JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Joint Base Andrews will observe Military Saves Week in conjunction with the nationwide America Saves Campaign and host educational events from Feb. 27 to March 3.
This week is dedicated to educating Department of Defense personnel about personal financial matters ranging from debt reduction to retirement planning.
“When it comes to saving money, every class and workshop counts,” said Tech. Sgt. Janell Kersh, 11th Force Support Squadron readiness NCO. “If [military members are] given the proper education and tools for managing money and living within their means, it will cut back on the amount of stress they may encounter.”
Events will include public presentations, in-unit workshops tailored to individual offices, and financial information booths.
“This year we are going to the units and speaking to them on topics of their choice,” Kersh said. “Having the ability to work within the units allows us to discuss topics specific to their needs since each squadron is different. Being able to address that only helps our community and builds healthy relationships throughout JBA.”
In addition to covering topics like investing, planning, spending and saving, this year’s talks will hone in on the military’s new Blended Retirement System.
“With the onset of the new Blended Retirement System, this year’s campaign is very important,” said Elizabeth A. Haines, 11th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. “Members have recently been notified if they are eligible to choose between the legacy retirement and the Blended Retirement System. Receiving more information about it will help them make a confident decision.”
During the week, members and their families will be encouraged to take the “Saver’s Pledge,” a personal commitment to individuals to save money for different purposes, which will be entered into a drawing for a chance to receive one of three $100 gift cards: one visa and two to the commissary.
“Savings pledges are written tools for members to make commitments to themselves,” Haines said. “People who have written financial goals are 30 percent more likely to achieve their goal than those without them.”
Lessons made available during this week are especially valuable to military members because they move more frequently than most civilians, have complicated pay, and struggle to build assets, Haines said.
“As a military spouse and a financial counselor, I know firsthand the financial hurdles faced by our members,” Haines said. “Learning early in your military career helps prepare you for emergency situations, it relives tensions and also helps maintain healthy relationships within the home. These classes are just the beginning to becoming financially sound and building wealth toward retirement.”
For more information and to sign up for courses, contact the Joint Base Andrews Military and Family Support Center at 301-981-7087.