Make savings a habit

  • Published
  • By Tracie Faulk
  • Malmstrom Airman and Family Readiness Center

How much money do you have in your savings account? Did you know it is recommended military members have at least three months’ worth of their salary in savings?  You never know when an emergency will occur.  The recent government shutdown was a perfect example of needing to be prepared. Set a goal, make a plan, save automatically. Make savings a habit, it is that simple.

 

Learn more about savings and debt elimination by taking part in the Military Saves Week from Feb. 26 to March 2.  This annual event is sponsored by the 341st Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center and Youth Programs.

 

Military Saves is a DoD-wide financial readiness campaign to persuade, motivate and encourage military and civilian members and their families to increase personal savings, decrease debt and develop financial fitness habits that lead to improved financial stability and ultimately to mission readiness.  Saving regularly can eliminate the need for high-cost, short-term loans and ensure long-term financial security, particularly through such military savings programs as the Thrift Savings Plan and Savings Deposit Program. 

 

The Airman and Family Readiness Center along with Youth Programs is encouraging Malmstrom active duty military, retired military, civilian personnel and their family members to be a part of the Military Saves Week. 

 

The Airman and Family Readiness Center is offering the following informational sessions from 9-10 a.m. Call the AFRC at 731-4900 to reserve a space.

  • Feb. 26 - Budget and Saving Strategies

  • Feb. 27 - Blended Retirement System Boost

  • Feb. 28 - Investing in the Thrift Savings Plan

  • March 1 - Couponing 101

  • March 2 - Saver Pledge

 

Youth Programs is offering the following programs during the week:

  • Feb. 26 - Going for Gold and Saver Pledge

  • Feb. 27 - Decorating for Dollars

  • Feb. 28 - Let’s Play the Money Game

  • March 1 - Slime on a Dime

  • March 2 - Military/Youth Saves Celebration

 

For more information, contact Tracie Faulk at the AFRC at 731-4900, or Stevie Brown at the Youth Center at 731-4634.

 

This Military Saves Week start creating healthy financial habits by taking the Military Saves Pledge at militarysaves.org to set your savings goal.  By taking the saver pledge you will receive quarterly e-newsletters with helpful financial tips.

 

Saving is a great habit to build wealth, not debt.