Free Resources Can Help Your Finances

Today is National Financial Awareness Day. Check out these resources that are recommended by our guest blogger, Nancy Chapman, who is an an Accredited Financial Counselor.

Financial stability can be challenging but there are many free resources available to help Navy sailors and their families. The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) on your local base offers a wide range of personal finance classes on topics like car buying, the Thrift Savings Plan, credit management, and more. The FFSC typically has an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) on staff available for one-on-one meetings to help you achieve your financial goals whatever they may be. The resource center at your FFSC may provide a wide range of free materials on personal finance, like publications from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Federal Trade Commission.

Another great resource is the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). While many people think NMCRS only helps with financial emergencies, the caseworkers also provide free confidential financial counseling and helpful resources to prevent many financial challenges. Perhaps NMCRS’ best known financial education program is the “Budget for Baby Workshop”. The workshop will help you develop a family budget, give you tips on how to save money, and every participant receives a gift that includes a baby blanket handmade by a Society volunteer. In many locations the NMCRS operates thrift stores where you can save money by purchasing gently used clothing, uniforms, and household goods.

The Navy has even created a free financial literacy app, available in both the App Store and at Google Play, called MyNavy Financial Literacy. A wide range of resources as well as checklists, downloadable courses, and calculators are included.

I encourage you to explore these great resources. There are plenty of ways to ensure smooth sailing on your financial seas!

Nancy Chapman, AFC©

Naval Services FamilyLine

COMPASS Program Mentor