Sense & Centsibility Blog
Budgeting

Are You a Veteran or Member of the Military?

Wednesday, December 28, 2016 - 00:00

CORE Program

Since 2008, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota has partnered with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to support military members, Veterans, and their families in maintaining their well-being. The CORE (Counseling and Case Management, Outreach, Referral, and Education) program provides free, confidential services statewide (MN) for eligible Veterans and their families.

The first program of its kind in the nation, CORE strives to remove all barriers to empower Veterans and military families in Minnesota to find the professional services and support they need in the community to improve their quality of life and find stability and health.

LSS Behavioral Health Services offers a broad range of confidential services to Veterans, service members, and their families. Our trauma-competent staff has provided professional, compassionate, effective care and support to Veterans and service members. Services are offered in-office, in-home or on the phone, as needed. Call 888-881-8261 for more information or to find out how they may assist you.

 

Financial Services

While courageous members of the military are on the front lines facing conflicts around the world, a recent survey suggests that they may be tackling financial battles at home, too. Thankfully, there is a growing awareness of the benefit that support networks can play in helping our heroes tackle serious medical, logistical, and transitional issues.

LSS Financial Counseling, a member of the National Foundation for Credit CounselingⓇ (NFCCⓇ), recognizes that debt management and savings are matters of common concern among civilians as well as service members and their families. Challenges for military families include:Military parent

  • Frequent relocation
  • Deployment
  • Transition to civilian life
  • Employment for military spouses

Why financial counseling

Military participants surveyed after enrolling in a program of the NFCC were found to have fewer tangible assets and a higher level of unsecured debt than the average program participant. Unsecured debt balances for members of the military averaged 7.1% higher than the combined average according to The Ohio State University (OSU) data.

“Those who serve our country as members of the armed forces are faced with unique circumstances that can influence their financial situation,” said Cate Rysavy, Senior Director with LSS Financial Counseling. Tangible assets for military consumers were 16.2% less than the overall program participant average. This concerning mix of lower accumulation of wealth and higher than average unsecured debt, combined with the ever changing nature of military life, can create a difficult and dangerous financial cycle.

Serving those who served

LSS, in partnership with Minnesota Department of Veteran’s Affairs (MDVA), stands ready to serve active duty members of the military, veterans, and their families as they face these unique crossroads in their lives. We provide financial counseling in-person, by phone, or online. To reach a certified financial counselor today, call 888.577.2227 for their free financial counseling session or click here to get started with a free online session.