Personal Financial Management

Eligibility and First Steps

Eligibility for participation in our program extends to individuals across various sections of the military community.

• Service Members
• Family Members
• DoD Employees

Getting started is easy!

Contact us.
Get professional guidance and support tailored to your financial goals.

Make an appointment.
Schedule your personalized financial consultation today! Making an appointment is easy – just reach out to our program office and take the first step towards financial success.

Register for workshops or courses.
Sign up for our workshops and classes to enhance your financial literacy! Register now to secure your spot and gain valuable insights into managing your money effectively.

Explore our webpage.
Discover helpful financial tools and resources provided by the Personal Financial Management Program. From workshop schedules to helpful resources, everything you need to get started is just a click away!

Financial Services

Unlock your financial potential with our comprehensive services! From budgeting and debt management to retirement planning and investment guidance, we're here to support your journey towards financial success.

Contact us today to learn more about the services offered and how we can help you achieve your financial goals.

• Blended Retirement System
• Car Buying
• Consumer Awareness
• Continuation Pay
• Couple Financial Counseling
• Credit Report and Credit Score Analysis Saving and Investing
• Credit / Debt Management
• Developing a Spending Plan
• Financial Education Action Points (FEAP)
• Individual Financial Counseling
• Major Purchases
• Military Pay & Benefits
• Retirement Planning
• Survivor Benefits Plan
• Thrift Savings Plan
• Understanding Military Retirement Benefits
  ​

Become a Command Financial Specialist

Command Financial Specialists (CFS) are a vital resource for Marines, offering support throughout their careers. Marines and their families often encounter unexpected financial  emergencies or difficulties managing money. Without proper guidance, these challenges can escalate, affecting their well-being and readiness to serve. As a CFS, you play a key role in helping Marines overcome these challenges, ensuring they stay financially secure and mission ready.

In accordance with MCO 1700.37, the minimum requirements for assignment as a unit Command Financial Specialist are:

• Must be an E6, WO, O-1, and above.
• Have at least one year remaining at your present duty station.
• Highly motivated.
• Financially stable.
• Have no record of Letters of Indebtedness/Non-Sufficient Funds/NJP/Poor performance counseling above the rank of LCPL.
• Successfully complete the Leading Marines Course and MCI's 3420 and 3422 on Personal Financial Management.
• Participate in continuing education such as CFS forums and refresher training.

You do not need a degree in financial planning to succeed as a CFS. What matters most is a genuine curiosity to explore and understand the financial needs of Marines throughout their careers.

The most successful CFSs are those who enjoy the process of identifying financial needs and thrive on the challenge of finding solutions. Your efforts will directly benefit Marines and their families.

As a Command Financial Specialist, you will help Marines and their families learn about managing money and making smart financial choices. There’s no product selling involved—your role is to give them the knowledge and the tools they need to make good decisions about their finances and ensure financial success.

For more information contact your MCCS Personal Financial Manager.

Introduction to Credit | July 30

OVERVIEW

Introduction to Credit provides instructional content, assessments, and activities that will inform participants about the pros and cons of credit and prepare them to use credit responsibly.

LEARNING OBJETIVES

After completing Introduction to Credit, participants should be able to:

• Identify the benefits and risks of using credit
• Explain how to qualify for credit
• Identify strategies for establishing and maintaining good credit
• Identify factors that influence the cost of credit

DATE:

Thursday, July 30 • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM • Via Teams.

Introduction to Debt Management | August 4

OVERVIEW

Introduction to Debt Management provides instructional content and activities that will allow participants to understand what debt is and how to manage it appropriately to avoid the consequences of poor financial management.

LEARNING OBJETIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to:

• Determine their percentage of debt by calculating their debt-to-income ratio
• Recognize the warning signs of too much debt
• Locate resources for addressing debt issues

DATE

Tuesday, August 4 • 10:00 – 11:00 AM • Via Teams

Introduction to TSP | August 6

OVERVIEW

Introduction to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) provides instructional content and activities to educate participants on the benefits of participating in the TSP.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to:

• Explain the importance of participating in the TSP
• Differentiate between the various TSP funds
• Identify appropriate fund(s) for TSP allocations based on risk tolerance
• Use investment planning tools and calculators provided by the TSP

DATE

Thursday, August 6 • 1:00 – 2:30 PM • Via Teams

Command Financial Specialist Training | August 12-14

The three-day CFS course prepares learners to be the point of contact and subject matter expert for their command’s PFMP.

DATE

August 12–14 • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM • Via Teams

Using & Managing Credit | August 19

OVERVIEW

Using and Managing Credit provides instructional content, assessments, and activities that will inform you about credit card terminology, credit card costs and features, and credit reports.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to:

• Evaluate the costs, terms, and other features of credit cards when selecting one
• Identify what information to review on your credit report to verify that it is correct and complete

DATE

Wednesday, August 19 • 10:00 – 11:00 AM • Via Teams.

CFS Quarterly Forum | August 24

An update on Marine personal finance news for leadership and Command Financial Specialists.

DATE

Monday, August 24 • 9:00 – 10:00 AM • Via Teams

Recognizing Consumer Fraud | August 25

OVERVIEW

Recognizing Consumer Fraud provides instructional content and activities that will prepare participants to detect and deter consumer fraud.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to:

• Explain why Service members are easy targets for consumer fraud
• Describe common advertising techniques and their impact on consumers
• Apply strategies for deterring consumer fraud and exploitation

Personal Readiness Seminar | September 2

Required for those at their first duty station within 90 days of reporting.

DATE

Wednesday, September 2 • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM • Location: TBD.

Planning your Retirement | September 7

OVERVIEW

Planning Your Retirement provides instructional content and activities to help participants plan for their retirement.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to:

• Explain the importance of saving now for retirement
• Summarize the necessary steps to plan for their retirement
• Identify methods to calculate retirement needs

DATE

Monday, September 7 • 1:00 – 2:30 PM • Via Teams

Investing in Mutual Funds | September 11

OVERVIEW

Investing in Mutual Funds provides instructional content and activities that will allow participants to learn about investing in mutual funds.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to:

• Identify the various categories of mutual funds
• Differentiate between the three different types of fund objectives
• Analyze the different expenses associated with mutual funds
• Identify specific methods to calculate the investment cost basis

DATE

Friday, September 11 • 1:00 – 2:30 PM • Via Teams.

Introduction to Investing | September 14

OVERVIEW

Introduction to Investing provides instructional content and activities that will allow participants to learn basic information about investing.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to:

• Explain the level of risk and potential return for various investment options
• Compare and contrast different asset types and investment vehicles, including levels of risk and rates of return
• Relate the market indexes to investment performance
• Describe how various assets function in your investment portfolio
• Identify where to locate appropriate, trustworthy investing products
• Analyze factors affecting the rate of return on investments
• Describe the various resources available for researching investment options
• Identify the impact of fees on investments

DATE

Monday, September 14 • 1:00 – 2:30 PM • Via Teams.

Introduction to Insurance | September 18

OVERVIEW

Introduction to Insurance provides instructional content and activities that will allow participants to understand the importance of having different types of insurance for themselves and their families.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to:

• Select appropriate insurance for various life events
• Compare different vehicles for purchasing insurance to determine appropriate coverage and the best value

DATE

Friday, September 18 • 1:00 – 2:30 PM • Via Teams.

Investing in Real Estate | September 28

OVERVIEW

Introduction to Investing provides instructional content and activities that will allow participants to learn basic information about investing.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to:

• Explain the level of risk and potential return for various investment options
• Compare and contrast different asset types and investment vehicles, including levels of risk and rates of return
• Relate the market indexes to investment performance
• Describe how various assets function in your investment portfolio
• Identify where to locate appropriate, trustworthy investing products
• Analyze factors affecting the rate of return on investments
• Describe the various resources available for researching investment options
• Identify the impact of fees on investments

DATE

Monday, September 28 • 1:00 – 2:30 PM • Via Teams.

Introduction to Taxes | October 2

OVERVIEW

Introduction to Taxes provides instructional content and activities that will inform you about the different types of taxes you pay and strategies to legally minimize your tax burden.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to: 

• Explain the different types of taxes they pay
• Discuss strategies for legally minimizing the amount of tax they pay

DATE

Friday, October 2 • 10:00 – 11:30 AM • Via Teams.

Communicating About Money | October 5

OVERVIEW

Communicating About Money provides instructional content, assessments, and activities that will allow participants and their spouses, soon-to-be spouses, or significant others to improve their communication about money.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to:

• Assess their current values and attitudes about money
• Explain the importance of communicating about money with their spouses/significant others
• Describe approaches to starting a conversation about money with their partners
• Explain guidelines for having constructive conversations about money

DATE

Monday, October 5 • 1:00 – 2:30 PM • Via Teams.

Personal Readiness Seminary | October 7

Required for those at their first duty station within 90 days of reporting.

DATE

Wednesday, October 7 • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM • Location: TBD.

Filing Your Income Taxes | October 12

OVERVIEW

Filing Your Income Taxes provides instructional content and activities that will help Service members understand what documents are used to file their taxes.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to:

• Identify which forms to use when filing their taxes
• Identify how to file federal income taxes
• Determine appropriate deadlines and penalties when filing their taxes

DATE

Monday, October 12 • 1:00 – 2:30 PM • Via Teams.

Developing a Spending Plan | October 16

OVERVIEW

Developing a Spending Plan provides instructional content, assessments, and activities that will inform participants on how to create a spending plan and keep track of their financial health.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, participants should be able to:

• Explain what a spending plan is and the benefits of having one
• Determine their household’s income
• Calculate their monthly expenses
• Explain methods for tracking your expenses
• Describe the importance of financial goals in spending plans
• Create a workable spending plan
• Describe three methods for determining their financial health—net worth, debt-to-income ratio, and the liquidity ratio

DATE

Friday, October 16 • 9:00 – 10:30 AM • Via Teams.

Personal Readiness Seminar | November 4

Required for those at their first duty station within 90 days of reporting.

DATE

Wednesday, November 4 • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM • Via Teams.

Command Financial Specialist Training | November 23-25

The three-day CFS course prepares learners to be the point of contact and subject matter expert for their command’s PFMP.

DATE

November 23–25 • 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM • Via Teams.

Budgeting Tools

Contact your local Personal Financial Management Program office for helpful tools for managing your money to take charge of your finances.

• Financial Well-Being Assessment 
• Spending Plan Worksheet
• Personal Net Worth Tracker
• Financial Calculators
• Sen$e App

Financially Fit Kids

Providing kids with financial skills help them avoid debt and prepare for big expenses and the future. Knowing how to handle money also gives kids confidence and helps them make smart choices as they get older.

Learn more about tips and tools available to help raise Financially Fit Kids.

• Values & Habits
• Self Assessment
• Communication Skills
• Goal Setting
• All About Allowances
• System for Saving
• Create a Spending Plan
• Tips & Videos

Blended Retirement System

The Blended Retirement System (BRS) is a way for service members to save for retirement, introduced in 2018. Unlike the retirement services in the past where only those who served for 20 years received a pension, the BRS offers benefits for almost all service members.

The BRS combines a regular pension for those who serve at least 20 years with a savings plan similar to a civilian 401(k), where the government also adds money to your savings.

The BRS makes it possible for military personnel to start building their retirement savings early in their careers, whether they plan to stay for the full length of service or not.

Learn more about the Blended Retirement System at

Blended Retirement System

Continuation Pay

Continuation Pay under the Blended Retirement System (BRS) is a one-time bonus offered to military members who agree to extend their service beyond their current enlistment period.

This bonus serves as an incentive for service members to continue their military career at mid-career points.The amount and timing of continuation pay vary by service branch, and the specific details are determined based on factors like rank and years of service.

Accepting continuation pay comes with a commitment to serve for an additional number of years, and failing to fulfill this commitment may require the service member to repay the received bonus.

Continuation Pay

Managing Stress

The Community Counseling Program utilizes a holistic approach to support individuals, children, couples, and families. Our professional clinicians provide solutions designed to meet your specific needs in the following areas:

• Relationship Concerns
• Work Stressors
• Life Stressors
• Trauma
• EAS/PCS and Challenges Related to Transition
• Grief and Loss
• Sadness
• Worry
• Deployment Cycle Stressors and Reintegration
• Adjustment
• Crisis Intervention
• Sleep Hygiene
• Parent-Child Communication

Establish a connection with professionals from your Community Counseling center and discover a successful journey toward overcoming life's challenges.

Community Counseling

Budgeting for Education

Whether you're looking to earn a college degree, obtain a certification, or improve your skills, there are resources designed to support your personal and professional growth, preparing you for success both in the Marine Corps and in civilian life. Take advantage of these opportunities to invest in your future today!

Contact the Education Center and speak with a coordinator.

Family Member Employment Assistance

Connect with your local Family Member Employment Assistance office to schedule an introductory meeting and learn more about the program.

Available Services:

• Career Advising & Coaching
• Career Workshops
• Education, Entrepreneurial & Training Resources
• Individual Career Assessment & Planning
• Interviewing Skills
• Job Search Strategies
• Resume Assistance
• Salary Negotiations
• Volunteer & Skills Development