Ellsworth provides Airmen, families with financial education

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted a "Credit When Credit is Due" course in the AFRC classroom, Aug. 22, as part of an ongoing effort to help Airmen manage their personal finances more effectively.

Laurie Adkins, AFRC community readiness consultant, said the course was designed to help Airmen develop a better understanding of how to manage their money.

"This class is another tool Airmen can utilize for self-improvement," said Adkins. "Having a stable financial program can help make life so much easier - this applies to everyone, across the board, regardless of rank or status."

Adkins said the instructor, Terry Mills, Consumer Credit Counseling Service education and community outreach manager, brings a wealth of knowledge about various financial programs to Ellsworth.

"Airmen need to take credit seriously," said Mills. "Almost all organizations, whether it be an employer or a cell phone provider, check credit."

Mills said that it's each individual Airman's responsibility to build their credit rating, protect it, and use it wisely. He said sooner or later, Airmen will need to borrow money for one thing or another, and because most Airmen aren't able to put $25,000 cash down for things such as paying off a car - the more educated they are, the better they will be able to utilize their credit for their benefit.

"Lenders and creditors look at your past and make assumptions about the future," Mills said. "Pay your bills on time, every time and save as much money as possible. Emergencies always arise and having a safety cushion can be a life saver."

Adkins added that ultimately, while it is up to each individual to conduct the follow-through work that is often time consuming and frustrating, there are many resources available to help Airmen.

"We are here to provide ongoing assistance and support no matter what the issue is," said Adkins.

For more information on financial preparedness courses, call Laurie Adkins at (605) 385-4663.