JB MDL celebrates military saves week Published Feb. 19, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Bryan M. Swink Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The Warfighter and Family Readiness Center is hosting a series of financial programs here for military servicemembers and families as a part of Military Saves Week Feb. 21 through Feb. 27. Military Saves Week is a DoD-wide financial readiness campaign designed to help persuade military servicemembers and their families to reduce debt and save money. The goal of the classes is to encourage people to start small but think big when looking to the future. "It prepares Airmen for long-term success," said Master Sgt. Willie M. Lewis, 87th Comptroller Squadron first sergeant. "It's a starting point to set up their future and retirement." The programs are intended to help develop personal financial plans to put servicemembers on track to establish good credit. The courses will teach people how to save a portion of each paycheck and educate them in programs such as the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan and, when eligible, the Savings Deposit Program. The programs focus on both short-term and long-term needs by planning steps to reach financial stability and comfort. These steps include establishing written goals that should be shared with others. "Military Saves is geared toward everybody, young and old," said Betsy Vicari, Community Readiness Consultant, 87th Force Support Squadron. "The younger you start with financial education, the better off your children are going to be." Military Saves Week Feb. 21 through Feb. 27 Tuesday Youth Money Matters - Flight Deck Galley, Lakehurst - 3 to 4:30 p.m. Youth from the community ages 8 and up are invited -- Money Matters curriculum includes exploring the mysteries of finances including the cell phone bill. Arts and crafts will be offered. Parents are invited to attend. To sign up and receive a permission slip call Susan Endres (732) 323-1248. Wednesday Financial Lunch & Learn - Cyber Café, Lakehurst - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Deb Whipple from N.J. State Attorney General's Office will present information on how to avoid scams; representatives are from various financial organizations with information, resources, handouts and more. Call Susan Endres (732) 323-1248. Financial Resources: Your Library Comes to You - Pinehurst Community Center, Lakehurst - 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Ocean County Librarian, Wendy Smolowitz will present "Money Matters: Resources for Developing Your Personal Finance Awareness." All are encouraged to attend. Children are welcome when accompanied by parent/guardian. Light refreshments will be served. Susan Endres (732) 323-1248. Thursday Storytime - McGuire Library - 10 a.m. The librarian will read Sammy Rabbit, by Sam X. Renick. It's a story of a young rabbit that saves his carrots for a rainy day. Children will participate in arts and craft projects and will all leave with a copy of the book. Kathy Clark 754-2079 Friday "JUMPSTART YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE", a financial presentation by Peter Bielagus, Young America's Financial Coach. Betsy Vicari (609)754-3844 Financial Happy Hour for JB MDL leaders from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in McGuire Community Center Liberty Club. Presentation at Timmerman Theatre - 1 to 3 p.m. Teen Smart Consumer - Youth Center, Dix - 4 to 6 p.m. - Better Business Bureau will present information to Dix/McGuire Torch Club members on how to be a smart consumer. Bobby Brown 754-5344