Here is information about Finance and financial resources available at Fort Riley, Kansas, formatted in HTML:
Fort Riley, Kansas, provides a comprehensive range of financial services and resources to support its soldiers, families, and civilian employees. Understanding and managing personal finances is crucial for overall well-being and mission readiness, and Fort Riley offers various programs and services to promote financial literacy and stability.
Financial Readiness Program
The Army Community Service (ACS) at Fort Riley hosts a robust Financial Readiness Program. This program offers a variety of services, including:
- Financial Counseling: Certified financial counselors are available to provide individualized counseling on topics like budgeting, debt management, credit repair, saving and investing, and retirement planning. Soldiers and families can receive personalized advice tailored to their specific financial situations and goals.
- Financial Education Workshops: Regular workshops and seminars are conducted on diverse financial topics, such as understanding credit scores, buying a home, investing for the future, and avoiding predatory lending practices. These workshops aim to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions.
- Emergency Financial Assistance: In times of unexpected financial hardship, the Financial Readiness Program can assist soldiers and families in exploring options for emergency financial assistance through Army Emergency Relief (AER). AER provides interest-free loans and grants to eligible service members and their dependents.
Army Emergency Relief (AER)
Army Emergency Relief (AER) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to soldiers and their families. Located at Fort Riley, AER offers:
- Emergency Financial Assistance: AER provides financial assistance in the form of interest-free loans or grants to help soldiers and their families cope with unexpected financial emergencies such as medical expenses, car repairs, funeral costs, and essential living expenses.
- Scholarships: AER also offers scholarships to eligible dependents of soldiers pursuing higher education.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Resources
Fort Riley provides resources to help soldiers and civilian employees manage their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts. TSP is a retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees, including military personnel. Resources include:
- TSP Education: The Financial Readiness Program offers workshops and materials to educate participants on the features and benefits of the TSP, including contribution limits, investment options, and withdrawal rules.
- Guidance and Counseling: Financial counselors can provide guidance on making informed decisions about TSP contributions and investment allocations.
Additional Resources
In addition to the above, Fort Riley may offer connections to other financial resources, such as:
- Credit Unions and Banks: Several financial institutions have branches or ATMs on post, offering convenient banking services.
- Tax Preparation Assistance: During tax season, free tax preparation services may be available to eligible soldiers and families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
It’s important for individuals stationed at or near Fort Riley to proactively utilize these financial resources to ensure their financial well-being. Contacting the Army Community Service or searching the Fort Riley official website will provide the most up-to-date information on available programs and services.