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New finance classes help make ends meet

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  In today's world, making ends meet can be quite challenging, but there is help.

Grissom's Airman and Family Readiness Center recently partnered with Alice Howe, a military family life consultant and certified financial planner, to offer classes geared for the personal finances of base personnel and their families.

"She's a great asset to have come here to the base to help our people out with their finances," said Jill Marconi, Grissom A&FR director. "I really hope people take advantage of what she has to offer."

Howe, who is a native Hoosier and started her financial services career in 1988, held her first class Feb. 28 and plans to hold classes on a variety of topics every other Thursday from 10-11:30 a.m. She will also attend select unit training assemblies to hold classes for traditional reservists.

Class topics will include saving money, income sources, spending plans, frugal living, debt control, understanding credit, borrowing wisely, reducing dept, bankruptcy and more.

"She will go over both military and civilian retirement issues with people including Thrift Saving Plans," added Marconi. "After each class she'll also do one-on-ones with people if they'd like."

And, those one-on-one sessions with civilian and military employees and their spouses afford privacy for those who are concerned about sharing their personal information.

"There's no sharing of personal info, explained Marconi. "You can ask questions if you like, but you don't have to share anything if you don't want."

Howe comes to Grissom with a wealth of experience including six years of financial service with a regional bank, helping found a wealth management firm, and five years as owner of a financial planning practice. She acquired her certified financial planner practitioner designation in 1998.

Military family life counselors are contracted by the Department of Defense to provide financial services to military members, civilian employees and their families. Not only does Howe support Grissom, she takes care of national guardsmen, reservists and regular military personnel throughout the state.

For more information about the classes, contact the Grissom A&FR Center at 688-4812.

Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, as well as three Army Reserve units and a Marine Corps Reserve communications detachment. DOD personnel routinely deploy from Grissom around the world in support of the DOD mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer