- 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.
- Thu 6/1 - TSP Web Walkthrough: In this seminar we will explore the TSP website.
- Fri 6/2 - Banking & Checking: 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.
- Wed 6/7 - Security Implications of Financial Mismanagement: This seminar discusses financial mismanagement, ethics, and security clearances.
- Thu 6/8 - 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.
- Fri 6/9 - Saving With Pollution Prevention: Being environmentally conscious can benefit our nation, our planet, and our wallets. This seminar explains how simple behavioral changes and habits can help ensure a “green” future (environmentally and financially) for everyone.
- Wed 6/14 - Maryland ABLE Accounts: This seminar will assist people with disabilities and their families prepare for the future using ABLE Accounts. Join us to learn about eligibility, criteria, enrollment process, features of the Maryland ABLE account and the account management process.
- Thu 6/15 - Consumer Awareness: This seminar introduces consumer rights as stipulated by Federal and State laws. Topics include specific rights for Service Members and the steps to take if you fall victim to predatory financial practices.
- Fri 6/16 - Renting: Join us and learn about the process of renting and how to best prepare to become a renter. We will discuss the importance of credit, effective communication tips to use with landlords and what your rights are under Fair Housing Laws.
- Wed 6/21 - Home Buying - Part 1: 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 6/22 - Home Buying - 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 6/23 - 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 6/28 - Are you ready 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 6/29 - Debt Elimination: Learn how to identify your debt-to-income ratio and establish an effective power pay plan for debt elimination. This seminar will show you practical steps for identifying and prioritizing debt, reducing expenses, recognizing budget-busting behaviors, and speeding up the repayment of debts.
- Fri 6/30 - The Three-Legged Stool & Your Finances: In this seminar we will discuss the three most common sources of retirement income: Social Security, Employee Pensions and Personal Savings.
- Wed 7/5 - Social Security: This seminar provides, answers to your Social Security questions such as:
- 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? - Thu 7/6 - Financial Planning for Transition - Part 1: This workshop will provide you with an understanding of how transition will affect your financial situation through discussion of income, debt, expenses, and assets.
- Fri 7/7 - Financial Planning for Transition - Part 2: Continuation of the Part 1 discussions for 7/6.
- Wed 7/12 - Tricare at Retirement: This seminar will discuss TRICARE changes after retirement and what actions you need to take to continue TRICARE health coverage for you and your family.
- Thu 7/13 - Retirement Planning Starter: In the seminar we will discuss long-term retirement strategies and how to set and reach your retirement goals.
- Fri 7/14 - Identity Theft: This Seminar discusses how thieves steal your identity and what you can do to deter, detect and defend against identity theft.
- Wed 7/19 - Saving Options: This seminar will identify reasons to save and how to set up goals for a saving plan. Participants will explore the difference between short term savings and long-term investments.
- Thu 7/20 - Buying and Selling Autos: Purchasing a car or selling 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 or sale.
- Fri 7/21 - Overview of the Veteran Readiness & Employment Program: This seminar covers important information relevant to all Active Duty, Guard or Retired Service Members.
- Wed 7/26 - Payoff College Loan Debt: We will provide strategies to help you financially plan for those major events or for the next big holiday.
- Thu 7/27 - Raising Money Savvy Children: This seminar focuses on financial goal setting.
- Fri 7/28 - Open Discussion: You ask about what’s on your mind!
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)
APG's current Mask Policy & COVID-19 Information. Please read and follow the guidance.
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 Colleen and Leary
Dates: Wednesday - Friday
Time: Noon - 1 p.m.
Login and listen to our Financial Readiness Program Counselors, Leary and Colleen, as they host 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.
June Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
July Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
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!
