A&FRC can help find pathway to financial readiness Published March 14, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Stephan Coleman 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The airman and family readiness center offers Airmen a variety of resources for achieving financial stability. "Everyone's situation is different," said Rose Janosik, 81st Force Support Squadron community resource specialist. "To address someone's particular situation, I would strongly suggest that they make an appointment with the airman and family readiness center to have a spending plan done." All Airmen have their own unique spending and saving habits. There are generally eight different categories of money types, said Janosik. The types fall on a spectrum of limited knowledge to full knowledge of fiscal values. After determining your personal spending and saving habits, it's time to formulate a spending plan, or a budget. "That spending plan will show an Airman what he could have as a surplus, and in some cases a monthly deficit, and why he would need to cut back spending," said Janosik. If a person is behind on credit card payments, that individual should consider making an appointment with Money Management International/Consumer Credit Counseling Service. There's an office in Biloxi and is considered a partner with the military, said Jasonik. The best advice Jasonik can give Airmen is to live within their means and not buy what they can't afford. Many new Airmen get carried away when they arrive at their first duty station and buy cars before planning their spending. The airman and family readiness center has programs to help for a reason, said Jackie Pope, 81st FSS airman and family readiness center section chief. Another benefit that a military member and spouse can receive from the airman and family readiness center is free MyFICO service for 30 days. They would receive a copy of their credit report and credit score, along with tips from MyFICO on improving their credit score. Military Saves is a program that literally forces Airmen to save money for retirement. And, The Thrift Savings Plan is similar to a retirement plan where money is put away for the future. Financial planning is up to the individual, but the airman and family readiness center is specifically there to help.