Strong Finances Start at Home
Financial fitness is strongest when the whole household participates. Creating a family budget helps build stability, reduce stress, and support mission readiness.
When finances become a shared conversation—not an individual burden—families communicate more openly, understand one another’s priorities, and work toward common goals with confidence. Budgeting together also encourages teamwork, clearer expectations, and informed decision-making that supports both daily needs and long-term plans.
Why Include Children and Teens?
Including children and teens in age-appropriate financial conversations builds lifelong skills.
- Younger children learn simple habits such as saving for small goals, choosing between options, and understanding that money has a purpose.
- Teens gain exposure to real-world concepts like paychecks, taxes, comparison shopping, and planning ahead.
These early lessons help build confidence and prepare them for adulthood.
Teaching Long-Term Financial Readiness
Budget discussions are also a great way to introduce smart long-term habits. For example, explaining 401(k) matching helps teens understand compound growth, the benefit of starting early, and the value of employer retirement programs.
Families can also use budgeting time to model generosity. Setting aside funds for charitable giving teaches empathy, community responsibility, and the importance of supporting meaningful causes.
Building Financial Strength as a Family
Families who budget together are better prepared for deployments, PCS moves, emergencies, and everyday financial challenges.
Just as importantly, budgeting strengthens relationships, builds trust, and creates a shared vision for the future. Over time, financial fitness becomes more than a task — it becomes a family tradition that empowers every member of the household.
Need support building your family budget? The Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP) offers free, confidential financial counseling, education, and tools to help Marine families build financial readiness—together.
By attending PFMP classes, you’ll learn how to:
- Take control of your spending
- Build savings
- Reduce financial stress
- Plan confidently for life’s big changes
Popular Classes Include:
- Financial Planning for PCS
- Expanding Your Family
- Exploring Your Financial Values and Habits
- Developing a Spending Plan
- Establishing Savings
- Addressing Excessive Debt...and many more.
Contact your local MCCS Personal Financial Manager to get started today.