Financial Readiness
Train for Your Financial Future
When it comes to your finances, developing good habits can serve you throughout your life. Explore the basics of financial readiness.
Create a Budget
Budgeting helps you build a solid foundation for a successful financial future. Establish a budget that works for you and your family with these tips:
- Start by making sure you understand your military income and how often you’ll receive your pay.
- List out your monthly income and expenses—including your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)—to see how your money is being spent.
- Use our budgeting template to break your spending and plans down even further after you list out your monthly expenses.
- Check out tips on simple ways to trim spending and stick to your budget.
- Make sure you can use your money when and where you need to with Active Duty Checking®. You’ll receive up to $240 a year1 in ATM fee rebates, free military checks and early access to military pay with qualifying military direct deposit.

Pay Yourself First by Building an Emergency Fund
Life’s interruptions can’t be predicted. Be prepared for unexpected costs with an emergency fund.
- Aim to set aside 3 to 6 months worth of living expenses.
- Consider saving or investing extra money, once you've built an emergency fund and paid your expenses.
- Start building your savings quickly with our Special EasyStartSM Certificate, where you can earn over $100 in a year.

Manage Your Credit
Building your credit history ensures you'll be able to qualify for various types of credit in the future. Here are a few ways to effectively manage your credit and reduce your debt:
- Take time to learn about the differences between a credit report and a credit score, then review simple ways to build good credit.
- Be aware of predatory lenders who may use unfair or deceptive ways to entice you into taking a loan you may not want or need, or are unable to afford.
- Avoid payday loans—while convenient, these loans are often much more expensive than you may think.
- Learn how to avoid the pitfall of too much debt by understanding and managing credit cards effectively.

Prepare for the Future
No matter how long you plan to stay in the military, take advantage of special savings opportunities and tax breaks with your servicemember status.
- Get to know the Blended Retirement System (BRS) and make the most of your retirement by staying on top of changing military benefits.
- Speak with a financial advisor to see how you should best consolidate your retirement accounts to maximize your savings.

Stretch Your Dollar
We’re dedicated to offering you low rates, loan discounts and other products and services to lighten your load. Whether you’re a military member or part of a military family, there are many ways for you to shop and save.
Financial Readiness Resources
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Demolish Debt - 5 Payment Strategies That Really Work
The fastest way to reduce what you owe is to pay off your balance each month, but if that's not possible, we have 5 great tips that you can use right away to start demolishing your debt.
Learn Moreabout Demolish Debt - 5 Payment Strategies That Really Work -
4 Steps to Financial Success
Have you ever heard the saying, “Put your money to work for you”? It’s often used to encourage people to establish savings or invest their money to become financially successful.
Learn Moreabout 4 Steps to Financial Success -
6 Tax Advantages Military Members Need to Know
Taxes are one of the certainties of life. However, servicemembers have access to a number of tax advantages that can make taxes less overwhelming.
Learn Moreabout 6 Tax Advantages Military Members Need to Know
Disclosures
Up to $20.00 in ATM fee rebates per statement period.
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