Financial course helps Airmen manage finances

  • Published
  • By Maj. Shane Balken
  • 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, March 6, as part of an ongoing effort to help Airmen manage their finances more effectively.

The course was designed to familiarize Airmen with financial tools and resources and help them develop a better understanding of how to manage their money.

Laurie Adkins, AFRC community readiness consultant who heads Ellsworth's Personal Financial Readiness program, said she loves what she does.

"When I meet with an active duty member who is struggling financially, I first tell them, 'There are always options,'" said Adkins. "We sit down, talk and eventually work on an extremely detailed spending plan."

Adkins explained that most of her customers are junior Airmen who are either over-extended on bills or are being forced to separate and are unsure how to prepare for a significant financial change in their lives.

"Ideally it is nice to reach these Airmen before they are in trouble and be proactive about their finances," emphasized Adkins.

The Air Force has long since recognized the importance of being proactive with financial planning. Among the tools available to help Airmen get their finances in order is the CWCD course which is offered once a month in the AFRC.

The seven-hour course is taught by Terry Mills, Consumer Credit Counseling Service education and community outreach manager from Rapid City, who has been teaching the course for more than 10 years. He said the feedback he receives from attendees is great.
"Most of the Airmen attending are young people who haven't been on their own for very long and are new to making financial decisions by themselves," Mills said. "The military is a huge target for predatory lenders. The last thing we want military members to do is worry about money when they are doing their job."

Mills said the course covers 12 subjects and is a complete, "A to Z on all-things-credit."

Topics such as buying a car or house, acquiring credit, obtaining loans and recognizing signs of financial trouble are just some of the many topics covered.

Mills said in addition to the course material, there are additional tangible benefits to attending the class.

At the end of the course, attendees are given certificates of completion which can be used to raise their credit scores by submitting them to credit bureaus.

"Each individual's credit score and history will vary," Mills said. "The course will affect an Airman's score in a positive way. Additionally, some local lenders such as the Black Hills
Federal Credit Union will offer lower rates on loans and Black Hills Power Company will wave deposit fees on electric bills with proof of course completion."

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