Courtesy Photo | U.S. Marine Pfc. Karla Iannicelli, a personal property clerk with the base...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii - Dry cleaning your uniform, buying a soda at the vending machine, going out for a movie – expenses have a way of sneaking up on you. How do you spend your money, and how can you do it responsibly? That’s where the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society can help.
“It’s really about education,” said Cheryl Milca, director of NMCRS. “We see many Marines who are coming right out of high school or college with little life experience, so how can they make good financial choices unless we educate them from when they start getting that first paycheck?”
At NMCRS, service members can receive in-depth financial counseling, interest-free loans and grants, emergency assistance and much more. Volunteers make up 96 percent of NMCRS and they undergo extensive training to become a part of the society.
“It’s the best job that I’ve ever had,” said volunteer Peggy Emquist. “I love working with the young Sailors and Marines who come in, and I wanted to do something that would give back to the Navy Marines. The staff here is also the best.”
If you are interested in volunteering, call 257-1972 to make an appointment.
Milca and her team of 26 volunteers also dedicate much of their time teaching Marines what it means to be financially responsible through interactive workshops like Financial Bootcamp and Budget for Baby.
Financial Bootcamp is a new, hourlong workshop that teaches Marines and Sailors financial skills such as how to read their leave and earnings statement, create a budget and reduce debt.
“It’s really an eye-opener class,” said Milca. “We get them to interact in the workshop, which makes them pay attention and think twice about the choices that they make.”
For example, attendees are given a spending plan worksheet broken down into daily living expenses so they can figure out where their money is going. During the class, they can practice prioritizing expenses by sorting items on labeled cards as long-term and short-term spending goals and receive tips on where they might save extra money. One valuable tip: changing the ZIP code on your LES.
“The cost of living in Hawaii is higher than living in the mainland, so changing your ZIP code might bring in more money,” said Julie Duszak, a volunteer caseworker who regularly teaches the class.
While the bootcamp is held by request from units and organizations, Budget for Baby is bi-monthly and is tailored toward couples who are expecting or thinking about having a baby.
According to volunteer caseworker Candice MacInnes, a child today can cost up to $291,000 from ages 0 to 18 years old.
“We talk about budgeting for that cost and breaking down the expenses for baby items such as diapers, formula vs breastfeeding and more,” she said.
At the end of the free workshop, attendees receive hand-knitted blankets and a choice between a $50 gift card or $80 worth of baby products.
The next Budget for Baby will take place Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Aug. 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Commands interested in holding a Financial Bootcamp can call 257-1972 to schedule a class.
The services provided by the NMCRS directly supports the mission of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, which is to provide facilities, programs and services in direct support of units, individuals and families in order to enhance and sustain combat readiness for all operating forces and tenant organizations aboard the installation.
| Date Taken: | 08.04.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.05.2015 18:07 |
| Story ID: | 172182 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII , HI, US |
| Web Views: | 87 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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