April is National Financial Capability Month when the Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC) and the Ready Campaign encourage people to improve their financial futures and to be prepared when disaster strikes. This resource packet focusses on actions you can take now to make sure you are ready for any financial disaster, big or small.
To be a part of the Financial Capability Month conversation, share these blogs, social media content, graphics, and resources with your clients, partners, and the general public. Encourage others to receive Partner Resource Packets from Military Saves in the future by signing up to receive news and updates from Military Saves.
In This Packet:
Blog Content
For use in communications that directly reach your constituents. We encourage you to use this content as guest posts or rewrite Military Saves content as your own.
Three Ways to Improve Your Financial Capability Now
By Military Saves
April is National Financial Capability Month, a time to encourage everyone to improve their financial futures and to be prepared when disaster strikes. Here are three actions you can take now to make sure you are ready for any financial disaster, big or small.
Five Money Concepts to Practice in the Military
By Lacey Langford
Military Money Expert Lacey Langford shares five money concepts that service members and their families should practice.
Challenge Your Money Assumptions Now
By Ryan Guina
Military vet and personal finance writer Ryan Guina, founder and editor of theMilitaryWallet and CashMoneyLife, encourages us to challenge our money assumptions to make headway with our savings.
Social Media Content
Share the following messages with your followers.
Monday
Saving is the best financial defense against disasters. A little bit at a time can go a long way. Learn more on how to save smart: https://www.usa.gov/flec @MilitarySaves #FinancialFuture2019 #FinancialCapabilityMonth
Image versions: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Tuesday
Automating your savings can take the guesswork out of reaching your savings goals. Make sure to set up automated regular transfers with your bank or credit union.https://bit.ly/2jADRus @MilitarySaves #SavingsTipTuesday #FinancialCapabilityMonth
Image versions: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Wednesday
Never miss a credit payment! According to @USAAEF, 35 percent of your FICO credit score is based on your payment history. >> https://bit.ly/2zVezAl @MilitarySaves #WednesdayWisdom #FinancialCapabilityMonth
Image versions: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Thursday
Take advantage of #compoundinterest by saving early & #saving often! http://ow.ly/Bfk8x @MilitarySaves #FinancialCapabilityMonth
Image versions: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Friday
Saving your money shouldn't be an uphill battle. Take the @MilitarySaves pledge today and build your savings plan:https://bit.ly/2mmkFSz #SavingsFactFri #FinancialCapabilityMonth
Image versions: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Events
Twitter Chat
Plan for the Unexpected
Date: Wednesday, April 10
Time: 1:00 pm Eastern
Hosts: The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individual and Community Preparedness Division (@Ready.gov) and (@FEMA)
Hashtag: #FinancialChat
This TwitterChat #FinancialChat explores what it means to be financially capable. Participants will learn from experts about how to set financial goals, build a budget, and plan for unexpected events.
Webinar
Money Matters: Resources for Youth in Financial Preparedness
Date: Wednesday, April 17
Time: 4:00 pm Eastern
Hosts: The Federal Emergency Management Agencyís (FEMA) Individual and Community Preparedness Division (@Ready.gov) and (@FEMA)
Guest Presenter: Amelia OíRourke-Owens, Director of Youth Financial Capability, America Saves
This webinar will explore the importance of saving and provide tips on how to encourage saving for youth.
#FinHealthMatters Day
Date: Thursday, April 25
Hosts: Center for Financial Services Innovation (@CFSInnovations)
Mark your calendars and help us once again bring attention to Americansí financial health through this social media campaign.
Helpful Resources
Use and share the following resources with your audience and with partnering organizations.
From Military Saves
Financial Spring Cleaning: 5 Things You Should Do Now
Tips on Where to Keep Your Emergency Savings
From Others
This month we're highlighting MyArmyBenefits, the US Army official benefits website. This site allows you to:
- Browse Over 150 Fact Sheets for Benefit Eligibility and Highlights
- Calculate Estimates of Your Survivor and Survivor Education Benefits
- Forecast Your Retirement Benefits
There is live phone help from benefits experts from 9 am-5 pm Monday through Friday.
Emergency Financial First Aid Kit courtesy FEMA
Military Family Preparedness courtesy Ready.gov
Find Out Your Financial Well-Being courtesy CFPB
Start an Emergency Fund courtesy of FINRA Foundation
Preparing Financially for Kids courtesy USAA Community
Financial Field Manual: A Personal Finance Guide for Military Families courtesy of the Investor Protection Trust, Investor Protection Institute and Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine