In a significant move to enhance financial literacy among military families, the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) has partnered with The USAA Educational Foundation (USAAEF) to introduce a new virtual financial education program. This initiative, set to launch on August 1, 2024, aims to equip military spouses with essential financial knowledge and skills to navigate the unique challenges of military life.
The program, accessible through MSAN’s Global Mentorship HUB, offers a range of specialized training courses covering crucial financial topics. These include financial health and goal setting, understanding military pay and benefits, saving for retirement, debt management, credit comprehension, and investing for growth. By providing these resources, MSAN and USAAEF are addressing a critical need within the military community for accessible, tailored financial education.
Verenice Castillo, MSAN’s founder and CEO, emphasized the program’s inclusivity, stating that it will cater to ‘new and experienced spouses, post-9/11 veteran and retiree spouses, caregivers, and Gold Star and Surviving Spouses.’ This broad approach ensures that the diverse needs of the military spouse community are met, recognizing the varying financial challenges faced at different stages of military life and service.
The initiative’s importance is underscored by the unique financial responsibilities often shouldered by military spouses. David Evetts, President of USAAEF, noted that ‘Military spouses often serve as the CFO of their household managing the finances to support their family.’ This program aims to empower these individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed financial decisions and build a more secure future for their families.
What sets this program apart is its integration into MSAN’s existing support structure. The Virtual Education and Resource Center within the Mentorship HUB provides a comprehensive library of content available 24/7, including webinars, educational videos, blogs, toolkits, and professional training. This round-the-clock accessibility ensures that military spouses can engage with the material at their convenience, accommodating the often unpredictable schedules associated with military life.
Moreover, the program goes beyond mere content provision. MSAN has appointed a Financial Readiness Advocate to support discussions about the new program within the Mentorship HUB. This personalized approach allows participants to seek clarification and guidance, enhancing the learning experience. The HUB also features a secure chat function, facilitating peer-to-peer support and fostering a sense of community among military spouses facing similar financial challenges.
The collaboration between MSAN and USAAEF represents a significant step forward in addressing the financial education needs of military families. By combining MSAN’s established network and support systems with USAAEF’s expertise in financial education, the program offers a comprehensive solution to a long-standing issue within the military community.
As military families continue to face unique financial pressures, including frequent relocations, deployment-related expenses, and the challenges of maintaining a career as a military spouse, this program provides a valuable resource. It not only equips spouses with practical financial knowledge but also reinforces the support network essential for navigating the complexities of military life.
The launch of this financial education program underscores the ongoing commitment of organizations like MSAN and USAAEF to supporting military families. By empowering military spouses with financial knowledge and skills, the initiative aims to contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of military families, ultimately strengthening the foundation of the U.S. armed forces.
For more information on MSAN and its programs, interested parties can visit www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org. Additional financial education resources are available at www.usaaef.org, offering tailored content for the military community.
This news story relied on a press release distributed by 24-7 Press Release. Blockchain Registration, Verification & Enhancement provided by NewsRamp™. The source URL for this press release is Military Spouses Gain Access to New Financial Education Program.