- Financial Readiness Program (FRP). FRP provides comprehensive educational and counseling programs in personal financial readiness. The program covers indebtedness, consumer advocacy and protection, money management, credit, financial planning, insurance, and consumer issues. Other services offered include mandatory financial literacy, financial planning for transitioning Soldiers, financial counseling for deployed Soldiers and their Families, and the Department of Defense Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance Program.
- Army Emergency Relief (AER). AER is the US Army's own nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating financial distress in the force. AER provides grants and zero-interest loans to active-duty and retired Soldiers and their Families. AER has supported over 4 million Soldiers since 1942. AER offices are conveniently located at installations around the world. Visit ArmyEmergencyRelief.org to learn more.
- Online Support and Education. Go to Financial Frontline for self-service financial literacy education and help.
- Blended Retirement System. The Blended Retirement System (BRS) combines elements of the legacy retirement system with benefits similar to those offered in many civilian 401(k) plans. Get smart on retirement benefits with the Army Retirement Services Office and Joint Knowledge Online Training.
- Financial Readiness Affiliates
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP is a federal government-sponsored retirement savings and investment plan available to both federal civilian employees and members of the uniformed services. The TSP offers the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations offer their employees under 401(k) plans. The retirement income a TSP account provides will depend on working-year contributions and the earnings on those contributions. Learn more at the official Thrift Savings Plan website.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB makes markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans — whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products. The CFPB gives consumers the information they need to understand the terms of their agreements with financial companies. Learn more about the CFPB, visit the CFPB on-demand forum and tools website, or order free CFPB publications.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) Military Line. The BBB Military Line provides free resources to our military communities in the areas of financial literacy and consumer protection through the efforts of 112 BBBs across the US. Visit the BBB Military Line to learn more.
- Wed, Feb 26 - Home Buying: A house is one of the most complicated and expensive purchases you will ever make. This presentation provides an overview of the home buying and mortgage process.
Topics include:
• Determining Whether the Time is Right to Purchase A Home
• Determining What You Can Afford
• Choosing A Lender and Loan
• Selecting A Real Estate Agent
• Negotiating
• Closing the Deal - Thu, Feb 27 - Home Mortgage Process: This seminar will discuss how to choose mortgage lenders when home buying. We will share information about mortgages and discuss which lenders and banks offer the best home mortgage loans and interest rates.
- Fri, Feb 28 - Home Selling: This seminar covers everything from staging to settlement. Learn to prepare and stage your home, gather the necessary documents and understand the process from hanging the "For Sale" sign to settlement day!
- Wed, Mar 5 - Survivor Benefit Plan: This seminar will assist you in making informed decisions about SBP’s role in your retirement plan.
- Thu, Mar 6 - Insurance Needs: Smart insurance planning begins with a detailed assessment of your immediate insurance needs. This seminar will help you learn to conduct reassessments when significant life events occur and assist you in managing risk and protect yourself from financial loss.
- Fri, Mar 7 - FAP Safety Planning: Join ACS in learning safety planning tips. We will provide techniques to use when safety within the home is no longer safe. Learn how to protect yourself against domestic violence.
- Wed, Mar 12 - You Earned It: This seminar covers: Pay, Allowances, Benefits and Entitlements. We will also provide you with a list of valuable resources for information on benefits.
- Thu, Mar 13 - Medicare Medicaid and the Marketplace: This seminar will help you understand the Medicare basics, the different coverage options, enrollment and more. Helpful resources and tools will be provided. and with this information you will be able to make confident Medicare decisions.
- Fri, Mar 14 - Tricare at Retirement: This seminar will discuss what changes after retirement and what actions you need to take to continue TRICARE health coverage for you and your family.
- Wed, Mar 19 - Exploring Digital Assets: This seminar will discuss what cryptocurrency is, and what you should know before investing.
- Thu, Mar 20 - Investing in the Digital Age - Part 1: Learn how to make smart investment decisions and protect your money from scams in this briefing delivered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Fri, Mar 21 - Investing in the Digital Age - Part 2: Learn how to make smart investment decisions and protect your money from scams in this briefing delivered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Wed, Mar 26 - Fueling for Health: This seminar discusses current dietary guidelines from the USDA as well as accurate interpretations of food labels to educate on proper nutrition.
- Thu, Mar 27 - Healthy Relationships and Finance: Money can be a large stressor in relationships, this seminar will focus on strategies that will help couples and families manage their finances while maintaining a strong healthy bond. We will address various aspects of relationships concerning money and finances such as:
• Exploring the Impact of Finances on Couples and Families
• Communicating With Your Partner About Finances
• Resolving Conflicts
• Setting and Achieving Goals Together
• Building Long-Term Wealh -
Fri, Mar 28 - Healthy Sleep Habits: This seminar covers the basics of proper sleep hygiene practices. We will discuss how to get a better sleep and the benefit of sleep tracking.
- Wed, Apr 2 - Money Smart for Older Adults: Learn ways to identify and prevent scammers from gaining access to your finances as well as what to do if you fall victim of a scam.
- Thu, Apr 3 - Marriage and Money: Marriage is not only a meaningful commitment to your partner but also a financial commitment, and financial stress can play a big role in a marriage. This seminar will provide tips and tools to help you minimize stress and optimize your finances.
- Fri, Apr 4 - Divorce and Finances: The financial effects of divorce are stressful! The goal of this class is to help reduce uncertainty associated with the financial aspects of divorce. We’ll share information to help you make smart, informed financial decisions so you can emerge from your divorce with greater financial confidence.
- Wed, Apr 9 - Banking Essentials: This seminar explains how to choose financial services and institutions to meet your needs. Basic information on banking and checking accounts and other financial services will be provided.
- Thu, Apr 10 - Gambling Awareness: This seminar discusses gambling statistics, the prevalence of gambling problems, military directives on gambling and the warning signs of compulsive/pathological gambling.
- Fri, Apr 11 - Identity Theft: This seminar discusses how thieves steal your identity and what you can do to deter, detect and defend against identity theft.
- Wed, Apr 16 - First Child: A new child means changes, especially to your finances. Whether you are having a baby, adopting or becoming a stepparent due to marriage, this course is designed to help you organize your finances efficiently and prepare you for the changes that come with your growing family.
- Thu, Apr 17 - ABLE Accounts: This seminar will assist people with disabilities and their families prepare for the future through the use of ABLE accounts. Join us to learn about eligibility, criteria, enrollment process, features of the Maryland ABLE account and the account management process.
- Fri, Apr 18 - Disabling Sickness and Conditions: It can be incredibly overwhelming if you or a family member are impacted by a chronic sickness or condition. This seminar will focus on the financial implications and help you create a plan to manage your finances effectively.
- Wed, Apr 23 - Security Implications of Financial Mismanagement: This seminar discusses financial mismanagement, ethics, security clearances and form OGE450.
- Thu, Apr 24 - Take Control of Your Finances: This workshop provides information on credit establishment, money management and debt relief. Discussion introduces debt-to-income ratio concepts, the importance of monitoring credit reports and briefly addresses SCRA and bankruptcy.
- Fri, Apr 25 - Punch Out Unwanted Money Habits: In this seminar, we will discuss how financial psychology relates to achieving financial and lifestyle goals. We will explore how personalities, goals, dreams, and emotions can affect attitudes toward money.
- Wed, Apr 30 - Planning Your Finances for the Next Big Event: We will provide strategies to help you financially plan for those major events or for the next big holiday.
Want to take charge of your finances? The Army's Financial Readiness Program (FRP) and Consumer Advocacy Services can help with comprehensive educational and counseling programs. Learn about debt, consumer advocacy and protection, money management, credit, financial planning, insurance, and consumer issues. Through classroom training and individual counseling, participants can learn how to save and invest money, establish savings goals, eliminate debt, and save for emergencies.
We offer:
Here are some other financial resources for Soldiers and their Families:
(Government Links)
(Non-Government Links, No Endorsement Implied)
The Financial Readiness Program helps educate service members about personal financial management. Consumer assistance is offered in cases involving conflict with local businesses. In all cases, counseling is provided on an individual and confidential basis.
ACS Financial Services is now offering VIRTUAL counseling and seminars!
VIRTUAL FINANCIAL LUNCH & LEARN
with Leary
Dates: Wednesday - Friday
Time: Noon - 1 p.m.Login and listen to our Financial Readiness Program Counselors, Leary, as he hosts dynamic discussions of current events, financial topics, take your requests and questions, and engage the audience. This is an opportunity to listen in as your schedule allows.
Feburary Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 4
March Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
April Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Sign-in using the MS Teams link below at least 5 minutes prior to the start time.
Registration is not required. If you're not already a member, you will need to download Microsoft Teams (MT) and join using your browser.
Personal Budgets - Handling Credit Wisely - Planning for the Future
ACS Financial Professionals will be at the ready to give you professional advice and answers...virtually!
