- 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, May 7 - 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.
- Thu, May 8 - Financial Planning for Transition: 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, May 9 - Psychology of Spending: Spending habits can be influenced by a variety of factors, both internal and external. When it comes to budgeting and spending, it's important to not only determine the what, but the why and how. Join us to learn more about the psychology of spending and how to use this awareness to ensure your spending habits align with your goals.
- Wed, May 14 - 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, May 15 - 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, May 16 - 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, May 21 - Develop A 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.
- Thu, May 22 - Car Buying: Purchasing a car can be a difficult and frustrating process. This seminar 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.
- Fri, May 23 - Paying for College: Learn tips and tools to help you find ways to offset the cost of college! 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, May 28 - Paying Off Debt: This seminar will discuss strategies that will help you attack debt head-on, reduce the debt weight and achieve financial freedom.
- Thu, May 29 - Achieving Financial Wellness Like A Millionaire: This seminar will teach you how to meet your current and future financial obligations and feel secure in your financial future.
- Fri, May 30 - Understanding Your Credit Report: This seminar discusses the information found on a credit report - what it is used for, and how it can affect you financially. Learn about the three major credit reporting agencies and what they do with your information. Recognize which factors usually increase your credit risk in the eyes of these reporting agencies.
- Wed, Jun 4 - Pre-Deployment - part 1: Planning and preparing for the financial changes associated with deployment can reduce stress and help make the most of the situation. This discussion covers some of the benefits and potential financial pitfalls of deployment to help you remain financially secure during the deployment cycle.
- Thu, Jun 5 - Pre-Deployment/Post Deployment - part 2: Planning and preparing for the financial changes associated with deployment can reduce stress and help you make the most of the situation. This discussion covers some of the benefits and potential financial pitfalls of deployment to help you remain financially secure during the deployment cycle.
- Fri, Jun 6 - Raising Financially Fit Kids: This seminar provides tips and resources to help teach your kids the concept of "Save, Spend, Share & Invest".
- Wed, Jun 11 - How to Reduce Your Spending: Join us to explore a variety of options to reduce the amount of money you spend in an effort to cover your priority expenses and reach your goals. You will learn how to determine your current spending habits, identify your ideal spending plan, and walk away with a variety of suggestions to consider as you look to reduce spending in lower priority categories.
- Thu, Jun 12 - Dream Big Plan Now: This workshop will be an open discussion. What are your financial dreams and plans?
- Fri, Jun 13 - Finance and Promotion: In this seminar, we will review your finances to help set you up for a successful and prosperous future. We will cover four main topics: Financial Planning, Saving for Retirement, Career Investment Programs and Financial Resources.
- Wed, Jun 18 - Tricare 101: Join us for an overview of Tricare and other related benefits with our Health Benefits Advisor from Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic. Topics will include Eligibility Enrollment & Beneficiary Categories, Program Options, Priority Access to Military Facilities, Pharmacy & Dental Program Options, Transitional Coverage, Costs and Contact Information.
- Thu, Jun 19 - No Meeting: Holiday - Have a great Juneteenth!
- Fri, Jun 20 - Consumer Awareness: This seminar introduces consumer rights as stipulated by Federal and State laws. We will discuss specific rights for Service Members and review the steps to take appropriate action if you fall victim to predatory financial practices.
- Wed, Jun 25 - Understanding Credit Cards: In this seminar we will discuss how using credit cards wisely can benefit participants as well as the risks associated with having a credit card. We will provide tips on reducing credit card debt and understanding credit reports.
- Thu, Jun 26 - 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 protecting yourself from financial loss.
- Fri, Jun 27 - Emergency Financial Preparedness: This will be an open discussion. Are you prepared?
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.
May Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
June 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!
