Military Saves Campaign to kick off

  • Published
  • By Cheryl Vedvig
  • Airman and Family Readiness Center
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The average American family has an average of $8,000 in credit card debt. It's hard to imagine the financial stress that Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen might go through trying to manage their debt while staying focused on the mission.

Military Saves is a financial readiness campaign dedicated to encourage military servicemembers and their families to reduce debt and save money. This year's slogan, "Start Small, Think Big," instills the idea that saving just a little money over time can significantly benefit families in the long term.

Although the Department of Defense will observe Military Saves Week from Feb. 20-27, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, along with other base and community partners, will provide a variety of financial events throughout the month of February.

Each squadron will have the opportunity to invite community readiness consultants from the AFRC to provide short, fun and interactive lessons that promote saving, establishing, repairing and maintaining good credit.

Other lessons include enrolling in the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance plan, the Thrift Savings Plan and other investment vehicles to help bring about financial success.

The Minot AFRC's Facebook page has more information on a variety of Military Saves events. Viewers can download the Military Saves newsletter and be inspired by a daily financial quote each day in February.

If interested in taking the "Military Saves Pledge", visit www.militarysaves.org. By taking a pledge, one is making a commitment to exercise good financial habits and encourage other Americans to do the same.

Military Saves Week Events:

Now through Feb. 28: Confessions of Spending and Saving Habits: Submit a photo or video on the Minot AFRC Facebook page.

Feb. 1 - 28: Take the Pledge: Go to www.militarysaves.org.
Feb. 22 - 25: Plastic Surgery: Shred credit cards at AFRC.
Feb. 22: Credit Management Workshop: 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 23: What's your Money Habitude: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 24: Build Wealth with the Thrift Savings Plan: 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Feb. 25: Introduction to Saving and Investing: 12 - 1 p.m.
Feb. 25: Financially Fit Information Fair at McAdoo Sports and Fitness Center: 7 - 11 a.m.