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Surviving Spouses | Money ManagementEditor: LanetteSend your finance questions/comments to Lanette at:
finances@4militaryfamilies.com
Exchanges launch new low-price initiative
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service's new "We'll Match It!"
initiative now allows authorized shoppers to compare prices at the exchange
with "warehouse clubs."
Shoppers who see a price differential of less than $10 can tell the
cashier who will match it on the spot. Customers who report a price
difference greater than $10 can bring a current local competitor's ad and
receive the reduced price. The comparison must be made for identical items.
The "We'll Match It!" policy applies to all AAFES retail stores,
including Shoppettes, Class Six, Car Care and troop stores, in addition to
the exchanges.
For more information, visit
www.aafes.com.
Always Compare "Military Rates" and Ask for Military DiscountsThere was a column in a recent “Navy Times” about a cell phone company whose military rate was over $100 more than an advertised special available to the general public. The message was to always do your research and compare prices, and it is a message that bears repeating. I know from personal experience that special military rates offered on air fare, hotels, and rental cars are frequently anything but discounted! I always ask if a company has a military rate. Then, I call back (or check on-line) to find out what specials are being offered to the general public. Only once in five years have I taken advantage of the military rate, and that was at a hotel in-the-middle-of-nowhere, Minnesota!!!! My theory is that companies realize that most military members, when traveling on orders, are going to get reimbursed for their expenses. Since Uncle Sam is ultimately footing the bill anyway, these companies aren’t worried about military members shopping around for the best deal. Indeed, many hotels set their rates based on the per diem of their location. Lesson to be learned: military rates are not necessarily military discounts. That being said, I will continue to ask… repeatedly… for military discounts wherever I shop. You’d be surprised at the fast food, retail, thrift, and home improvement stores that offer 10 or 20% discounts just for flashing your id. When every penny counts, it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask. Speaking of making every penny count: check out www.hotcouponworld.com and look for the “Military Commissaries” forum. You will find information regarding items that are at ‘rock bottom’ prices, and even items that you can get free when you use coupons. Anyone is allowed to post their ‘deals’ and many of us do! I have seen many other websites like this for chain-stores, but this is the only one I’ve found that also addresses the needs of commissary shoppers. ~ Lanette Money Saving TipsCoupons are good for 6 months after their expiration date at overseas commissaries! If you can't use them and you know someone who is stationed overseas, send them your expired coupons! ResourcesFood Stamp Program
The purpose of the Food Stamp Program is to end hunger and improve nutrition and health. It helps low-income households buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. The program is operated by State and local welfare offices, and the Federal Government oversees the State operation of the Program. The program is in operation in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam and the U. S. Virgin Islands. WIC
Food, nutrition counseling, and access to health services are provided to low-income women, infants, and children under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, popularly known as WIC. EntitlementsDefense Finance and Accounting Service
DFAS provides information on military entitlements, as well as general information on pay rates, per diem, taxes, etc. DoD Special Report – It’s Your Move
This special report provides information on servicemember entitlements and responsibilities concerning shipment of household goods, unaccompanied baggage, boats, pets, POV's, etc.
| LinksAAFES Air Force Aid Society Army Emergency Relief Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Defense Commissary Agency
Military
Money Matters
Military Shoppers Money For Military The Money Station Navy Exchange Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Woman, Infants, and Children (WIC) Overseas Program |
