April 2018  l Volume XXVI 

2018 Month of the Military Child




April is Month of the Military Child and the BBB Institute is pleased to recognize the important role military children play in the armed forces community. We applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome.
MILITARY FRAUD  SCAMS

Teach Your Kids to Avoid Online Scams
By Norton (Symantec Corporation)

Surfing the Internet means possible exposure to online scams, something your children might not have any concept of. If you're allowing them to go online, it's imperative that you discuss online scams. Such scams come in a variety of guises, including those that specifically target children. Find more tips in this article.
Child Identity Theft
By Federal Trade Commission

A child's Social Security number can be used by identity thieves to apply for government benefits, open bank and credit card accounts, apply for a loan or utility service, or rent a place to live. Check for a credit report to see if your child's  information is being misused. If it is, visit identitytheft.gov to report and recover from identity theft.
VIDEO CLIP OF THE MONTH

Month of the Military Child 2018
By Militarybenefits.info


REPORT A SCAM


BBB SPOTLIGHT

Happy Birthday!

The BBB Institute would like to wish both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Reserve a very Happy Birthday. Thank you for your many years of service!
FINANCIAL TIPS

How Kids Develop Money Skills
By Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Most people get their money habits and skills from their parents and caregivers. (Probably you did too!) That's why we think it's important to give parents and caregivers some background in how children develop, financially.

Ultimately, most adults seek financial well-being. CFPB's research shows that people feel they have financial well-being when they:
  • Have control over day-to-day, month-to-month finances;
  • Have the capacity to absorb a financial shock;
  • Are on track to meet their financial goals; and
  • Have the financial freedom to make the choices that allow them to enjoy life.
We went on to identify behaviors, knowledge, skills, and personal characteristics that appear to help people achieve greater financial well-being, within their own circumstances. Then, we considered the building blocks people tend to develop as children, which can have a lasting impact on financial well-being in adulthood.


Two College Scholarships for Military Children and How to Apply
By Military One Source

Military families have two scholarships designed just for military kids to help ease rising college costs. The Fisher House Foundation administers the Scholarships for Military Children Program and the Heroes' Legacy Scholarship. These two opportunities for military children assist with tuition costs, books, lab fees and other college-related expenses.

BBB TIP

BBB Tip: Children's Online Safety
By Better Business Bureau

From "tweens" getting their first smart phone, to preschoolers playing games on Mom's tablet, to students researching a science fair project, more and more kids are getting online every day. Nearly half of children in 1st-4th grade have regular access to a cell phone, and the majority of middle and high school students have their own phones.
Parents are concerned about what their children may be  seeing online, but they should also be concerned about what they are  sharing online. Better Business Bureau and its national Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU) have tips for parents. Click below to see these tips.
RESOURCES

Like what you see in this newsletter? Have any feedback? Please get in touch with us!
brings BBB consumer education and services to military personnel (including Reservists and National Guard), retirees, veterans, DoD civilians, and their families.