JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Feb. 19 marks the beginning of a week-long national savings campaign intended to persuade, motivate and encourage military families to begin saving money on a regular basis.
Celebrated annually at military installations throughout the globe, Military Saves places focus on creating a shift in the way consumers feel about and participate in regular, automatic savings.
This year's campaign runs from Feb. 19 through 28. At Joint Base Charleston, a special kick-off event for the campaign is planned for the morning of Feb. 19. The base is scheduled to hold a fun run at the Fitness and Sports Center, and in addition, other events are planned throughout the week.
"The military member has more important things to worry about than money," said Col. Martha Meeker, 628th Air Base Wing commander. "Financial stability is about a lot more than knowledge - it takes consistent action over time. Most of us do better when we have a supportive environment, and Military Saves is a great start toward providing that support," she said.
This year's project officer, Barbara Lang, said the program is similar to the Combined Federal Campaign but with one major difference.
"We're not asking individuals to give us money," she said. "We're asking them to give themselves money. It's a great concept that can pay huge dividends in the long-run if we accomplish our objective of creating a culture shift."
Key workers will be out and about Joint Base Charleston during the week talking to individuals to explain the benefits of taking the pledge - a pledge to save. Doing so is simple and only requires minimal information. By pledging, individuals will become a part of a global movement dedicated to personal financial stability.
"Social marketing is a process that takes time," said Ms. Lang. "This is not a quick fix, a specific savings program, or a one-time promotional campaign. It is a long-term, ongoing effort to make real change in our nation's future."
The following Military Saves events are scheduled to be held:
Feb. 23: Financial Fitness and Savings Fair at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500
· Saving for a Home? - Home Buying Workshop - 8 to 10 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.
· Saving for Your Future - The Thrift Savings Plan - 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
· Savings and Benefits Exclusively for Military Personnel - 3 to 4:30 p.m.
· Saving Your Credit - Credit Repair Solutions - 8 to 9 a.m.
Feb. 24: Youth Saves Workshop at the Youth Center from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 24 and 26: Financial Wellness Check-Ups at the dining facility 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.