Financial Readiness Program

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

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.

August Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!

Week 1

• Wed, Aug 5 - Dream Big Plan Now: A secure future doesn't happen by accident; it is built through deliberate planning. Take the first step toward realizing your biggest financial goals.

• Thu, Aug 6 - Strategies for Successful Saving: 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.

• Fri, Aug 7 - The 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.

Week 2

• Wed, Aug 12 - Thrift Saving Plan: 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.

• Thu, Aug 13 - Healthy Relationship and Finance: Money can be a large stressor in relationships, this seminar will focus on strategies that will help couples and families manage their finances while maintaining a strong healthy bond. We will address various aspects of relationships concerning money and finances such as:

- Exploring the Impact of Finances On Couples and Families
- Communicating With Your Partner About Finances
- Resolving Conflicts
- Setting and Achieving Goals Together
- Building Long-term Wealth

• Fri, Aug 14 - Credit Management: 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.

Week 3

• Wed, Aug 19 - 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.

• Thu, Aug 20 - 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.

• Fri, Aug 21 - Paying Off Student Loans: Don't let student loans hold your financial future hostage. Join us for this strategic seminar to build a tactical plan to eliminate your student debt once and for all.

Week 4

• Wed, Aug 26 - 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.

• Thu, Aug 27 - Exploring Digital Assets: This seminar will discuss what digital assets are, and what you should know before investing.

• Fri, Aug 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 investmens.

September Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!

Week 1

• Wed, Sep 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.

• Thu, Sep 3 - Identity Theft: This seminar discusses how thieves steal your identity and what you can do to deter, detect and defend against identity theft.

• Fri, Sep 4 - 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 protect yourself from financial loss. 

Week 2

• Wed, Sep 9 - Building Wealth Over Time: You are invited to join us for an exclusive seminar on how to turn time into your greatest financial asset.

• Thu, Sep 10 - Emergency Financial Preparedness: This workshop will be an open discussion. Are you prepared?

• Fri, Sep 11 - 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.

Week 3

• Wed, Sep 16 - Pre-Deployment: Planning and preparing for the financial changes associated with a 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.

• Thu, Sep 17 - Post 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.

• Fri, Sep 18 - 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.

Week 4

• Wed, Sep 23 - Retirement Planning Started: This seminar offers important retirement information and provides useful insights to people who are planning for retirement, and those already retired who are rethinking their retirement finances.

• Thu, Sep 24 - Military Pay Issues: As a U.S. Army Soldier or Civilian your dedication demands more than just a standard paycheck. The Army provides a comprehensive, competitive compensation package designed to secure your financial future while you defend the nation.

• Fri, Sep 25 - Home Sweet Home: 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.

Week 5

• Wed, Sep 30 - Tricare: 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.

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.

Meeting Link:
https://dod.teams.microsoft.us/meet/993397216763?p=KmhLOiOxMj9cOt0m6n