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Military Saves "Builds Wealth, Not Debt"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  In these times of economic turmoil, what better way to spend a week than to learn about how to save a buck or two...or thousands? The military certainly is putting its "money where its mouth is" by educating the base populace on various money saving techniques. 

Pope kicked off Military Saves Week with a ceremony in the Airman and Family Readiness Center conference room by inviting North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper, to give a keynote address to its Airmen. 

Mr. Cooper explained why Airmen should watch out for scammers who may be trying to target them. 

"Scammers crawl out from under rocks to take advantage of people, and the men and women of this base are often targets," he said. "There are a lot of people out there who want to take your money. They can take away the wealth that you are trying to build, and you don't have to be dumb to fall for one of their scams." 

He further advised Pope members to take the time to educate themselves on their finances by attending the various financial classes offered throughout the week. 

This year's Military Saves Week ran from Feb. 23 to 27. Military Saves Week is a community-based program that encourages servicemembers and their families to pay down debt, build emergency savings and save for the future one step at a time. 

Throughout the week, Pope members were given the opportunity to attend various classes that provided them with the proper tools and information needed to achieve financial success. 

Classes on budgeting, investing, debt recovery, saving, fraud prevention and much more were offered at different times throughout the week. 

Staff Sgt. Amberly Crocker, 43rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron, who attended a Homebuyers' Seminar, believes it is crucial to get the information out to people so they can educate themselves and therefore protect themselves from financial ruin. 

"A lot of business people know the military are good targets because they make steady money, so it's important to be informed on financial matters so you don't get ripped off," she said. 

Since she and her husband will be changing duty stations soon, she wanted to attend the seminar in order to prepare them for home buying. 

"I had already researched the topic extensively before attending the class, but it definitely helped answer all of my remaining questions," Sergeant Crocker said. 

Esther Acker, Credit Counseling Services Manager, who taught one of the financial classes during Military Saves Week, also makes a point to teach Pope FTAC students about the importance of credit and money management. 

"A lot of military people live paycheck to paycheck and have not learned to save," she said. "It's a decision we all need to make - to put away for the future. I think the reason many do not do save is a lack of financial education, and it is very rewarding to know you've provided a foundation to help them make right choices with their money." 

Deborah Belin, Pope's Military Saves project officer and coordinator for the week's activities, agreed. 

"It was an opportunity for members to look at their personal finances and see how they can improve them," she said. "It is so important to establish a financial plan, do something to reduce debt and start a savings plan. 

"I've seen both ends of the spectrum, and I know financial distress can be very overwhelming," Ms. Belin added. "When I can coach someone about their finances and see the clouds of financial stress lift off them, it gives me a good feeling." 

For more information on how to get financial counseling, call the A&FRC at 394-2538 or visit www.militarysaves.org.