A&FRC wraps up financial education campaign Published March 13, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Joshua Eikren 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Scott Airman and Family Readiness Center recently ended a two week campaign that helped military members and families learn the importance of financial readiness. "Our focus is always prevention through education," said Lona Berndt, 375th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. The A&FRC offers financial counseling year round with multiple accredited counselors who teach classes for newcomers, information workshops and schedule one-on-one sessions. "We teach the basics of financial responsibility in the First Term Airman's Class where new Airmen learn about entitlements, benefits, savings and investments, and how to read their leave and earning statements," said Berndt. For Military Saves week, the A&FRC brought in Kimberly Love, a military family life consultant, to support the campaign and share her knowledge as a military spouse and financial counselor. "Teaching the basics is important," said Love. "You never know when you'll have to deal with a hardship and knowing how to prepare for them will save you from a stressful situation down the road." Berndt said knowing how to save and doing it is important because military life often brings unexpected expenses from moves to short notice deployment. "Having an emergency savings fund is a difference you can make and not spending more than you make," she said. "Track your expenses to see what you save and use the Thrift Savings Plan to invest for retirement." In addition to classes, additional A&FRC resources help explain budgeting and investments, compound interest impact worksheets and budget planning. "It's important to do something now, no matter what your stage in life, because good financial habits are substantial to your future," Berndt said. For more information on classes or other resources, contact the A&FRC at 256-8668.