Financial readiness during the holidays

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The Airman and Family Readiness Center is available to assist eligible base community members plan holiday spending, review financial situations, and receive financial training.

The center encourages knowing how much income to devote to holiday expenses, according to Carla Tyson, community readiness consultant.

Anyone taking on new debt should plan for it, she said.

The Department of Defense encourages financial readiness throughout a service members’ military lifecycle, from basic training to transition to civilian life.

At AFRC’s Transition Assistance Program classes, financial training is offered for first-term service members and for those who leave the military due to various circumstances.

They also have saving, budgeting and investing counseling and classes, as well.

Tyson said financial stability is especially important to service members with families.

“When service members have financial problems at home, they don’t have the peace of mind necessary to accomplish the mission,” she said.

“Our goal is to ensure their financial readiness.”

Tyson said a New Year’s resolution that includes saving money and reducing debt can position a member for success.

“Ideally, holiday expenses should be planned for year-round,” Tyson said.

“A holiday spending plan is one of the best gifts members can give themselves.”

For more information, call 882-9060.

By Kevin Gaddie, Team Eglin Public Afafirs