On this episode of Real Money, Real Experts co-hosts Rebecca Wiggins and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson talk with AFC® Meredith Lozar. Meredith has an extensive career working for Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Blue Star Families, National Military Family Association, and DOD Spouse Education and Career Opportunities. Currently, Meredith is the Director of Military Spouse Programs for Hiring our Heroes, and she is also the president for the AFCPE board of directors.

The three discuss the financial impacts the Coronavirus has had on military spouses including a higher unemployment rate, historically lower savings, and childcare challenges. They look at what can be done to help with these issues and how the AFC® designation lends itself to being part of the solution. 

Show Notes:
00:52 Intro Meredith Lozar
01:40 COVID's impact on military families
04:03 The AFC® as part of the solution
05:47 The effect of childcare on military spouse employment
08:05 how employment affects  self-esteem/financial readiness
09:12 US Chamber Foundation Study results
10:23 Financially preparing for an emergency 
16:35 Importance of volunteerism
18:46 Financial Resources for military families
20:14 Meredith’s Role as President
23:01 Your Two Cents

 

Show Note Links:

Hiring our Heroes: https://www.hiringourheroes.org/
Military Spouse Road Map: https://www.milspouseroadmap.org/
Military Spouse Road Map Research: https://www.milspouseroadmap.org/research/#read-report
Getting the AFC® designation: https://www.afcpe.org/certification/accredited-financial-counselor/
FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship: https://www.afcpe.org/career-and-resource-center/finra-foundation-military-spouse-fellowship/
AFCPE Membership: https://www.afcpe.org/membership/

Find a financial AFC professional for help:
Find an AFC professional: https://www.afcpe.org/find-an-afcpe-certified-professional/
Military One Source Financial & Legal Help: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

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