Financial Readiness Program

Want to take charge of your finances? The Army's Financial Readiness Program (FRP) and Consumer Advocacy Services can help with comprehensive educational and counseling programs. Learn about debt, consumer advocacy and protection, money management, credit, financial planning, insurance, and consumer issues. Through classroom training and individual counseling, participants can learn how to save and invest money, establish savings goals, eliminate debt, and save for emergencies.

We offer:

• Financial Readiness Program (FRP). FRP provides comprehensive educational and counseling programs in personal financial readiness. The program covers indebtedness, consumer advocacy and protection, money management, credit, financial planning, insurance, and consumer issues. Other services offered include mandatory financial literacy, financial planning for transitioning Soldiers, financial counseling for deployed Soldiers and their Families, and the Department of Defense Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance Program.
   
• Army Emergency Relief (AER). AER is the US Army's own nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating financial distress in the force. AER provides grants and zero-interest loans to active-duty and retired Soldiers and their Families. AER has supported over 4 million Soldiers since 1942. AER offices are conveniently located at installations around the world. Visit ArmyEmergencyRelief.org to learn more.
   
• Online Support and Education. Go to Financial Frontline for self-service financial literacy education and help.

Here are some other financial resources for Soldiers and their Families:

• Blended Retirement System. The Blended Retirement System (BRS) combines elements of the legacy retirement system with benefits similar to those offered in many civilian 401(k) plans. Get smart on retirement benefits with the Army Retirement Services Office and Joint Knowledge Online Training.
   
• Financial Readiness Affiliates

(Government Links)

• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP is a federal government-sponsored retirement savings and investment plan available to both federal civilian employees and members of the uniformed services. The TSP offers the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations offer their employees under 401(k) plans. The retirement income a TSP account provides will depend on working-year contributions and the earnings on those contributions. Learn more at the official Thrift Savings Plan website.

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB makes markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans — whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products. The CFPB gives consumers the information they need to understand the terms of their agreements with financial companies. Learn more about the CFPB, visit the CFPB on-demand forum and tools website, or order free CFPB publications.

(Non-Government Links, No Endorsement Implied)

• Better Business Bureau (BBB) Military Line. The BBB Military Line provides free resources to our military communities in the areas of financial literacy and consumer protection through the efforts of 112 BBBs across the US. Visit the BBB Military Line to learn more.

Soldiers experience multiple milestones within their military career which in turn impacts their financial strategies to achieve success in reaching their life goals. To ensure Soldiers receive the necessary education and resources to make important financial decisions common military training has been established for when a Soldier reaches these personal or professional touch points: 

• Initial Entry Training
• First Duty Station
• Permanent Change of Station
• Promotion
• Vesting in Thrift Savings Plan
• Continuation Pay
• Marriage
• Birth of First Child
• Divorce
• Disabling Condition/Sickness
• Leadership
• Pre/Post Deployment
• Transition

The training is provided by Accredited Financial Counselors at Army Community Service or can be completed through the Army Family Web Portal.

Soldier’s certificates of completion are uploaded to their individual training record in the Digital Training Management System (DTMS).

Individuals may request individual financial counseling or be referred by leadership. Soldiers, Family members, and others desiring to discuss their financial concerns with a financial counselor may contact the FRP to schedule an appointment.

Credit History (reports) and credit scores (FICO) The FRP will assist Soldiers, Family members, and others to obtain and understand their individual credit report and credit score. Options and recommendations will be provided to help with adverse entries and increase credit scores.

Fort Novosel Military Financial Workbook (Microsoft Excel)

Personal Financial Readiness Training at the unit’s location will be provided as requested by leadership. Classes will be used as part of the Soldier’s unit training. These presentations may be presented at the Soldier’s unit or at other appropriate locations. Leadership may contact the FRP Manager to discuss, coordinate, and/or schedule these presentations.

On Demand Financial Education Opportunities

We can also help you learn about other financial services, including:

• Army Emergency Relief (AER):