Airman, Family Readiness Center holds financial fair Published Feb. 19, 2009 MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Airman and Family Readiness Center will hold a "financial fair" Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Maxwell Event Center as part of Military Saves Week, according to Gari Smith, center director of Personal Financial Management. "Military Saves is a Department of Defense-wide financial readiness campaign to persuade military service and family members, as well as the wider military community, to reduce debt and save money thereby ensuring personal financial readiness and positively impacting the nation's personal/household savings rates," Ms. Smith said. This year, Military Saves Week is Sunday through March 1, she added. At Maxwell's financial fair, Ms. Smith said more than 20 participants from the local community and on base will be available to answer questions, give guidance and hand out information that provides ways for military and family members to save money. She said Military Saves encourages everyone to: develop a personal financial plan; establish good credit; save a portion of each paycheck; and enroll in Service Members' Group Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, and (when eligible) Savings Deposit Program. One of the Military Saves week strategies includes "The Saver Pledge", a commitment to exercise sound financial habits and encourage others to do the same, said Ms. Smith. "During this ongoing campaign, classes will be given at the center with relevant topics concerning current financial issues," Ms. Smith said. In addition, eligible participants will receive a free credit and analysis report when they attend the March 12 "Understanding Your Credit Report" class or attend a one on one financial budgeting session, she added. Ms. Smith said a complete list of classes can be found at the Airman and Family Readiness Center or by calling 953-2353.