MCRD Parris Island, S.C. -- The Department of Defense designated the week of Feb. 25 to March 4 as the week for the Military Saves Campaign, but anytime is a good time to start a savings plan.
Americans' savings accounts are at their lowest since the depression, said Becky Radford, personal financial management specialist, Marine and Family Services.
The objective of the campaign, which was in conjunction with the civilian version called America Saves, was to promote saving money instead of incurring more debt.
The campaign ran for the first time last year with more than 1,000 people signing up and pledging to save money and decrease debt, said Radford.
"I think it is a very good program to highlight the importance of savings," said Radford. "Everyone needs to understand how to live within their means and not go into debt."
The Department of Defense is offering several services to help military members save money, said Radford.
The financial fitness classes, which were created to educate service members about financial management is one service offered by the DoD. The class addresses topics such as saving money, creating a budget, creating a savings account and investing.
Another service offered is the Thrift Savings Plan. The TSP is a method of investing a small amount of money into a stock with a safe and profitable growth future.
Anyone interested in saving money or scheduling a financial fitness class can contact Becky Radford at 228-2218, or go to the Military Saves site at www.militarysaves.org.