Airmen have a responsibility to be financially fit, and the Airman and Family Readiness Center is equipped to assist them.

The A&FRC’s Personal Financial Readiness counseling is designed to offer information and education to help individuals and families maintain financial stability and achieve financial goals.

“Personal financial readiness is what we use to ensure that (Airmen and) families are ready for anything that may come their way,” said Tierra Jackson, 23d Force Support Squadron community readiness specialist. “We assist with budgeting, Department of Defense transition program, learning more about Thrift Savings Plan, home and car buying, and connections with creditors.”

According to Staff Sgt. Joshua Swansen, 824th Base Defense Squadron squad leader, this free counseling service should be used at any point of an Airman’s career to reap the benefits of the professional assistance.

“With all of the resources at our disposal in the Air Force, it would be wise to take advantage of every opportunity to map out your finances,” Swansen said. “The counselors provide guidance on all kinds of situations and goals.”

For Airmen of all ranks, finances can impact their lives, careers or the Air Force mission. To prevent potential financial hardship, PFR is able to step in and provide options or create a unique plan.

“From a supervisor’s position, the majority of our Airmen are fresh out of high school when they join (the Air Force),” Swansen said. “When they get to Moody, they’re new to the Air Force, new to personal responsibility and new to a personal income. I think it’s important that (they receive) advice on how to manage money as soon as possible. For Airmen who are more experienced, it’s just as important to have and use these services because it allows us the opportunity to sit down with a professional counselor to make sure we are staying on track with our financial management or create new financial plans based on new personal goals.”

Most personal goals change throughout an Airman’s lifetime, especially if that Airman marries or has children. When financial counselors here say they help families, they mean no one is left behind. PFR hosts a workshop for Moody kids in order to give them financial tips before they reach adulthood.

“We just implemented Financially Fit Kids,” Jackson said. “It’s a workshop that will make sure children know how to save. If we can (talk to them) while they’re young, they’ll have that set of tools when they get older.”

To access more information about the A&FRC’s financial counseling and other programs, visit the 23d FSS website http://moodyfss.com/afrc/ or call 229-257-3120 to schedule an appointment.