Money Matters - Financial seminars available to servicemembers Published Feb. 10, 2010 By Master Sgt. Angelita Colón-Francia Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Keeping an eye on your financial health is just as important as monitoring your physical health. While people across the country are working to stabilize their financial situation, the 94th Airlift Wing's Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), in partnership with Family Readiness and the Military Family Life Center, are offering servicemembers here some helpful tips and resources to tackle some money issues head-on. "Let's talk about it and be real about it," said Maj. Marcus Smith, 94th Logistics Readiness. "Let's be real so we can help Airmen improve their financial health before it's too late and results in the termination of their Air Force career." Four "Financial Health Seminars" covering tax strategies, credit, and financial planning and budgeting are planned this year and more may be added depending on demand. The seminar series was created to help servicemembers avoid some of the pitfalls poor money management can have on a servicemember's career. According to a 2008 Air Force study, nearly one-third of enlisted servicemembers self-reported moderate to severe difficulty paying their bills. Money and the lack of it can be a source of stress and frustration and negatively affect Airmen and their families, the Total Force team and the Air Force Reserves. The first seminar "Tax Strategies for Military Members" took place on February 6 during the unit training assembly (UTA). Ms. Yvonne Davis, a tax consultant for the Internal Revenue Service's Atlanta office, led the seminar which covered earned income tax credit, dependent care tax credit, education tax credit, first-time homebuyer credit and tax credits specific to Reservists. "This is my first time here at Dobbins and I'm excited to have the opportunity to inform the servicemembers here about the tax benefits that are available to them," said Ms. Davis. "Next year we hope to set up a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program at Dobbins which will provide free tax preparation assistance to servicemembers here." The next Financial Health Seminars will also take place during UTA. Servicemembers are encouraged to bring and eat their lunches during these classes: Understanding Your Credit Report Saturday, April 10 1100 - 1200 Consolidated Club, Marietta Room Financial Planning and Budgeting - Part 1 Saturday, June 5 1100 - 1200 Consolidated Club, Marietta Room Financial Planning and Budgeting - Part 2 Saturday, August 7 1100 - 1200 Consolidated Club, Marietta Room For more information about the Financial Health Seminar Series and the HRDC at Dobbins, please call Major Smith at 678-655-3897 or Capt. Darrell Bogan, 94th Equal Opportunity, at 678-655-5042.
