- 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.
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Wed, Jul 10 - 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.
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Thu, Jul 11 - Building Strong Credit: This seminar provides information on credit establishment, credit management, and debt relief. It introduces debt-to-income ratio concepts, the importance of monitoring credit reports and scores, and briefly addresses the SCRA and bankruptcy.
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Fri, Jul 12 - Divorce and Finance: 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, Jul 17 - Planning for Retirement: This seminar offers important retirement information and provides useful insights to people who are planning for retirement, and those already retired who are rethinking their retirement finances.
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Thu, Jul 18 - Finding your Next Job: A job search can make most people cringe in nervousness, as finding a job is not the easiest task to do – especially in this economic climate. This seminar invites you to an employment-seeking discussion for Spouses and transitioning Service Members.
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Fri, Jul 19 - Overview of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Join us for an overview of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). You will be provided insights and ways to work through various life challenges that may adversely affect job performance, health, and personal well-being to optimize an organization's success. We will explore top reasons for engaging the EAP. Discussion will identify primary financial stressors and provide related training on how to combat anxiety and depression through self-care.
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Wed, Jul 24 - Saving and Investing: This seminar will identify reasons to save and how to set goals for a savings plan. Participants will explore the difference between short term savings and long term investments.
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Thu, Jul 25 - Millionaire Money Management: This seminar is a great way to set yourself up for financial success while creating a solid financial base.
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Fri, Jul 26 - Paying for College: Learn tips and tools to help you find ways to offset the cost of college! This seminar will discuss different types of educational benefits for the Military and financial aid for you and your children, including scholarship opportunities and college savings plans.
- Wed, Jul 31 - Consumer Awareness: This seminar introduces consumer rights as stipulated by federal and state laws. It discusses specific rights for Service Members. It also reviews steps to take appropriate action if you fall victim to predatory financial practices.
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Thu, Aug 1 - Tricare In 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.
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Fri, Aug 2 - Building A Realistic Budget: This seminar focuses on how to create a realistic budget, the benefits of budgeting and budgeting tools to help you achieve your financial goals.
- Wed, Aug 7 - Thrift Saving Plan (TSP): This seminar provides an overview of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). We will discuss: Enrollment, Participation, Contributions, Roth TSP, Investment Funds and Withdrawal Options. We will also highlight important considerations for retirement planning and will provide valuable resources.
- Thu, Aug 8 - TSP Web Walkthrough: In this seminar we will explore the TSP website.
- Fri, Aug 9 - Continuation Pay: Service members under the Blended Retirement System (BRS) are eligible for a one-time mid-career bonus payment called Continuation Pay. During this seminar you will have the opportunity to understand what Continuation Pay is, how to apply for it and how best to use it.
- Wed, Aug 14 - Planning for Retirement: This seminar offers important retirement information and provides useful insights to people who are planning for retirement, and those already retired who are rethinking their retirement finances.
- Thu, Aug 15 - Growth Through Education: This seminar discusses recommendations and resources for pursuing continuing education.
- Fri, Aug 16 - Paying Off Student Loans: The costs of a college education can last long after graduation. This seminar will discuss ways to manage student loan debt by learning ways to pay the loan off efficiently.
- Wed, Aug 21 - Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): This seminar will assist you in making informed decisions about SBP’s role in your retirement plan.
- Thu, Aug 22 - Social Security: This seminar provides, answers to your Social Security questions such as:
- Fri, Aug 23 - Dream Big Plan Now: This will be an open discussion.
- Wed, Aug 28 - Financial Fitness: This seminar will discuss military benefits.
- Thu, Aug 29 - Credit Management: This seminar provides information on credit establishment, credit management and debt relief. It introduces debt-to-income ratio concepts, the importance of monitoring credit reports and scores and briefly addresses the SCRA and bankruptcy.
- Fri, Aug 30 - Car Buying: Purchasing a car can be a difficult and frustrating process. This seminar you will teach you how to negotiate with dealers for the best price and explore how you can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on your next vehicle purchase! In addition, discussion will help you determine how much car you can afford.
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.
July Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
August Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
· When am I eligible to receive retirement benefits?
· How does early retirement affect my benefits?
· Do I qualify for disability, survivors, or spousal benefits?
· How do you get the most from your benefit?
· What is the future of Social Security?
· When should I file for Medicare?
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!
