Military Saves week brings contests, classes

By Dawn Sykulla, ACS MarketingFebruary 16, 2012

HEIDELBERG, Germany - Military Saves Week is Feb. 19-26, and the Financial Readiness Program at Army Community Service encourages members of the Army family to take the Saver's Pledge as a first step toward a personal commitment to build wealth and reduce debt.

As Military Saves enters its sixth year, it has become an integral part of the Department of Defense Financial Readiness Campaign. ACS seeks to increase financial literacy in U.S. Army Garrison Baden-Württemberg by creating a focus on financial literacy education and counseling and promoting taking the Saver's Pledge.

The Saver's Pledge provides tips and advice for saving successfully. Those who take the pledge will be entered into a drawing to win a Dave Ramsey Financial Kit valued at $169.

"The Financial Readiness Program offers individual services to anybody who wishes to take their commitment a bit further," said Ainhoa Revuelta, ACS Financial Readiness Program Manager. "We can help you achieve your financial goals by providing you with a free FICO score and credit report; creating a payment plan to reduce your debt; creating a monthly budget that works for you; assisting you with security clearance issues and assisting you in setting up and managing your Thrift Savings Plan account," she said.

In addition to the Saver's Pledge drawing, ACS is organizing two other contests that encourage saving money. The Super Saver Contest is Feb. 19-24. Shop at the commissary using coupons, then bring the receipt showing the amount saved to any USAG BW ACS Office. The person who saves the most will win $100 worth of free groceries.

"One of the biggest advantages of shopping with coupons while living overseas is that you get to use coupons six months past their expiration date. This alone can equal major savings for military families when coupled with the fact that the commissary sells at cost," said Saunya Odwyer, coupon program coordinator. "These two techniques save the average military family an astonishing 50 to 70 percent a year."

Finally, ACS is sponsoring a Basket Case Contest. Participants will find two grocery baskets, one filled with American products and the other with German products. Guess the cost of each and if you're right, you can take it home. Winners will be announced on Feb. 27.