Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued a consumer alert to educate military families as they enter a new year and plan a new budget.
Also, the Federal Trade Commission recently unveiled a new website to help service members and their families manage their personal finances.
“Financial planning can be difficult and overwhelming,” Rutledge said in a news release. “But it can be even more cumbersome when military service members are receiving change of station or deployment orders. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects these men and women from being taken advantage of. This new website provides a financial readiness toolkit and resources for best fiscal practices.”
Military.Consumer.gov, which is designed for mobile devices, provides information on the following topics to help military families manage their finances:
• How to control spending
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• How to use military experience and benefits to increase earning potential
• How to borrow, use credit and manage debt
• How to save and invest to make today’s paychecks last into the future
• How to protect money and financial and account information.
The FTC created Military.Consumer.gov by teaming up with the Department of Defense, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Military Saves and other agencies.
The website also provides tips for personal financial managers helping military servicemen and women prepare for the future.
Arkansas military service members, veterans and families can file consumer complaints with the Attorney General’s office on ArkansasAG.gov or by calling (800) 482-8982.
For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at 800-482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.