Free Financial Workshop For Oregon Service Members

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Apr 12, 2013, 03:54 ET

Army OneSource, the Oregon National Guard and members of Oregon's Financial Community Mobilize on behalf of Service Members and their Families

CLACKAMAS, Ore., April 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Oregon Financial Alliance, a collaboration of Army OneSource, the Oregon National Guard, Oregon Society of CPAs, Better Business Bureau and Financial Beginnings is hosting a free financial readiness training event open to all service members, veterans and their families. The event is part of the alliance's goal to support the financial health of Oregon's military families through the availability of hands-on financial education and tools throughout the state.

Oregon is one of only eight states that does not have an active military installation. That means that the 345,700 veterans, National Guard and Reserve Soldiers living in the state have to travel a great distance for resources typically provided on an installation, including financial readiness training.

While service members experience financial challenges similar to the general public, their issues are often exaggerated by the deployment cycle. When Service members experience financial difficulties, it negatively impacts morale and overall operational readiness, as well as family relationships. Studies have shown that financial struggles can impact readiness more than housing, child care, or health concerns and according to the DoD, financial problems are the leading cause of security clearance revocation or denial.

The Oregon Financial Alliance, a group initiated by Army OneSource, has launched a traveling training program titled "Ready, Set, Save!" which offers free, in-person training to all service members, veterans and their families. Training topics include saving for college, retirement and transition, investing, budgeting, credit and debt management, media/internet scams and identity theft, along with a course designed especially for children called "Youth Smarts." The training is FREE and includes dinner and certified childcare for children ages 4 years and under.

The Alliance's first event will take place Saturday, April 20th from 3:00 – 6:00 at Camp Withycombe, 15300 SE Industrial Way, Clackamas, OR 97015. Space is limited, so those interested in participating should sign-up today by visiting http://tinyurl.com/ReadySetSave or emailing [email protected].

"Through this event we're hoping to help military families learn life-long skills for budgeting, saving and planning for the future," said Angela Traina, Community Support Coordinator for Army OneSource. "Military families have unique challenges when it comes to managing their finances. These trainings are specially designed to address these unique situations and help our service members stay financially fit."

Financial organizations interested in learning more about the Financial Alliance and joining the cause of serving military families may contact Angela Traina at [email protected].

SOURCE Army OneSource