Military Saves Campaign kicks off Feb. 24

  • Published
  • By Compiled from staff reports
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Military Saves Week kicks off Feb. 24 through March 2. 

The Military Saves program is a Department of Defense campaign adopted by the U.S. Air Force to promote personal financial readiness among all Airmen and their families to enhance mission readiness. 

"Financial issues are the number one reason for security clearance issues," said Mark Kern, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness and Military Saves Campaign project officer. "Members who find themselves in debt and unable to pay their debt in a proper and timely manner could find themselves unable to work in their duty section and complete their responsibilities if their security clearance has been revoked or suspended." 

In addition, Mr. Kern said the stress of worrying about finances and debt can distract members while on the job, "A healthy personal financial situation can help mission effectiveness." 

The focus areas of the program are saving for an emergency, paying off high-cost debt, buying a home, contributing to the Thrift Savings Plan or a 401k and saving through the Department of Defense Deposit Program while deployed.

Participation in the campaign is voluntary and all Airmen and their families are eligible.

"Those individuals who sign up for military saves at militarysaves.org pledge to make savings a priority and will have access to financial information and helpful reminders that can keep them thinking about saving and help them avoid credit card traps and unwise investments," said Mr. Kern.

There is also a sect of the pledge specifically designed for youth, this program started Feb. 1 and will run through March 8.

"Military Youth Saves Week (which coincides with Military Saves Week) will provide our youth some exciting possibilities while learning to save money," said Deborah Conklin, 354th Force Support Squadron youth director. "All youth enrolled will receive piggy banks and take the Military Saves Pledge."

"The ability to make good financial choices is something even a young child can understand if you put the right tools in his or her hand," said Ms. Conklin.

Information and events are available during Military Saves Week to educate Airmen and their families on how to avoid debt and create a savings plan.

Military Saves Week, sponsored by the Airman and Family Readiness Center, events include:

Thrift Savings Plan class: 11 a.m. to noon, Feb. 26.

An information booth will be set up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 27 at the base exchange.

For more information, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 377-2178. For information concerning Military Youth Saves, call 377-3034.

Editor's note: Parts of this article were used from an article written by Airman 1st Class Kelly LeGuillon.