| The Department of Defense spends close to $1 | | | | - The Thrift Savings Plan is a retirement program |
| billion annually on members of the armed forces | | | | for civilians and armed forces personnel who are |
| who are experiencing personal financial difficulties. | | | | employed by the US Government. |
| Much of this is spent on handling the | | | | - Military members can get special postage rates |
| consequences of servicemen's mismanagement | | | | to FPO and APO addresses. |
| of finance... letters of indebtedness, bad checks, | | | | - Government housing may be available. |
| wage garnishments, bankruptcies, retention, and | | | | - The National Association of Childcare Resources |
| military service assistance. Here are a few tips | | | | and Referral Agencies Military Programs can help |
| for those who find themselves strapped... | | | | military members save on childcare. |
| - If you are in the Army, try the Army | | | | - Shop at the exchange and commissary and |
| Emergency Relief. There are restrictions on how | | | | stretch your dollars. |
| it may be utilized. Use the Relief for food and | | | | - Medical benefits may be confusing. Military |
| rent, and you will have more money for bills. | | | | personnel with families have many options. Be |
| - To discourage troops from using payday loan | | | | sure to take advantage of all free coverage, and |
| services, the Pentagon Federal Credit Union is | | | | get the cheapest supplemental coverage for your |
| trying out inexpensive loans for its | | | | family. |
| members. Check this out at your post. | | | | - Take advantage of the Military Lending Act. |
| - According to the Servicemembers Civil Relief | | | | Most credit and loan transactions have special |
| Act, the maximum rate of interest on debts | | | | interest rates for military members. Check all the |
| incurred before military service is 6%. Make sure | | | | benefits that apply to you before signing on the |
| you write to companies and asked them to | | | | dotted line for even a car. |
| reduce their interest rate. | | | | CareOne Credit Providers is a BBB (Better |
| - The Red Cross offers many orientation sessions | | | | Business Bureau) Accredited Credit Counselor |
| to inform soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors on | | | | since 2004. |
| how best to access their services. | | | | CuraDebt is a BBB (Better Business Bureau) |
| Many civilian struggles with money, being a military | | | | Accredited Debt Settlement Company with an |
| household could be worse. Here are more tips to | | | | A+ rating. |
| help you save: | | | | Find a Local Bankruptcy Lawyer in your area. |