Lunch and Learn, feeding the mind and body

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Peter Dean
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing/Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  "One late payment can knock your credit score down 90 to 100 points and take up to two years to recover, "said Christen Burden, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, branch supervisor.
  
This is just one example of the credit rebuilding tips discussed during the latest Lunch and Learn workshop.

Regularly held here during the Saturday of the Unit Training Assembly, 927 Air Refueling Wing members have the opportunity to spend their lunch break nourishing both their body and mind. These workshops that include topics such as resume writing, small business startup and fiscal responsibility are aimed at making a difference in the lives of the reservists.

"We look for topics that will be of benefit to the reservists," said Master Sgt. Kathy McNeil, 927 Force Support Squadron, career advisor and Lunch and Learn Series coordinator. "This is just a great way for our reservists to benefit from the knowledge and experience of our local community members, and being held in conjunction with the lunch hour it has minimal impact on the Wing's mission. " 

This month, representatives from Grow Financial, an on-base Federal Credit Union, shared tips on budgeting, good credit rebuilding practices, paying-off debts and fiscal planning for the future.
 
"When you budget, include future purchases, consider opening multiple savings accounts and make payments to the accounts much like you would your bills," said Burden. I have sub accounts that I make payments to such as, hair care, entertainment and even one for a new computer I plan on purchasing."

According to Burden, multiple accounts will help prevent over spending in areas that are easy to lose track of, such as going out to eat, hobbies and clothing.
 
"This class put me on track to rebuilding my credit and taught me budgeting skills that I wish I had known years ago," said Senior Airman Michael Chin-Lee, 927 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, electrical and environmental specialist. "I now know what actions affects my credit score both positively and negativity and by how much."

The Lunch and Learn Series are held on a regular basis with lunch provided. Reservists interested in attending upcoming workshops can stay up-to-date with future topics by following the Wing's facebook site, web page and checking the UTA schedule.