JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Navy Captain Thomas Bailey, Joint Base Charleston deputy commander, and Navy CAPT. John "Jay" Fahs, Naval Nuclear Power Training Command commanding officer, met with NNPTC students to launch the Military Saves initiative at the NNPTC galley, Feb. 26, 2013. Fahs read the proclamation announcing the "Saver's Pledge," encouraging students to help themselves take charge of their financial future and explained why the program is so valuable to the command.
"Financial security achieved through saving and budgeting will significantly improve quality of life," said Fahs. "It reduces stress and provides more opportunity for one's future."
Sailors come into the Navy with various levels of knowledge when it comes to personal finances so the Fleet and Family Support Centers sponsor programs like Military Saves to highlight its importance.
"I'm hoping for a better future for myself and my family," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jennifer Davis, a machinist's mate who took the pledge during her lunch break. "My mom worked at abank and taught me everything I know about money, but she may still never be able to retire. I don't want to be in that situation."
Sailors who signed pledge cards received green piggy banks to remind them how the Military Saves campaign can help lead to a brighter future.
"Military Saves is a social marketing campaign to persuade military families to save money and reduce debt," said Suerjee Lee, FFSC financial specialist. "For this audience, it is especially important to learn good habits now, because it is their first time earning significant amounts of money."
Military Saves is completely voluntary for all participants, but the benefits are twofold. First, the campaign brings attention to the service member's finances, and Sailors are able to discover the services offered at the Fleet and Family Support Center. They can meet with any of the FFSC financial specialists to evaluate their financial status and visualize where their money is going on a regular basis. If needed, FFSC will help Sailors build a budget and create financial goals.
Second, Military Saves is also a pledge drive competition between military services. The FFSC team hopes to lead JB Charleston - Weapons Station to victory over JB Charleston - Air Base in a friendly competition, while bettering the lives of all involved.
"Our goal is to get them thinking about saving so they start saving early in life," said Lee. "So often Sailors end up with a large amount of money in hand and spend it on flashy, new cars when they should be preparing for the future."