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.

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

Week 1

• Wed, Jun 3 - 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, Jun 4 - 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.

• Fri, Jun 5 - Understanding Credit Reports 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.

Week 2

• Wed, Jun 10 - 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, Jun 11 - Home Buying - Mortgage Process: This seminar will discuss how to choose mortgage lenders when buying a home. We will share information about mortgages and discuss which lenders and banks offer the best home mortgage loans and interest rates.

• Fri, Jun 12 - 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!

Week 3

• Wed, Jun 17 - Military Pay Issues: In this seminar we will discuss military pay issues and how to resolve them.

• Thu, Jun 18 - 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.

• Fri, Jun 19 - Juneteenth - Federal Holiday, no meeting.

Week 4

• Wed, Jun 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 to a scam.

• Thu, Jun 25 - Finance and Promotions: 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.

• Fri, Jun 26 - 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.

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

Week 1

• Wed, Jul 1 - Holiday Brief: 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.

• Thu, Jul 2 - Banking Essentials: This seminar explains how to choose financial services and institutions to meet your needs. Basic information on banking and checking accounts and other financial services will be provided.

• Fri, Jul 3 - Fourth of July - Federal Holiday, no meeting.

Week 2

• Wed, Jul 8 - FAP Safety Plan:  Join ACS in learning safety planning tips. We will provide techniques to use when safety within the home is no longer safe. Learn how to protect yourself against domestic violence.

• Thu, Jul 9 - Marriage and Finance: 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.

• Fri, Jul 10 - Divorce and Finance: 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.

Week 3

• Wed, Jul 15 - Planning for Retirement: 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, Jul 16 - Survivor Benefit Plan: This seminar will assist you in making informed decisions about SBP’s role in your retirement plan.

• Fri, Jul 17 - Continuation Pay: Service members under the Blended Retirement System (BRS), are eligible for a one-time, mid-career bonus payment called Continuation Pay. During this seminar, you will have the opportunity to understand what Continuation Pay is, how to apply for it, and how best to use it.

Week 4

• Wed, Jul 22 - Exploring Digital Assets: This seminar will discuss what digital assets are, and what you should know before investing.

• Thu, Jul 23 - 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.

• Fri, Jul 24 - 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.

Week 4

• Wed, Jul 29 - Paying Off Debt: This seminar is designed to teach strategies for paying off debt and work towards achieving your financial freedom.

• Thu, Jul 30 - First Child & Finances: A new child means changes, especially to your finances. Whether you are having a baby, adopting or becoming a stepparent due to marriage, this course is designed to help you organize your finances efficiently and prepare you for the changes that come with your growing family.

• Fri, Jul 31 - Gambling Awareness: This seminar discusses gambling statistics, the prevalence of gambling problems, military directives on gambling and the warning signs of compulsive/pathological gambling.

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