September 2017  l Volume XIX  

RESOURCES


BBB Trusted Scout is back! For more information on how BBB and BBB services assist our Military and Veterans Community, go to 

Like what you see in this newsletter? Have any feedback? Please get in touch with us!

 Stay on the lookout for an upcoming Trusted Scout survey!


MILITARY FRAUD 
&
  SCAMS

Beware of Stock Fraud in the Wake of Hurricane Harvey
By FINRA

It may not be possible to predict when the next natural disaster will take place. What you can count on is that when it happens, scammers will try to take advantage of the situation. 
 


6 Scams Service Members Should Watch Out For
By USAA

Scammers frequently target members of the U.S. military because many are young and financially inexperienced. And they're receiving a steady paycheck guaranteed by Uncle Sam.

VETERAN'S CORNER
Organizations Receiving FY 2018 Homeless Provider Grants Receive Extension of Funding
By U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA secretary Dr. David Shulkin recently announced an extension of funding to organizations that applied for Fiscal Year 2018 grants under VA's Homeless Providers' Grant and Per Diem Program (GPD), but would be found  ineligible due to new program guidelines. The extension will give those organizations a chance to improve the effectiveness of their programs and an opportunity to apply for funding under an upcoming "notice of funding availability, also called a NOFA."

BBB INSTITUTE SPOTLIGHT
 
Patriot Day a National Day of Service and Remembrance
BBB Institute would like to pay tribute on Patriot Day a National Day of Service and Remembrance to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the September 11th terrorist attacks as well as the survivors and families of these victims.

Happy 70th Birthday to the U.S.Airforce!

BBB Institute would like to wish The U.S. Airforce a very Happy 70th Birthday. Thank you for all of your many years of service!

WHO WE SERVE
 
Financial Readiness
Be prepared for anything. Emergencies can come in many forms, and the BBB Institute wants to help you be ready for any unexpected financial challenge. Whether you are facing a natural disaster, an unexpected medical bill or planning for a major life event, we're here to share resources to help you make smart decisions in the moment and plan for the future. 

MILITARY & VETERAN FINANCES


Disaster prep: From Finances to Evacuation Plans, How Military Families Can Stay Ready
By Karen Jowers, Military Times

If you've watched the coverage of Hurricane Harvey, and the rescues of thousands of people, you've seen the large plastic garbage bags that many of those rescued souls are carrying. Have you wondered what's in those bags?


Personal Financial Management Counseling Options
By Military OneSource

Service members can access financial counseling for free through installation programs and Military OneSource. These Counselors understand the financial challenges you face as a service member and the resources available to help you manage and plan your fiscal future.


I am on Active Duty in the Military of Have Been on Active Duty within the Past Year. Am I Protected from Foreclosure?
By Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides military personnel and their dependents protections when it comes to issues related to mortgages and housing. If you are on active duty and obtained a mortgage before you went on active duty (also known as a "pre-service mortgage obligation"), you told you are on active duty, as well as for an additional nine months after leaving active duty.


Retirement  Savings for Spouses
By FINRA

Saving for retirement can get complicated for spouses of service members who move frequently. But even if you switch jobs with each move, do freelance work on the side or take time off from working, you can still make the most of tax-advantaged retirement saving plans.


Disaster Planning--5 Things to Put in Your Financial Emergency Kit
By FINRA

Hurricane Harvey's destruction is a forceful reminder that you rarely have very much advance warning to prepare for natural disasters. For this reason, it's important to assemble a financial emergency kit now, ahead of a crisis.

HURRICANE HARVEY HELP
Harvey Help: How Military Families Can Get Emergency Aid, and Tips for Donors
By Military Times

An unknown number of service members and families have been affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, and all are eligible for some type of military-specific disaster relief.

BBB INSTITUTE TIPS
Take Advantage of Financial Counseling

It is a great idea to seek financial counseling before you find yourself in a financial bind. Take advantage of free financial counseling often provided to servicemembers and their families at many installations. Financial counseling helps and sharpen your financial skills.
BOOTS ON THE GROUND
Hello out there in BBB Land! BBB Institute is still working on rebooting Trusted Scout to serve our readers better. We invite you to submit a guest blog, article, photographs or topics you might want covered. Stay tuned for our upcoming survey. We want your feedback! To submit your ideas, name suggestions, or a guest blog entry contact Shawnna Artis at 
[email protected]

brings BBB consumer education and services to military personnel (including Reservists and National Guard), retirees, veterans, DoD civilians, and their families.