MacDill Reservists host lunch and learn financial workshop
By by Senior Airman Xavier Lockley, 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
/ Published August 07, 2016
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
"How many of you want to get rid of debt?” said Ian Norkin, executive vice president of Bank United.
This is just one example of the questions asked by representatives from Bank United to members of the 927th Air Refueling Wing during the latest lunch and learn workshop Aug. 7.
Members of the wing spent their lunch break learning about finances and money management. The workshop included topics such as home buying, credit management and other fiscal responsibilities, aimed at making a difference in the lives of the reservists.
“The information that we learned in this class was very helpful,” said Airman 1st Class Luis Girona, 927th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron technician. “From learning about Veterans Affairs loans, to how to manage a credit card, we gained vital information that will help us financially moving forward.”
During the 90-minute presentation representatives from the bank shared tips on budgeting, good credit building practices, paying-off debts and planning for the future.
"I think it is important for these men and women to remember to save for the long term goals,” said Sul Hemani, senior vice president for Bank United. “Very often you’ll see young people spending the most money on things that don’t quite matter, they’re short term gains but not going to help in the long term.”
According to Hemani, by documenting what you spend every day you’re more likely to spend less because you’ll have a visual reference of how you’re spending and won’t want to spend as much as a result.
"This class put things into a different perspective for me,” said Airman 1st Class Scott Riley, 927th AMS technician. “I feel as though I’ve gained a plethora of knowledge from this class, I know more about home buying, credit management, and budgeting which will help me accomplish long term goals."
The lunch and learn series are held on a regular basis during UTA weekends. Past presentations have focused on resume writing, job searching and starting small businesses.