- 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, Sep 3 - 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 Provide Financial Resources.
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Thu, Sep 4 - Investing In the Digital Age - PT 1: Learn how to make smart investment decisions and protect your money from scams in this briefing delivered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Fri, Sep 5 - Investing In the Digital Age - PT 2: Learn how to make smart investment decisions and protect your money from scams in this briefing delivered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Wed, Sep 10 - 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 values.
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Thu, Sep 11 - Marriage and Finances: 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, Sep 12 - 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, Sep 17 - 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, Sep 18 - 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, Sep 19 - 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, Sep 24 - 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.
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Thu, Sep 25 - 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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Fri, Sep 26 - Survivor Benefit Plan: This seminar will assist you in making informed decisions about SBP’s role in your retirement plan.
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Wed, Oct 1 - Thrift Saving Plan: 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 valuable resources.
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Thu, Oct 2 - Vesting in the 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, Oct 3 - Estate Planning: Learn about estate planning topics, terms, types of documents, getting organized, digital estates, ideas and more.
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Wed, Oct 8 - Developing Your Spend Plan: Learn to make and follow a spend plan through using a financial planning worksheet and includes tips to manage spending, create a budget and set SMART financial goals.
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Thu, Oct 9 - Saving and Investing: 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, Oct 10 - Meals in Minutes: Learn how to prepare healthy meals on a budget. We will address nutritional facts, how to navigate on-post food options and provide guidance on healthy and sustainable meal planning.
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Wed, Oct 15 - 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, Oct 16 - Disability Brief: This workshop will be an open discussion.
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Fri, Oct 17 - Disaster Preparation: This workshop will be an open discussion.
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Wed, Oct 22 - Disabling Sickness and Conditions: 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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Thu, Oct 23 - 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 processo deter, detect and defend against identity theft.
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Fri, Oct 24 - Retirement Planning Starter: 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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Wed, Oct 29 - Military Pay Issues: In this seminar we will discuss military pay issues and how to resolve them.
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Thu, Oct 30 - Raising Financially Fit Kids: Tips and resources to help teach your kids the concepts of "Save, Spend, Share & Invest", as they grow.
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Fri, Oct 31 - 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.
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.
September Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
October 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!
