A&FRC helps Barksdale members set goals, make plans, save automatically

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The Airman and Family Readiness Center here will be hosting a program designed to motivate and teach military members and their dependents how to save money.

The five day Military Saves campaign will kick off Feb. 25; the campaign is designed to assist service members and their families with developing and maintaining military readiness through financial fitness and readiness.

"The classes will help them [service members] learn good financial habits and strengthen their financial fitness for the future," said Todd Makamson, A&FRC personal financial management director. "With the economy as tight as it is, we are teaching them how to prepare for the uncertain future ahead."

The week long classes will include:
Feb. 25 Getting over you holiday financial hangover
Feb. 26 Saving Basics- Building a solid financial foundation
Feb. 27 Financial Wisdom for spouses
Feb. 28 Invest- Going beyond savings
March 1 Credit and debt management.
All classes will be held at the A&FRC at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

"With different class times we are hoping for max participation from everyone, even the shift workers," said Makamson. "On March 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., we will also be offering members a free credit report and FICO scores, along with a one-on-one financial analysis of their report and scores."

There is also a Military Saves contest that the A&FRC is hosting to help promote the campaign. The contest is divided into three different categories so that anyone can participate.

"We are having contests to encourage everyone on base to be more aware of the little things that they can do to save money," said Makamson.

The three contests sponsored are: Military Savers Pledge, which focuses on military members in the different squadrons, Family Coupon Challenge for military families and the Loose Change Challenge, which are focused towards dorm residents. Each category has its own prizes that will be given out.

"We are excited to bring both the campaign and contest to our military members and their families," said Makamson. "Saving is all about thinking big but starting small. These classes and contest will help show exactly what we mean."

For more information about the Military Saves Week Campaign and the contests contact Todd Makamson at 456-8400 or visit the A&FRC.