Finances are always an issue that all families, not just military ones struggle with. So this months topic is financial readiness and resources for you.
I don't know where to begin!
Attached you will find a pdf copy of Suze Orman's 2009 Financial Plan book. (This was available as a free download fro Oprah.com for a week, but is now pretty easy to find on Google. You can also buy it here.) It is an easy read that teaches you a lot of terms that I found confusing, and gives you step-by-step actions that you can take to get yourself off to a sound financial start for 2009. It is also written very recently so it takes the current "bad market" into account in all of its advice.
I'm so disorganized!
When can you throw that receipt, bank statement, check book register, etc. away without panicking (assuming you shred it of course). Suze Ormon ~ Financial Clutter, What To Keep And What To Get Rid Of
Can I talk to somebody locally?
The Army has an office on most posts called Army Community Services, and each of them have a Financial Readiness Program (FRP) whose goal is to assist all soldiers, retirees, and families with improving their financial situations. Our local post is Fort Wainwright and they have a Financial Readiness Program Handbook that will give you a good idea of what these types of programs have to offer.
When can you throw that receipt, bank statement, check book register, etc. away without panicking (assuming you shred it of course). Suze Ormon ~ Financial Clutter, What To Keep And What To Get Rid Of
Can I talk to somebody locally?
The Army has an office on most posts called Army Community Services, and each of them have a Financial Readiness Program (FRP) whose goal is to assist all soldiers, retirees, and families with improving their financial situations. Our local post is Fort Wainwright and they have a Financial Readiness Program Handbook that will give you a good idea of what these types of programs have to offer.
I need new ideas, I'm stuck!
Blogs:
Money for Military - This daily blog offers tips geared towards military members and their dependents. Everything from how to get military pricing on Disney Land tickets to GI Bill advice. http://www.moneyformilitary.org/ (look here for older posts: http://moneyformilitary.blogspot.com/ )
Two of my other personal favorites, albeit without a military spin, just common sense:
Get Rich Slowly - http://getrichslowly.org/blog/ (just like dieting, saving takes time, but is worth it)
My Money Blog - http://www.mymoneyblog.com/ (this guy dug himself out of $35,000 in debt and shares his advice)
Where should I focus first?
Blogs:
Money for Military - This daily blog offers tips geared towards military members and their dependents. Everything from how to get military pricing on Disney Land tickets to GI Bill advice. http://www.moneyformilitary.
Two of my other personal favorites, albeit without a military spin, just common sense:
Get Rich Slowly - http://getrichslowly.org/blog/ (just like dieting, saving takes time, but is worth it)
My Money Blog - http://www.mymoneyblog.com/ (this guy dug himself out of $35,000 in debt and shares his advice)
Where should I focus first?
Do I have too much debt?
How do I start saving?
Do I have enough insurance?
None of the above, but still confused?
Companies like USAA offer financial advice as well as banking/insurance services. Military One Source can also point you in the right direction. Either call their 1.800.342.9647 number or go to their website. (http://www.militaryonesource.com ) They have a whole separate Money section, customized for Army Reservist and their families.
Military OneSource, in partnership with National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), offers six counseling sessions per financial issue, per calendar year for each eligible client. These confidential sessions are available to active-duty, Guard, and Reserve members (regardless of activation status) and families located in the U.S. For those unable to attend in-person counseling or in locations where in-person counseling is not available, Military OneSource will provide telephone consultations.
I hope this helps you get off to a great start in the new year.
