- Financial Readiness Program (FRP). FRP provides comprehensive educational and counseling programs in personal financial readiness. The program covers indebtedness, consumer advocacy and protection, money management, credit, financial planning, insurance, and consumer issues. Other services offered include mandatory financial literacy, financial planning for transitioning Soldiers, financial counseling for deployed Soldiers and their Families, and the Department of Defense Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance Program.
- Army Emergency Relief (AER). AER is the US Army's own nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating financial distress in the force. AER provides grants and zero-interest loans to active-duty and retired Soldiers and their Families. AER has supported over 4 million Soldiers since 1942. AER offices are conveniently located at installations around the world. Visit ArmyEmergencyRelief.org to learn more.
- Online Support and Education. Go to Financial Frontline for self-service financial literacy education and help.
- Blended Retirement System. The Blended Retirement System (BRS) combines elements of the legacy retirement system with benefits similar to those offered in many civilian 401(k) plans. Get smart on retirement benefits with the Army Retirement Services Office and Joint Knowledge Online Training.
- Financial Readiness Affiliates
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP is a federal government-sponsored retirement savings and investment plan available to both federal civilian employees and members of the uniformed services. The TSP offers the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations offer their employees under 401(k) plans. The retirement income a TSP account provides will depend on working-year contributions and the earnings on those contributions. Learn more at the official Thrift Savings Plan website.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB makes markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans — whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products. The CFPB gives consumers the information they need to understand the terms of their agreements with financial companies. Learn more about the CFPB, visit the CFPB on-demand forum and tools website, or order free CFPB publications.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) Military Line. The BBB Military Line provides free resources to our military communities in the areas of financial literacy and consumer protection through the efforts of 112 BBBs across the US. Visit the BBB Military Line to learn more.
- Wed, Aug 21 - Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): This seminar will assist you in making informed decisions about SBP’s role in your retirement plan.
- Thu, Aug 22 - Social Security: This seminar provides, answers to your Social Security questions such as:
- Fri, Aug 23 - Dream Big Plan Now: This will be an open discussion.
- Wed, Aug 28 - Financial Fitness: This seminar will discuss military benefits.
- Thu, Aug 29 - Credit Management: This seminar provides information on credit establishment, credit management and debt relief. It introduces debt-to-income ratio concepts, the importance of monitoring credit reports and scores and briefly addresses the SCRA and bankruptcy.
- Fri, Aug 30 - Car Buying: Purchasing a car can be a difficult and frustrating process. This seminar you will teach you how to negotiate with dealers for the best price and explore how you can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on your next vehicle purchase! In addition, discussion will help you determine how much car you can afford.
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Wed, Sep 4 - Military One Source: This seminar will help you navigate the Military OneSource site and will provide resources and tools to help service members and families and assist service providers in their important roles of support.
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Thu, Sep 5 - Investing in the Digital Age - Part 1: Learn how to make smart investment decisions and protect your money from scams in this briefing delivered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Fri, Sep 6 - Investing in the Digital Age - Part 2: Learn how to make smart investment decisions and protect your money from scams in this briefing delivered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Wed, Sep 11 - Money and Relationships: Marriage is not only a meaningful commitment to your partner but also a financial commitment, and financial stress can play a big role in a marriage. This seminar will provide tips and tools to help you minimize stress and optimize your finances.
- Thu, Sep 12 - Pre-deployment: Planning and preparing for the financial changes associated with a deployment can reduce stress on you and your family and help you make the most of the situation. We’ll cover some of the benefits and potential financial pitfalls of deployment to help you remain financially secure during the deployment cycle.
- Fri, Sep 13 - Post-Deployment: Planning and preparing for the financial changes associated with a deployment can reduce stress on you and your family and help you make the most of the situation. We’ll cover some of the benefits and potential financial pitfalls of deployment to help you remain financially secure during the deployment cycle.
- Wed, Sep 18 - Home Buying: A house is one of the most complicated and expensive purchases you will ever make. This presentation provides an overview of the home buying and mortgage process. Topics include:
- Thu, Sep 19 - Home Buying – Mortgage Process: This seminar will discuss how to choose mortgage lenders when home buying. We will share information about mortgages and discuss which lenders and banks offer the best home mortgage loans and interest rates.
- Fri, Sep 20 - Home Selling: This seminar covers everything from staging to settlement. Learn to prepare and stage your home, gather the necessary documents and understand the process from hanging the "For Sale" sign to settlement day!
- Wed, Sep 25 - Take Control of Your Finances: This workshop provides information on credit establishment, money management and debt relief. Discussion introduces debt-to-income ratio concepts, the importance of monitoring credit reports and briefly addresses SCRA and bankruptcy.
- Thu, Sep 26 - Psychology of Spending: Spending habits can be influenced by a variety of factors, both internal and external. When it comes to budgeting and spending, it's important to not only determine the what, but the why and how. Join us to learn more about the psychology of spending and how to use this awareness to ensure your spending habits align with your values.
- Fri, Sep 27 - Identity Theft: This seminar discusses what ID theft is, how thieves steal your ID and what you can do to deter, detect and defend against identity theft.
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Wed, Oct 2 - Healthy Relationships and Finance: Money can be a large stressor in relationships, this seminar will focus on strategies that will help couples and families manage their finances while maintaining a strong healthy bond. We will address various aspects of relationships concerning money and finances such as:
· Exploring the Impact of Finances On Couples and Families
· Communicating With Your Partner About Finances
· Resolving Conflicts
· Setting and Achieving Goals Together
· Building Long-term Wealth -
Thu, Oct 3 - Insurance Needs: This seminar discusses how to make informed choices when selecting insurance products and how you can best manage risk, safeguard wealth and protect your assets.
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Fri, Oct 4 - Gambling Awareness: This seminar discusses gambling statistics, the prevalence of gambling problems, military directives on gambling and the warning signs of compulsive/pathological gambling.
- Wed, Oct 9 - Developing Your Spending Plan: This workshop will help you learn to make and follow a spend plan through using a financial planning worksheet and includes tips to manage spending, create a budget and set SMART financial goals.
- Thu, Oct 10 - Saving and Investing: This seminar will identify reasons to save and how to set goals for a savings plan. Participants will explore the difference between short term savings and long-term investments.
- Fri, Oct 11 - Stretching Your Money: This workshop provides tips on living within your means and developing a viable spending plan.
- Wed, Oct 16 - Thrift Saving Plan (TSP): This seminar provides an overview of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). We will discuss: Enrollment, Participation, Contributions, Roth TSP, Investment Funds and Withdrawal Options. We will also highlight important considerations for retirement planning and will provide valuable resources.
- Thu, Oct 17 - Planning Your Finances for the Next Big Event: We will provide strategies to help you financially plan for those major events or for the next big holiday.
- Fri, Oct 18 - Money Smart for Older Adults: Learn ways to identify and prevent scammers from gaining access to your finances as well as what to do if you fall victim of a scam.
- Wed, Oct 23 - Disabling Sickness and Conditions: It can be incredibly overwhelming if you or a family member are impacted by a chronic sickness or condition. This seminar will focus on the financial implications and help you create a plan to manage your finances effectively.
- Thu, Oct 24 - ABLE Accounts: This seminar will assist people with disabilities and their families prepare for the future through the use of ABLE Accounts. Join us to learn about eligibility, criteria, enrollment process, features of the Maryland ABLE account and the account management process.
- Fri, Oct 25 - Retirement Planning Starter: In this seminar we will discuss the purpose of saving and investing for retirement.
- Wed, Oct 30 - Exploring Digital Assets: This seminar will discuss what digital assets are, and what you should know before investing.
- Thu, Oct 31 - Financial Fitness: This seminar will discuss military benefits.
Want to take charge of your finances? The Army's Financial Readiness Program (FRP) and Consumer Advocacy Services can help with comprehensive educational and counseling programs. Learn about debt, consumer advocacy and protection, money management, credit, financial planning, insurance, and consumer issues. Through classroom training and individual counseling, participants can learn how to save and invest money, establish savings goals, eliminate debt, and save for emergencies.
We offer:
Here are some other financial resources for Soldiers and their Families:
(Government Links)
(Non-Government Links, No Endorsement Implied)
The Financial Readiness Program helps educate service members about personal financial management. Consumer assistance is offered in cases involving conflict with local businesses. In all cases, counseling is provided on an individual and confidential basis.
ACS Financial Services is now offering VIRTUAL counseling and seminars!
VIRTUAL FINANCIAL LUNCH & LEARN
with Leary
Dates: Wednesday - Friday
Time: Noon - 1 p.m.Login and listen to our Financial Readiness Program Counselors, Leary, as he hosts dynamic discussions of current events, financial topics, take your requests and questions, and engage the audience. This is an opportunity to listen in as your schedule allows.
August Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 4
· When am I eligible to receive retirement benefits?
· How does early retirement affect my benefits?
· Do I qualify for disability, survivors, or spousal benefits?
· How do you get the most from your benefit?
· What is the future of Social Security?
· When should I file for Medicare?
Week 5
September Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
- Determining Whether the Time is Right to Purchase A Home
· Determining What You Can Afford
· Choosing A Lender and Loan
· Selecting A Real Estate Agent
· Negotiating
· Closing the Deal
Week 4
October Lunch & Learn Topics below.
Registration is not required and all classes are free!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Sign-in using the MS Teams link below at least 5 minutes prior to the start time.
Registration is not required. If you're not already a member, you will need to download Microsoft Teams (MT) and join using your browser.
Personal Budgets - Handling Credit Wisely - Planning for the Future
ACS Financial Professionals will be at the ready to give you professional advice and answers...virtually!
