CAMP ZAMA, Japan (March 3, 2015) -- Military Saves Week was held at Camp Zama from Feb. 23 until Feb. 26. The Camp Zama Community Bank hosted the kick-off event for Military Saves Week Feb. 23 inside the bank's lobby.
"Set a Goal, Make a Plan, Save Automatically" is the theme for this year's weeklong event aim to teach Soldiers, Civilians and Family members the benefits and techniques of saving money for their futures.
Sue Yun, Community Bank's banking center manager, said the goal of kick-off event is to teach as many community members as possible about saving, and to raise campaign awareness.
Military Saves Week is a collaboration effort between the Armed Services and the Consumer Federation of America to provide resources and education for financial readiness, debt reductions and future savings for Soldiers, Civilians and their Family members.
Command Sgt. Maj. Rosalba Dumont-Carrion, command sergeant major of U.S. Army Garrison Japan, attend the kick-off ceremony at the bank, and later attended a one hour workshop on military saving at the Army Community Service building on the Camp Zama installation.
Dumont-Carrion briefly talked about the importance of saving. "Look at all the things (people) indulges in. Take just that one thing you are indulging in and stop doing it; put that (money) away and see how much you'll actually save," said Dumont-Carrion.
"Start small, think big," Dumont-Carrion concluded.
Nancy Boozer, spouse of Maj. Gen. James C. Boozer, Sr., commanding general of U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward), was also in attendance for the kick-off event.
Boozer said she started saving when her husband first joined the military. My mother advised me to "put away" at least $25, Boozer said, and I would tell her, "I can't find $25."
Boozer said she eventually started saving $25 at a time.
"I am glad I did because we were able to use (our savings) for emergencies," said Boozer, "(people should) just start saving, even if it is $5."
Yun said Camp Zama's Community Bank offers many programs including savings accounts for children that have with no minimum requirement or interest bearing obligations.
"Hopefully it will lead (parents) to come and initiate a savings account," said Yun.
After the kick-off events at the bank concluded with a cake cutting ceremony, representatives from Community Bank, the Camp Zama Navy Federal Credit Union and the USARJ Tax Center lead short discussion briefs during the ACS hosted workshop.
The representatives discuss topics such as financial strategies, budget control and tips on how to save.
Pvt. Rivers Caldwell, assigned to 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, said the workshop was helpful and he learned new ways to save money.
"I think I am going to put more money aside to save for the future," Caldwell said.
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