Soldiers are often reluctant to ask for assistance, and yet there are state and federal programs in place to assist soldiers and family members. By using these programs, families can save a few hard-earned dollars for use in other areas of household management. Financial Readiness provides information, eligibility guidelines, referral and/or registration for the following assistance programs:

Christmas Unlimited -- provides Christmas presents to children of eligible families, ages 13 and under.

Commodities -- USDA surplus food programs provide foods such as cheese, butter, peanut butter, honey, meal and canned goods.

Food Stamps -- Monthly benefits that help households buy the food they need to maintain good health. For most households, food stamps are only part of their food budget; they must spend some of their own cash along with their food stamps in order to buy enough food for the month.

Headstart -- A preschool program for eligible children that focuses on social development. Age requirements are prenatal to 4 years old.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) -- Provides assistance by paying a portion of your monthly heating bill. This program starts in November and ends in April.

Operation Back-To-School -- Provides school supplies for school-age children in eligible families.

Financial literacy is an integral part of mission readiness and quality of life. The goal of this campaign is to maintain a comprehensive and state-of-the-art education and training program throughout the services. Designed by the DoD, the purpose of the FLP is to increase personal readiness by reducing the stressors related to financial well-being. This program will assist soldiers and family members in awareness, savings & debt reduction and protection against predatory practices.

Make the ACS Financial Readiness Program your first choice for any decisions with your finances. If you have not met with our finance counselors, take the first step. Services range from retirement planning to debt management to credit counseling to investing. For details, call 719-526-4590.

Budget Counseling allows a client to meet with a financial counselor to discuss the management of personal finances. The counselor develops a financial analysis to determine the household's monthly living expenses and a budget is established with an emphasis on managing personal finances and tracking spending habits. Budget counseling also offers assistance in bankruptcy counseling, purchasing an automobile and repaying creditors.

Army Emergency Relief is available to assist with emergency financial needs to include but not limited to:

• food
• rent (1st months and deposit)
• utilities
• emergency travel
• car repair / car payment
• essential furniture
• funeral expenses
• medical/dental expenses
• immigration fees

AER also provides various scholarship opportunities. For assistance, call (719) 526-4783; please make sure to leave your name, contact number and message if the voicemail picks up.