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Saving in difficult times

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs


 

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The rising costs of everything from gas to food prompted the need for increased financial readiness awareness in the base community.

Sharp upticks in cost of living and inflation has many people reexamining their daily living expenses and finances, said Amy Whitacre, the Airman and Family Readiness Center’s personal financial readiness program manager.

Whitacre said service members who are their household’s sole provider, and households with special needs members, are the most affected.

Financial issues can lead to relationship and other problems if they are not addressed, she said. 

The center offers assistance in many areas, including: budgeting, taxes, credit cards and student debt.

Whitacre suggested finding creative ways to save money, including: meal planning; cutting back on or discontinuing eating at restaurants; looking for deals on purchases; clipping coupons; reusing plastic bags; and walking or biking to destinations instead of driving, when possible.

Making good choices can lead to gaining control of a financial situation, according to Whitacre.

“For some people, saving money does not involve just financial changes, it also involves behavioral changes,” she said.  “Behavioral changes towards money can make big differences in people’s lives.”