Training
FFSC is now posting videos on YouTube – There will be more added as they are created. Visit https://m.youtube.com/user/FFSCsd.
LMS Webinars – There are many workshops, financial and other topics, available for you to attend online on the Learning Management System
Here are some of the upcoming financial workshops.
Investing in Volatile Times – Tuesday April 20, 0700-0800
Moving Out… What’s the Cost? - Thursday April 22, 0900-1030
Financial Responsibility in the Military – Friday April 23 0700-0800
Let’s Coupon! - Tuesday May 4, 1200-1300
Mortgages 101 – Friday May 7, 0700-0800
Car Buying – Wednesday May 12, 0900-1000
Retirement Planning- Monday May 17 0900-1000
Financial Responsibility in the Military- Thursday May 20 0700-0800
Debt Rehab- Wednesday May 25 0600-0730
Tackling Student Debt- Friday May 27 0600-0730
To sign in or to create an account with LMS go to the following link – https://ffsp.zeiders.refineddata.com/login/index.php.
Military Families Learning Network offers FREE webinars, virtual learning events, and conferences, covering a variety of topics relevant to military family service providers and Cooperative Extension educators. https://militaryfamilieslearningnetwork.org/allevents/
Financial Training for Military Service Members, DOD Staff, and Federal Employees - Presented by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Thrift Savings Plan & Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
Join experts for a free virtual training designed to share smart investing strategies, key considerations for retirement savings, and tips to avoid frauds and scams.
Training Dates Available:
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Tuesday, APRIL 13, 2021 / 11:00-1:30 PM (PST) To register for this training, use the link below: https://secgov.webex.com/secgov/k2/j.php?MTID=t5b7e0af2f75fa1b2aa0557d50a6284a3
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Monday, APRIL 19, 2021 / 7:00-9:00 AM (PST) to register for this training use the link below:
https://secgov.webex.com/secgov/k2/j.php?MTID=ta4f419984f97c2988aff8b6f9fc53630
Monday, APRIL 26, 2021 / 11:00-1:00 PM (PST) to register for this training use the link below:
https://secgov.webex.com/secgov/k2/j.php?MTID=te196c602b4530300bf5949ff195eaea3
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the session.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS FREE EVENT Space is limited, register early!
Each session will cover these topics and more:
TSP Contribution Strategies and Plan Updates
Managing your TSP Account and Tracking Progress towards Retirement
Investing Throughout and Beyond Your Military Service
Tips to Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams
Simple Steps to Take Before Making Investment Decisions
Scams- Financial fraud is still a constant threat. It is vital that the victim reports the scam to the proper authorities. Remember, if scams and fraud are not reported there will more victims of these illegal acts.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
INCOME TAX INFORMATION
Just a reminder that federal income taxes due date has been extended to May 17 2021.
The following link provides information on state income tax due dates. However it is recommended that you check with your individual state. https://future.aicpa.org/resources/download/state-tax-due-dates-updated-for-covid-19-relief
Military One Source is providing FREE online tax services (it’s a free account with H&R Block). The service is available at: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/taxes-services-resources/
Military Tax Questions - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/military
2021 TAX UPDATES – MLFN held recently held a tax class and it is now available to be seen on demand. The training covered recent tax changes that may impact you and your client’s finances. Specifically, the webinar addresses the tax implications of stimulus checks, unemployment, the increase to standard deductions, changes to key provisions for popular tax credits, contribution limits and income thresholds for retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s, increases in other tax-favored accounts for healthcare and education, and exemptions from gift and estate tax, tax brackets for ordinary income, as well as qualified dividends and long-term capital gains.
https://militaryfamilieslearningnetwork.org/event/92081/
Social Security Tax Withholding Deferral Military Member Frequently Asked Questions - https://www.dfas.mil/taxes/Social-Security-Deferral/Military-FAQs/
The repayment will show up on the LES as “Misc. Debt”
Savings & Investing Education Resource- SaveAndInvest.org provides unbiased financial tools and information from the FINRA Foundation to help military families and all investors make informed financial decisions. https://www.saveandinvest.org/
Free Credit Reports Extended until April 2022- https://www.consumerreports.org/credit-scores-reports/credit-bureaus-extend-weekly-free-credit-reports/
Federal student loan flexibilities for the COVID-19 emergency have been extended at least through September 30, 2021- https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
2021 Pay Charts
2021 Pay Chart DFAS - https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/payentitlements/Pay-Tables/
2021 BAH Rates DFAS- BAH rates change from year to year. When rates go down, SVMs getting the older higher rate are grandfathered into that rate. https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bah.cfm
2021 TSP Rates- https://www.tsp.gov/making-contributions/contribution-limits/
In 2021, the TSP team has added early morning, evening, and weekend webinars. Webinar Subjects include:
Here is the link to the TSP webinar registration page: https://www.tsp.gov/agency-service-reps/training/
If you are facing financial difficulty due to the National coronavirus and biohazard crisis, perhaps a Certified Debt Counselor can help. NFCC certified Financial Counselor network at 1 (800) 388-2227.
Help is available with:
--Debt Management Plans
--Student Loan Counseling
--Small Business Owner Financial Coaching
--Credit Report Reviews
--Credit Health Education
--Homeownership Counseling
--Reverse Mortgage Counseling
--Foreclosure Prevention
--Bankruptcy Counseling
Military Service Members Can Obtain Free Credit Monitoring
In times such as this when people should be helping and sharing.some of us are at our worst. Hackers included! Fortunately, the recent FTC Rule implemented a 2018 law. Accordingly, the nationwide credit reporting agencies; Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are providing free electronic credit monitoring services to active duty service members and National Guard members. Credit monitoring services can alert consumers to mistakes or problems with their credit reports that might stem from the unauthorized use of their personal information to obtain credit.
The Personal Financial Management Program provides personal financial education, training and counseling at no cost to Marines/Sailors and their families. A solid understanding of personal financial situations will give a better chance of achieving financial success during your career and help build confidence in facing financial challenges and responsibilities. The program delivers training and education to service members and their families on a recurring basis at the unit level or on an individual basis.
Please take a look at our suite of Financial Calculators. They are 'Product and Advertisement' free. This means no annoying ads and pop ups. GO TO:
https://www.personalfinanceformilitarylife.org/calculators/
Contact Information
Kathleen Bourikas
Career Resource Office (CRO) Building 1526 IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19.
(760) 830-4032 - Listen to Voicemail for additional contact information.
kathleen.bourikas@usmc-mccs.org
Hours of Operation - Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 4:00pm