AFRC guidance for the holidays
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
As the holidays approach, the Airman and Family Readiness Center gives tips on how to be responsible when shopping and staying out of financial trouble.
"We tend to see more people need work on their finances and budgets after the holidays," said Anthony Williams, 47th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. "Most of the problems come from holiday shopping."
Too much debt can lead to a failure in receiving a security clearance which may be crucial to do the job in which someone is assigned, explained Williams.
"A good way to prevent running into trouble during and after the holidays is to plan for them early," said Williams. "By starting a holiday club in January, an account to save money throughout the year, the funds you need for gifts will be readily available by December. This will help keep from putting expensive items on a credit card."
The holiday season is a time to keep a close eye on personal budgets to prevent overspending, because people feel obligated to buy for everyone they know. A few hundred dollars can quickly turn into a thousand and put them in a bind, explained Williams.
"Planning is definitely key to being efficient with finances while holiday shopping," said Williams. "Make a list, budget the money you want or are willing to spend, don't go over the limit, and always research deals on what you want to buy, because the item may be cheaper elsewhere. Most importantly stick to the plan."
The AFRC has consultants available for briefings with organizations and groups on base to talk about financing issues per request.
"The Air Force Sergeant Association had a financial briefing led by the consultants from the AFRC," said Master Sgt. Dorothy Thomas, 47th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor and president of AFSA. "Myself and many of those attending, took a lot away from the budgeting aspect. Many tend to think it's a young person thing, but there are some things even the older folks could learn."
The AFRC is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for appointments. To schedule an appointment call 298-5620.
"We tend to see more people need work on their finances and budgets after the holidays," said Anthony Williams, 47th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. "Most of the problems come from holiday shopping."
Too much debt can lead to a failure in receiving a security clearance which may be crucial to do the job in which someone is assigned, explained Williams.
"A good way to prevent running into trouble during and after the holidays is to plan for them early," said Williams. "By starting a holiday club in January, an account to save money throughout the year, the funds you need for gifts will be readily available by December. This will help keep from putting expensive items on a credit card."
The holiday season is a time to keep a close eye on personal budgets to prevent overspending, because people feel obligated to buy for everyone they know. A few hundred dollars can quickly turn into a thousand and put them in a bind, explained Williams.
"Planning is definitely key to being efficient with finances while holiday shopping," said Williams. "Make a list, budget the money you want or are willing to spend, don't go over the limit, and always research deals on what you want to buy, because the item may be cheaper elsewhere. Most importantly stick to the plan."
The AFRC has consultants available for briefings with organizations and groups on base to talk about financing issues per request.
"The Air Force Sergeant Association had a financial briefing led by the consultants from the AFRC," said Master Sgt. Dorothy Thomas, 47th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor and president of AFSA. "Myself and many of those attending, took a lot away from the budgeting aspect. Many tend to think it's a young person thing, but there are some things even the older folks could learn."
The AFRC is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for appointments. To schedule an appointment call 298-5620.
