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Financial Readiness show makes 'cents'

  • Published
  • By Pacifica Chehy
  • Capital Flyer staff writer
ANDREWS AFB, Md. --  Team Andrews members have the opportunity to attend the Financial Readiness Road Show Feb. 18 at the Reel Time Theater from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Hosted by Col. Steven Shepro, 316th Wing commander, the event is free and open to all Department of Defense identification card holders, including military members, their families, DoD employees, contractors and retirees. 

"The Financial Readiness Road Show event is organized by Managed Health Net and is sponsored by the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy," said Kelly Stewart, 316th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness community readiness consultant. "Together, they are bringing a full range of local, state and federal resources to assist military personnel and their families throughout the local area deal with the impacts of today's economy. It is important for our community to know that financial readiness affects the total force. When your mind in on your money, it is not on the mission." 

The Financial Readiness Road Show is aimed at helping Team Andrews'
personnel strengthen their financial circumstances and learn key ways to take control of finances. At the road show, attendees can make direct contact with subject matter experts, be provided tools and resources to help take charge of personal finances, and financial counselors will be on hand to provide assistance in areas such as budgets and spending plans, credit management, debt elimination, identity theft prevention, car and home buying, savings and investments, and estate and retirement planning. 

Financial experts, John Sileo and Larry Winget, are among the featured speakers at the day's event. "John Sileo will give a presentation on the fastest growing crime in the military -- identity theft," said Ms. Stewart. "Through John Sileo's presentation, road show attendees will learn how to safeguard personal information and protect their families. Larry Winget will be a presenter, as well. He's known as 'the Pit Bull of Personal Development.' Larry Winget is a motivational speaker and author of several bestsellers including, 'Shut Up, Stop Whining and Get a Life' and 'It's Called Work for a Reason.'" 

There will also be various workshops with other financial experts who will provide vital information on identity theft, taking control of finances, the truths and myths of credit reports, foreclosure avoidance, retirement planning, financial planning for deployment and car buying guidance. An added bonus for road show attendees: event workshops and counseling services will be provided at no cost and one-on-one counseling services will be available with Personal Financial, Housing and Urban Development representatives, and credit counselors. 

At the end of the day, road show attendees should be able to walk away armed with knowledge as to how to achieve and maintain a good credit report, how to take control of debt including how to use credit wisely and save smartly, and understand the challenges of home ownership and strategies for preventing foreclosure and deciding when -- or if -- one is ready to purchase a home. "They will also have peace of mind that despite economic conditions, we can remain in control of our financial situation with the help of the many support agencies available to the total force," said Ms. Stewart. 

Road show attendees are highly encouraged to pre-register at www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/service/conference. Attendees are welcome to come and go during the show as their schedule permits. For more information, call 301-981-7087.