Financial responsibility: Do you know how your troops are doing? Published Oct. 24, 2007 By Chief Master Sgt. Dean Roberts 305th Security Forces Squadron MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- A section chief recently told me a story regarding one of her troops. She had noticed a decline in their overall appearance, i.e. cleanliness and grooming habits. When she questioned the troop, she learned that he had over-extended himself with several purchases that left him virtually penniless. She took the troop to the barbershop, got him cleaned up and then purchased some grooming items to tide him over. Then she asked to look at his financial state of affairs to learn where the problem was and how she could possibly help him through the mess. What she learned shocked her. The Airman, fresh out of basic training and only weeks into technical training, had bought a new car! Soon afterwards, an expensive jewelry item caught his eye and he was allowed to make the purchase on yet more credit. Of course, everyone needs a laptop and a cell phone and, well, you get the picture. Despite the low, low payments advertised by the salesmen, the Airman soon found that his paycheck was stretched to the limit. He was unaware of finance charges. The supervisor saw that in most cases the credit rates were above and beyond 15 percent and up to an incredible 20 percent rate. If he made just the minimum payment allowed, the loans would take a decade to be paid in full. He also learned that you have to have car insurance when you own a car. Suffice it to say he was in dire straits. Young married couples also find themselves in over their heads when they run out to furnish their living quarters. Furniture stores are all too eager to sell the couples everything they need to outfit a home. Rent centers are worse. After you make all the payments on the item you could have bought it outright and actually owned the item. Where do you the supervisor come into all of this, besides managing your own financial affairs? You have to get involved with your troops. Learn where they come from and what they are all about. Our young Airmen are just that, young. This is their first time away from home and many may not have had to make any financial decisions before they entered the military. Share with them lessons you may have learned the hard way in regards to credit and finances. It is not being nosy about their affairs. It is preventive maintenance and being involved as a supervisor. This may help your troops prevent the real-life scenarios painted above. There has been a lot of news coverage about payday loan centers outside of military installations. Unscrupulous salesmen are eager to take a young Airman's money legally because that Airman may not know the bigger picture of credit and finance charges. Teach them to live within their means. Be a mentor. You are your brothers' keeper.