Depression

Anxiety

Mood changes

Blood pressure

Headaches

Sleep

Connection

Sense of security

Relationship issues

Mental

NATIONAL GUARD April 2023

• Living paycheck to paycheck

• Making expensive purchases

• Missing payments

• Bouncing checks 

• Receiving collection notices

• Using credit to subsidize 

personal budget

• Having no savings

CONTACT US

For more information on financial readiness or other wellness topics, email 

us at: ng.ncr.ngb.mbx.integrated-prevention-branch@army.mil

WARNING SIGNS FOR 

FINANCIAL STRESS

HOLISTIC WELLNESS CHALLENGE

FACTS & FIGURES: DID YOU KNOW?

FINACIAL STRESS IMPACTS OVERALL WELL-BEING

Physical Social

CHALLENGE your Service members to adopt at least 

one of the recommended resources this month to improve 

financial readiness

FOCUS ON FINANCIAL FITNESS

• Create a budget. Track income, 

expenses, and savings monthly

• Reduce spending. Pack 

a lunch, buy in bulk, use 

coupons, carpool, and evaluate 

subscriptions

• Avoid late fees. Set-up 

automatic bill pay to ensure 

timely payments

• Pay off debts. Focus on highest 

interest rates first

• Consult family members. 

Develop shared spending and 

saving habits

• Establish an emergency 

fund. Save and maintain easy 

access to 3-6 months of living 

expenses

• Check credit score. Monitor 

credit history on a yearly basis 

• Seek support. Meet with a 

financial counselor

TIPS FOR BETTER 

MONEY MANAGEMENT

10.4% of National Guard 

suicides and 10.5% of suicide 

attempts reported financial 

stress, 2021

3% of National Guard members 

who died by suicide reported 

excessive debt/bankruptcy, 

2022
What does it mean?

• Financial well-being is when a person can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, can feel secure in their 

financial future, and can make choices that allow for enjoyment of life.

Why does it matter?

• Financial readiness effects mission readiness as it protects Service members from personal stressors and provides the 

stability and flexibility needed to handle unexpected expenses. 

What can you do?

• Know the warning signs to help Service members avoid the mental, physical, and emotional stress that often 

accompanies financial difficulties. 

• Talk openly about the importance of financial planning and establishing an emergency fund to help with unexpected 

expenses.

• Make time during drill weekends for Service members to take the anonymous Financial Well-Being Assessment so they 

can take control of their money matters.

• Encourage them to regularly check their credit report, meet with a Personal Financial Counselor, and take training to 

better inform their spending and saving habits. 

FOSTER FINANCIAL READINESS

• Contact your State Military and Family Readiness Program Managers for information 

on the Personal Financial Counselor (PFC) DoD resource available to all Service 

members, family members, and Service branches. Family Readiness can also provide 

information and referral to other financial readiness resources in the community.

• Financial Well-Being Assessment: Anonymous, interactive digital tool that 

automatically assesses financial fitness https://finred.usalearning.gov/FWBA/DigitalTool

• National Financial Capability Month-April 2023: Resources and social media messages to encourage Service 

members to take control of their financial futures https://finred.usalearning.gov/SPL/Media/2023FINCAP

• Credit Report: Free annual credit report https://www.annualcreditreport.com

• Sen$e: Free money management mobile app that includes spending tools, debt payment calculator, and credit quizzes 

https://finred.usalearning.gov/SPL/Media/SenseToolkit

• Office of Financial Readiness: One-stop-shop for finding a Personal Financial Counselor, Service-specific resources, and 

trainings https://finred.usalearning.gov

• Military OneSource: Information on financial education classes, finance programs, and emergency support resources 

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/national-guard/financial-management

• MilSpouse Money Mission: Videos, blog, and resources to educate and empower military spouses to make smart financial 

decisions that elevate their families https://www.milspousemoneymission.org 

• PsychArmor: Free online courses on financial wellness, savings plans, and budgeting https://psycharmor.org

RESOURCES TO RECOMMEND

SPOTLIGHT: WORK FOR WARRIORS

• An NGB-J1 Program, in partnership with the Georgia National Guard, that improves financial readiness by helping to 

reduce unemployment and underemployment

• Free career guidance, resume and interview assistance, employer connections, and hiring events

• Currently available in 14 States (AZ, CA, GA, HI, IN, LA, MS, NV, NC, OH, OR, SC, TX, WA) with plans to add more

• For more information, email: ng.ncr.ngb-arng.mbx.ngb-j1-partnerships@army.mil

REFERENCES:

1. Save more, spend less, and reduce stress: https://www.hprc-online.org/social-fitness/family-optimization/savemore-spend-less-and-reduce-stress

2.Unit Risk Inventory, 2022 

3.Department of Defense Annual Report on Suicide in the Military, 2021: https://www.dspo.mil/Portals/113/

Documents/2022%20ASR/Annual%20Report%20on%20Suicide%20in%20the%20Military%20CY%20

2021%20with%20CY21%20DoDSER%20(1).pdf?ver=tat8FRrUhH2IlndFrCGbsA%3d%3d

The contents of this document are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.