Military Saves Week begins

This year, a new text to pledge system allows eligible patrons to make savings pledges from their smartphones by texting “Eglin Saves” to 95577.  Eglin is the first DoD installation to launch the new system.

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Military Saves Week kicks off here Feb. 26 – March 2.  The DoD-wide financial readiness campaign encourages military and civilian communities to meet immediate needs and build long-term wealth through saving and debt reduction.

 

The campaign is part of the broader, nation-wide America Saves Campaign.   The target audience includes service members from all branches, their family members, and civil service employees.

This year, a new text to pledge system allows eligible patrons to make savings pledges from their smartphones by texting “Eglin Saves” to 95577.  Eglin is the first DoD installation to launch the new system.

“This is a more efficient way to pledge, and it’s a faster way to gain access to resources,” said Jacqueline Gonzales, Airman & Family Readiness Center personal financial readiness program manager.

Gonzales explained the system will send pledgers a link to saveandinvest.org that allows them a one-time free credit score check.  It doesn’t affect their credit report.

The text to pledge system also sends links to local financial resources.

Gonzales said with guidance, everyone can set short and long-term savings goals.

“Through Military Saves, people can prepare for their financial future and prevent financial difficulties that can arise,” she said.  “We all contribute to the Eglin mission in different capacities.  We all have something to save for.  Being financially prepared and aware of helpful resources provides the foundation of a stable financial future.”

A kick-off event is scheduled for Feb. 26 at 9 a.m. at the Digital Library.  Brig. Gen. Evan Dertien, 96th Test Wing commander, will read the Military Saves Week proclamation.  A prize drawing for text to pledge participants will also be held.

Throughout the week, the A&FRC will host a series of personal financial readiness group chats at the Warrior Landing Community Center at Corvais Military Housing.  At the chats, interested patrons can exchange savings tips and tricks that work best for their households.  No registration is required.

The chats include:

Couponing Chat, – Feb. 27, 1 – 2 p.m.

Meal Prep Chat – Feb. 28, 1-2 p.m.

Work From Home Chat – March 1, 1 – 2 p.m.

A&FRC personnel also will visit base units, by appointment, and give personal financial readiness classes from a selection of topics:  Blended Retirement System; Savings vs. Debt Reduction; Taxes; an A&FRC Financial Services Overview; Civilian vs. Military Pay; and Investments, Risk Tolerance and Savings Goals.  Call 882-9060 to coordinate classes, dates and times.

“We understand the mission and other life obligations can make it difficult attend a briefing, so we’re going out to the units this year,” Gonzales said.

For more information, call 882-9060.

Story by Kevin Gaddie, Team Eglin Public Affairs