Financial readiness: Are you fully educated?

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shannon Hall
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  From the first day at basic training, it is instilled in Airmen that they must be physically and mentally fit in order to accomplish the Air Force mission, but what happens when finances become the stressor for our Airmen?

Financial readiness can sometimes be swept under the rug while Airmen turn their main focus to the job at hand. When this happens, it leaves room for issues to arise, that can affect Airmen, family members and the overall mission of the Air Force.

"Financial readiness is a subject that is often forgotten until it becomes too late for the Airman to fix; then it becomes a hindrance to the mission," said Emeline Hastings, 7th Force Support Squadron community readiness specialist. "Prevention through proper education is the key to beginning a climb to financial stability and success."

There are more than 15 classes offered at the center, with topics including Back-to-Basics Budgeting, Money and Marriage, Financial Planning and many more. Requests can also be made to have a class taught to an entire unit at a location of their choosing when necessary. A one-on-one session is also available upon request.

"While we normally teach the classes, if the schedule permits, we also have guest speakers from the United Services Automobile Association Financial Education Foundation or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission come and talk with Airmen," Hastings said.

These classes are offered to help further educate Airmen in their personal and professional lives and help prevent against financial hardships that may arise unexpectedly and affect the Airmen in many ways.

"It has been proven that with the burden of financial hardship, other factors can begin to play into an Airman's life such as decreased production at work, family issues, alcohol and drug abuse and mental health issues," Hastings said. "For those that have attended the classes, it has been beneficial in the fact that they have built substantial savings accounts and retirement funds, paid off bills and resolved overdue credits on their own."

To help promote the importance of managing finances, the Department of Defense Military Saves Week program focuses on the importance of saving and investing for the future. This week is officially dedicated for all military branches to heavily promote financial readiness, and takes place every year. When the burdens of finances are eased, Airmen can focus more on the mission.

"I signed up for the One-on-One Budgeting session, so I could better plan for the future," said Staff Sgt. Romeko Simmons, 436th Training Squadron instructional media technician. "This class helped me realize how much money I was losing and offers great information for anyone no matter your financial situation."

This year Military Saves Week is Feb. 22-27 and to help promote, Dyess will offer different classes at the base theater. Taking these courses to prevent financial hardships helps prevent issues that can distract Airmen from the mission.

"Fixing a problem that has already occurred takes much longer than preventing the problem," Hastings said. "With the proper use of any tool, anyone can fix or build a solid financial future for themselves and their families."

To see what classes are offered and to sign up, Airmen can call the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at (325) 696-5999.