- 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, Mar 27 - Military One Source: This seminar will help you navigate the Military OneSource website and will provide resources and tools to help service members and families and assist service providers in their important roles of support.
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Thu, Mar 28 - 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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Fri, Mar 29 - 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.
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Wed, Apr 3 - Building Strong Credit: 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.
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Thu, Apr 4 - 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.
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Fri, Apr 5 - 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.
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Wed, Apr 10 - Exploring Digital Assets: This seminar will discuss what Cryptocurrency is and what you should know before investing.
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Thu, Apr 11 - Gambling Awareness: This seminar discusses gambling statistics, the prevalence of gambling problems, military directives on gambling and the warning signs of compulsive/pathological gambling.
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Fri, Apr 12 - Identity Theft: This seminar discusses how thieves steal your identity and what you can do to deter, detect and defend against identity theft.
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Wed, Apr 17 - 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.
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Thu, Apr 18 - Disabling Sickness: 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.
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Fri, Apr 19 - 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.
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Wed, 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.
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Thu, Apr 25 - Raising Money Savvy Kids: This seminar provides tips and resources to help teach your kids the concepts of "Save, Spend, Share & Invest" as they grow.
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Fri, Apr 26 - 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.
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Wed, May 1 - 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.
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Thu, May 2 - TSP /BRS: In this presentation we will discuss vesting in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Topics will focus on: saving for retirement, an overview of the Blended Retirement System (BRS) and understanding the purpose of TSP.
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Fri, May 3 - 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.
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Wed, May 8 - Emergency Financial Preparedness: This will be an open discussion.
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Thu, May 9 - Understanding Your Credit Score: 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.
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Fri, May 10 - Renting: This seminar is designed to increase the knowledge and comfort level of first-time renters, and to serve as a refresher for current renters.
- Wed, May 15 - 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 16 - Home Buying and Mortgage Financing: 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.
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Fri, May 17 - 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!
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Wed, May 22 - PCS (Permanent Change of Station): A PCS assignment presents exciting opportunities but can also come with some financial challenges. This seminar increases awareness to the financial support that is available to service members and their families who have received a new assignment.
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Thu, May 23 - 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.
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Fri, May 24 - Shedding the Debt Weight: This seminar will discuss strategies that will help you attack debt head-on, reduce the debt weight and achieve financial freedom.
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Wed, May 29 - Developing 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.
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Thu, May 30 - Paying Off 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.
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Fri, May 31 - 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.
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.
March Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 5
April Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
May 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!
