Today's service member is a highly trained individual. As a result, there is competition between military and private industry for quality personnel. Retention of such personnel can be directly related to the service member's perception and satisfaction with the quality of life in the military. The military lifestyle certainly does create special and unique financial concerns, such as those related to frequent moves, deployments, separation from family members, and fluctuation in pay. Financial problems are a leading cause of personal stress and family dysfunction in all branches of the military.

In recent years, a number of studies have been done which indicate the extent of the problem within the Navy and the types of issues that are causing particular concern. The major findings show that a large number of personnel are affected by personal financial management problems and the impact this has had on the Navy in terms of cost (roughly $172 million per year) and readiness (annual lost productivity of 891 man years - staffing for three destroyers).

Military personnel enjoy job security and steady incomes. This often makes them special targets to a number of questionable business practices, sales techniques and credit offers. However, service members do have a responsibility to pay their just debts in a proper and timely fashion, and those that do not are deemed to be acting in an irresponsible manner. This is particularly true when their bad debts become the subject of official correspondence or when preoccupation with financial difficulties results in decreased job productivity. These situations can have a detrimental impact on military careers, such as disciplinary action, loss of security clearance, lower evaluations, denial of assignments and administrative or dishonorable discharges.

These financial concerns and situations continue to support the Navy's innovative approach to financial education and training, counseling and information and referral in the form of a comprehensive, long-range Personal Financial Management Program offered at the Fleet and Family Support Center.

FFSC's Financial Counselor offers several workshops dealing with financial preparedness; including Developing Your Spending Plan, Credit Management, Consumer Awareness, Car Buying Strategies, and The Basics of Retirement Planning. These are in addition to the Relocation Assistance Program workshops such as Smooth Move and Base/Spouse Indoctrination; which include sections dealing with finances. The counselor can assist you in preparing a personalized budget and design a spending plan to make your life easier. Make an appointment before you have problems. Learn how to make your quality of life better and your financial future brighter.

Financial preparedness is of major importance to military families, not just during relocation, but year round. The China Lake Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) has a Financial Education Counselor whose primary focus is assisting the military member and their family in becoming financially sound.

FFSC's Financial Counselor offers several workshops dealing with financial preparedness; including Developing Your Spending Plan, Credit Management, Consumer Awareness, Car Buying Strategies, and The Basics of Retirement Planning. These are in addition to the Relocation Assistance Program workshops such as Smooth Move and Base/Spouse Indoctrination; which include sections dealing with finances. The counselor can assist you in preparing a personalized budget and design a spending plan to make your life easier. To make an appointment call 760-939-1018 before you have problems. Learn how to make your quality of life better and your financial future brighter.