- 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, Nov 5 - Exploring Digital Assets: This seminar will discuss what Cryptocurrency is and what you should know before investing.
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Thu, Nov 6 - 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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Fri, Nov 7 - Tricare Open Season: 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.
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Wed, Nov 12 - Tax Preparations: This workshop discusses the U.S. Tax System and the goals of personal tax planning. We will discuss the current tax update.
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Thu, Nov 13 - 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.
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Fri, Nov 14 - Understanding Your Credit Report and Scores: 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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Wed, Nov 19 - Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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, Nov 20 - 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.
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Fri, Nov 21 - Financial Planning for Transition - Part 2: This workshop will provide you with an understanding of how transition will affect your financial situation through discussion of income, debt, expenses, and assets.
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Wed, Dec 3 - 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.
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Thu, Dec 4 - Planning Your Finances for The Next Big Event: We will provide strategies to help you financially plan for those major events or for the next big holiday.
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Fri, Dec 5 - 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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Wed, Dec 10 - 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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Thu, Dec 11 - Preparing To Rent: 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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Fri, Dec 12 - Holiday Spending: This seminar is designed to help you plan for the added expenses of the holidays and special events. We will discuss strategies to avoid
overspending and accumulating excessive debt.
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.
November Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Nov 26-28 - Holiday Week: Happy Thanksgiving! No workshops.
December Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 1
Week 2
Remainder of December: Happy Holidays! No workshops.
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!
