- 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, Jan 14 - 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.
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Thu, Jan 15 - Tax Updates: This workshop discusses the U.S. Tax System and the goals of personal tax planning. We will discuss the current tax updates.
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Fri, Jan 16 - Finances 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.
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Wed, Jan 21 - 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, Jan 22 - 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 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.
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Fri, Jan 23 - Paying Off Debt: This seminar is designed to teach strategies for paying off debt and work toward achieving your financial freedom.
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Wed, Jan 28 - Financial Planning for the Future: This workshop focuses on sources of income, retirement planning steps, military pension systems and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
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Thu, Jan 29 - 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, Jan 30 - 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.
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Wed, Feb 4 - 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, Feb 5 - 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.
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Fri, Feb 6 - Exploring Digital Assets: This seminar will discuss what digital assets are, and what you should know before investing.
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Wed, Feb 11 - 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 other valuable resources.
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Thu, Feb 12 - Vesting in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): 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, Feb 13 - Finance and Pre Deployment: Planning and preparing for the financial changes associated with deployment can reduce stress and help you make the most of the situation. We’ll cover some of the benefits and potential financial pitfalls of deployment to help you remain financially secure during the deployment cycle.
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Wed, Feb 18 - Finance and Post Deployment: Planning and preparing for the financial changes associated with post deployment can reduce stress and help you make the most of the situation. We’ll cover some of the benefits and potential financial pitfalls of post deployment to help you remain financially secure during the deployment cycle.
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Thu, Feb 19 - 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.
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Fri, Feb 20 - 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.
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Wed, Feb 25 - 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 26 - 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.
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Fri, Feb 27 - 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!
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.
January Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
February 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!
