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.

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.

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

Week 1

• Thu, 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.

• Fri, Oct 2 - Retirement Planning: This workshop focuses on sources of income, retirement planning steps, military pension systems and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Week 2

• Wed, Oct 7 - Developing Your Spend Plan: Learn to make and follow a spend plan through using a financial planning worksheet and include tips to manage spending, create a budget and set SMART financial goals.

• Thu, Oct 8 - Understanding Your Credit Report and 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.

• Fri, Oct 9 - 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.

Week 3

• Wed, Oct 14 - 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 15 - Disability Brief: This workshop will be an open discussion.

• Fri, Oct 16 - Disaster Preparation: This workshop will be an open discussion.

Week 4

• Wed, Oct 21 - 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, Oct 22 - ABLE Accounts: 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.

• Fri, Oct 23 - Identity Theft: This seminar discusses how thieves steal your identity and what you can do to deter, detect and defend against identity theft.
   

Week 5

• Wed, Oct 28 - Take Control Your Finances: This workshop provides information on credit establishment, management and debt relief. Introduces debt-to-income ratio concepts, the importance of monitoring credit reports and briefly addresses SCRA and bankruptcy.

• Thu, Oct 29 - Raising Financially Fit Kids: Tips and resources to help teach your kids the concepts of "Save, Spend, Share & Invest", as they grow.

• Fri, Oct 30 - 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.

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

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