2013 Military Saves Week kicks off Published Feb. 22, 2013 By Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Airman & Family Readiness Center here kicked off Military Saves Week on Feb. 21 at the base's Liberty Square. Thomas R. Slaughter, Military Saves Week campaign coordinator and A&FRC community readiness consultant, said the goal is to help "military members and their families take control of their finances by setting goals, making a plan and saving automatically," which happens to be this year's theme. While the campaign runs all year, the Department of Defense allows family support centers such as the A&FRCs on Air Force installations to select one week in February to host a public event. This year's celebration began with a Financial Information Fair and the 2013 Kid's Financial Day at Liberty Square. The fair consisted of booths manned by representatives from more than a dozen organizations ready to provide answers and information regarding financial matters. Some of the organizations providing information included non-profit groups, such as the Better Business Bureau, which some guests found very helpful. "My wife (Nicole) and I thought the information was great," said Senior Airman Ryan Johnson from the 319th Security Forces Squadron. "I liked hearing the news about the new smart phone app the Better Business Bureau created to help us stay informed about what businesses treat customers with respect and what new scams we should look out for. I think the creation of the app is a great way of using today's technology to help consumers protect their money." While adults filled their minds and hands with valuable information on how to protect and expand their wallets, dozens of children put their artistic talents on display by decorating their own piggy banks. "I thought the piggy bank decoration was a great way of teaching kids that it's important of to save money, and it looked like all the kids were having a lot of fun," said Rachel Carroll, a military spouse. "I mean just look at my daughter Lillith. She's only 23-months, but you can tell she enjoys painting her piggy bank by how she keeps doodling away with that paint marker in her hand." Community members will have more chances to participate in Military Saves Week as the base continues its local campaign. All the activities will be held and the A&FRC and include: · Feb. 26, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Continuation of Thrift Savings Plan briefing and investment information and one-on-one sessions with a financial advisor. · Feb. 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Open House with financial information table displays. Guests can enjoy hotdogs, popcorn and beverages. The open house will also include a credit card cut up jar along with help for creating family/single budgets, and free FICO scores by appointment. · Feb. 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Understanding your LES (Leave and Earning Statement) Class for military spouses facilitated by members of the base finance office. · March 1: Free FICO scores and assistance with creating a family or single person budget by appointment. The FICO score is a type of credit score that makes up a substantial portion of the credit report that lenders use to assess an applicant's credit risk and whether to extend a loan. Call 701-747-3241 for more information.