Finance: taking charge of your money

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Everyone cannot be an expert in military pay and finance procedures. However, with the help of the 354th Comptroller Squadron finance office, potentially confusing topics can be easily cleared up.

There are many aspects of an individual's military pay account that requires attention. They typically include Basic Allowance for Housing, Controlled Spending Accounts, Cost of Living Allowance and Leave and Earnings Statements, to name a few.

The new CSA and LES's require the member to take responsibility and seek help as soon as they notice an error.

"A common mistake people make is they wait too long before coming in to the finance office for help," said Staff Sgt. Sedelia Gonzales, 354th Comptroller Squadron NCO in charge of customer service. "Airmen should come in as soon as they find any discrepancy because for some issues there is a time constraint."

Help can only be given if the issue is brought to the attention of the finance office. Another issue that could result in financial trouble is the LES.

"The LES is the Air Force's way of giving members responsibility so they can look at their own finances and watch their own money," said Airman 1st Class Nadine Deshields, 354th Comptroller Squadron customer service technician. "The intent of having the statements available is so they can easily be read to see the breakdown of the individual's earnings."

The doors to finance are open to any Airman who needs assistance with understanding their LES.

Being aware of changes and discrepancies with pay or financial documents is important so the issue can be brought up as soon as possible to the 354th Comptroller Squadron Airmen.

"From the most junior Airman to the most senior officer, we help Airmen of all ranks," said Gonzales.

There are many resources available to Airmen that can help control and understand their finances.

In addition to customer service, Airmen can seek guidance at the myPay website.

Another option is to have a supervisor or first sergeant look at an LES statement and assist in deciphering it, to ensure Airmen's finances are in order.

Customers are encouraged to come into the finance office with any questions as soon as they arise so action can be taken to remedy the situation.