Maximize your money

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Timothy Moore
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  It is that time of year again: tax season! As people begin to prepare their tax refunds and make plans for their reimbursements, the D-M Airman and Family Readiness Center is preparing to help base personnel with taxes and money management.

Throughout the month of January, the A&FRC will be hosting several classes concerning finances to include tax returns, investing and managing credit.

"Knowledge is power," said Mike Starkey, 355th Force Support Squadron A&FRC financial community readiness technician and certified financial counselor. "Understanding financials, whether it's taxes, credit, or investing will help you manage your finances and make the decisions that work best for you."

The first class, Maximize Your Tax Refund, is scheduled for January 15. The class will instruct individuals on ways to get more back in taxes as well as ways to increase financial readiness. There are two classes scheduled to begin at 10am and 12pm.

After mastering ways to maximize a tax refund, individuals can learn how to make their refunds work for them through investments with the Basic Investing 101 class. This class is designed to provide objective and general investing information. There will be two classes held on January 22 at 10am and 12pm.

"Investing blindly can lead to a financial loss or disaster," Starkey said. "We hold the class to cover basic knowledge, increase the chances for success, and provide the theory regarding paying yourself first."

To round out the financial management courses, the A&FRC will be hosting the Managing Your Credit class on January 29. It will also have two sessions at 10am and 12pm. This class is designed to cover all aspects of credit. Participants will learn about establishing, building, and repairing credit as well as the pros and cons of having credit.

"Anyone can build or rebuild their credit with knowledge and discipline," Starkey said. "If you wear the USAF uniform, you have the ability for both!"

Classes are open to Airmen and their families as well as civil servants. The A&FRC holds similar classes throughout the year and provides classes within units upon request.

For more information about these classes, contact the A&FRC at 228-5690.