Financial Fitness: Show me the money

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chyrece Campbell
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  The bill is $142.50. Will you pay with cash or credit?

Today, less and less people are choosing to use a credit card to pay their bills. According to Index Credit Cards, the average American has a revolving debt of $3,752 per adult and $7,394 per household. This is a significant decrease since the census data collected in July 2009 when the average credit card debt per adult was estimated at $4,013.

Debt can be detrimental to a person's way of life and even career, causing the person to not be focused on the mission and possibly lose clearances, and it is unfortunately one of the top reasons for divorce. To combat this, the Airmen and Family Readiness Center offers classes, programs and even one-on-one counseling with a financial manager.

"I have seen people from various backgrounds with little to no debt to heavy debt come to me for assistance," said James McDaniel, A&FRC community readiness consultant and accredited financial counselor.

The A&FRC "Have you fed your pig today" class teaches Airman how to transform their financial dreams into personal investment goals and plans.

Several classes, ranging from how to stop emotional spending to real estate to investing and savings, are offered monthly at the A&FRC here.

One of the main reasons people don't attend classes is that they don't want others to know about their financial status. To encourage members to explore options, one-on-one counseling is offered.

"The A&FRC offers such a great and variety of classes that even if you are not in debt, it's a great way to stay on top of your finances and better manage your money," said Capt. Naomi Evangelista, 65th Air Base Wing public affairs officer.

Personal financial planners in the civilian sector can charge a flat rate, hourly rate or even a commission for a service.

The A&FRC provides these services free of charge with no strings or hidden agendas, which is a savings that could range from $350 to more than $1000 depending on the class and provider.

"I love the one-on-one counseling because it is conducive to my work situation and schedule," said Senior Airman Javona Tarpley, 65th Logistics Readiness Squadron mobility storage technician.

"I found the information from Mr. McDaniel very informative and it was tailored just for me. I would recommend this to everyone because Mr. McDaniel finds ways to help you no matter what your financial status is, and he is not judgmental," Airman Tarpley added.

If you need assistance with getting out of debt or want to save more efficiently or even invest extra money, the A&FRC can help.

They not only offer classes, programs and one-on-one counseling, but they will also be glad to visit and brief your unit.