Are You a Military Saver?

Exactly who is a "military saver"? It could, and should, be you.

Now is the time to join the more than 310,000 fellow service members who have already taken the pledge to increase their personal savings and pay down their debt.

The 2013 Military Saves Week is Feb. 25 through Mar. 2. This event is part of the DoD Financial Readiness Campaign, and the campaign is part of the nationwide America Saves Campaign. This campaign gives service members and their families a time to assess their own saving status and take financial action.

This year's Military Saves Week theme is "Set a Goal. Make a Plan. Save Automatically." The theme encourages individuals to create a savings plan with specific goals, such as paying off a credit card or saving for a down payment on a house. Studies show that setting specific goals can have beneficial financial effects, regardless of income level.

During Military Saves Week, you can take a saver's pledge. You may make your pledge online at www.MilitarySaves.org or locally at the Fort Detrick Army Community Service office.

The Saver's Pledge says: "I will help myself by saving money, reducing debt, and building wealth over time. I will help my family and my country by encouraging other Americans to Build Wealth, Not Debt."

After you pledge to be a military saver, you will receive a free subscription to the monthly Military Saves e-Newsletter; free myFICO credit score for service members and their spouses courtesy of FINRA Investor Education Foundation; access to many online resources, tools, and calculators; and savings tips and strategies to help you reach your goals.

During Military Saves Week, the Fort Detrick ACS has a variety of learning opportunities available each day, including retirement planning, estate planning, and an introduction to Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.

A Personal Financial Counselor will be available on Mar. 1 for 45-minute, one-on-one consultations to discuss financial concerns. All PFC services are free, anonymous and confidential. Due to the limited number of appointments, registration is required, and you can call (301) 619-2197 to register.

COMSTAR Credit Union also has special events and promotions to support the Military Saves initiative.

Please visit www.detrick.army.mil or call ACS at (301) 619-2197 for more information on what's available during Military Saves Week.

Isn't it time to be a military saver?