, which is three points down from the previous year's 55 percent.

Throughout the year, A&FRC representatives meet with Airmen at various professional enhancement courses, including the First Term Airman Course, to highlight the financial services they offer and get Airmen started in the right direction.

Military Saves Week in particular acts as a reminder that members from each branch of service and their families are welcome to walk in, or make an appointment, at the center. Representatives and resources are readily available to assist members take control of their money. 

The Armed Forces Bank, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and the Better Business Bureau partnered up with A&FRC to visit the Airman Dorm Leader (ADL) Office, U.S. Central Command, Harbor Bay Welcome Center, and the Exchange to showcase the wide variety of tools and resources available on MacDill.

"In addition to resources for military members, we have a youth savings account called the Bugg Club to help kids start saving money early," said Natalia Spratlen, an area manager at Grow Financial. "We encourage people to come in and talk to us about ways to save money, establish credit and see the different tools they can use to keep track of their spending."   

Representatives from A&FRC and Grow Financial stopped by the ADL Office specifically to help junior enlisted members understand the importance of budgeting and saving their money.

"Junior military personnel and their family members, including children, remain the target audience for Military Saves," said James Lander, director of Military Saves. "As the youngest and least economically powerful, they are most susceptible to making poor financial choices."

Members are encouraged to visit the Military Saves website at MilitarySaves.org to take the pledge to start taking steps to become more financially secure.

"The first step is often the hardest, but Military Saves Week makes it easy," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody. "I'd encourage all families to visit MilitarySaves.org together and take the savings pledge. Set a goal, make a plan and save with an eye towards the future."

The pledge reads, "I will help myself by saving money, reducing debt, and building wealth over time. I will help my family and my country by encouraging other Americans to build wealth, not debt."

Savers who take the pledge can opt to receive a monthly e-newsletter from Military Saves, as well as a quarterly e-newsletter from America Saves.

For more information, contact the A&FRC at 813-828-0145, the Armed Forces Bank at 813-840-8254 or Grow Financial at 813-837-2451.