Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Betty Y. Boomer | Command Sgt. Maj. Ronnie Kelley, Fort Bliss and 1st Armored Division command sergeant...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas - The Fort Bliss Army Community Service Financial Readiness Program hosted the Military Saves Financial Symposium at the 1st Armored Division Chapel, Feb. 28.
The financial conference had a wide selection of sponsors who participated in giving financial classes to service members, Department of Defense employees and family members. Sponsors included the Better Business Bureau, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Consumer Credit Counseling and Armed Forces Bank to name a few.
“The purpose for the Military Saves Symposium is to encourage soldiers, their families and civilians to save and reduce debt,” said Ana Hernandez, financial readiness program specialist.
For the soldiers and the community, the Military Saves is a smaller version of America Saves, a nationwide program. Both programs have the same objective – to help families save and reduce debt.
“Saving doesn’t have to be hard, it’s just making that conscious decision to put something away every month or every payday,” said Hernandez.
The Military Saves Financial Symposium is an annual event, but classes are given on a monthly basis through the ACS Financial Readiness Program. Classes teach individuals how to manage debt, repair credit and how to stretch your dollar.
The ACS Financial Readiness program has sponsored this event for five years. This year more than 400 personnel participated.
Soldiers of all ranks attended classes and received their credit report if desired. Some were there because they registered, others were there as part of sergeant’s time training.
“I get out the Army in four months, so I definitely wanted to attend this training to help me manage my money better,” said Spc. Coloney Smith, 2nd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade.
Maj. Gen. Dana J. H. Pittard, 1st AD and Fort Bliss commanding general, gave advice to those participating. He signed a proclamation, “2013 Military Saves Week” designating Feb. 25 to March 2 as week the Army Family should try and tighten their belts.
“Start saving today, not tomorrow, and [try] to get out of debt,” said Pittard.
Due to the economy, families are finding it harder to make ends meet. Some families seek ways to balance the equation of needs versus want.
“Instead of getting a loan from a payday loan person, ever, use the Army Emergency Relief fund,” said Pittard.
AER is the Army’s own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to “helping the Army take care of its own.” Depending on the soldier’s situation, may qualify for an interest free loan or grant.
Command Sgt. Maj. Ronnie Kelley, Fort Bliss and 1st Armored Division command sergeant major, gave a brief speech reminding soldiers that any goal they set is achievable. Giving the crowd a history lesson about his enlistment, he encouraged soldiers to share what they learned.
“What you learn here, take it back out and spread the word, especially you noncommissioned officers. Pass this back down to your troops and help them out,” said Kelley.
Financial Readiness ACS team offer a variety of classes at Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road and their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“The road to financial independence is an exciting road and I wish you all a great trip along that road,” said Pittard.
For more information, visit www.blissmwr.com/frp or visit www.militarysaves.org to take the pledge to save.
| Date Taken: | 02.28.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.08.2013 17:58 |
| Story ID: | 103189 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | EL PASO, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | OCEAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 125 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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