Joint Base Lewis-McChord  Military and Family Support Center

The Financial Readiness Program is your resource for information on money matters. We can help you better understand financial topics like:

• Military pay
• Checkbook/debit card management
• Financial responsibility
• Credit reporting
• Debt elimination strategies
• Saving
• Investing
• Budgeting

  We can also help you learn about other financial services, including:

• Army Emergency Relief: A private, nonprofit organization established to help Soldiers and their Families in unforeseen emergency financial situations.
• AER Spouse and Children Educational Scholarships: Offers need-based scholarships to help eligible Army families with education costs.

  For more information about how the Financial Readiness Program can help you, contact your nearest Directorate of Personnel and Family Readiness.

  Other helpful financial readiness links include:

• Thrift Savings Plan: A Federal government-sponsored long-term retirement savings and investment plan, available for both federal civilian employees and members of the uniformed services.      Website:  https://www.tsp.gov/
• U.S. Savings Bonds: A shorter-term saving option with competitive interest rates and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.    Website: https://www.treasurydirect.gov/
• Money Matters: A mobile-optimized resource with calculators for savings, debt reduction and other reference material in one location.
• Housing Resources for Military Members: The National Military Family Association has compiled a great list of resources to help military families who are struggling with the pitfalls of the housing crisis.
• Military OneSource: A DOD-funded program that provides comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active-duty service members, National Guard, reserves and their families.  Website:  https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
• Office of Service member Affairs: A component of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that helps educate and empower military members, veterans and their families in the consumer financial marketplace. 

  Website: https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/office-of-servicemember-affairs

• Saveandinvest.org: A project of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Investor Education Foundation, a free, unbiased resource dedicated to your financial health. It helps you make informed decisions through easy-to-use tools and resources, and arms you with the information you need to protect yourself from investment fraud.

  Website:  https://www.saveandinvest.org/

• Better Business Bureau Military Line: Provides specialized education and support services that meet the needs of active and retired military personnel and their Families.

  Website: https://www.bbb.org/pacific-southwest/bbb-community-education-events/military-line/

• Other helpful financial resources:

• www.annualcreditreport.com -- One of each credit report for free once a year
• www.ftc.gov -- Consumer information and identity theft reporting
• www.consumerfinance.gov -- Consumer information, protection, file complaints
• www.militarypay.defense.gov/blendedretirement BRS