Page 2 - Edwards AFB Desert Wings 11-20-15

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by Airman 1st Class Greg Nash
Moody AFB, Ga.
It’s that time of year again. As the holiday season ap-
proaches, we will be bombarded with alluring advertise-
ments, extensive winter holiday shopping lists from family
members and store holiday sales enticing us to spend big.
Are you prepared to spend money during the holiday
season? Are you nervous because you’re still paying bills
from last year? Do you want to avoid last minute holiday
shopping while singing holiday jingles for the millionth
time in long check-out lines? If questions like these have
invaded your thoughts, several resources are available to
help alleviate stress and to easily experience a rewarding
and relaxing holiday season the way it’s intended to be.
Every year we have 364 days to prepare for Christmas,
but most people manage to only gain the shopping and
KROLGD\VSLULWDIWHU¿QLVKLQJWKHKDPGXULQJ7KDQNVJLYLQJ Have a family day. Call a friend you aren’t on the best of
However, everyone can successfully have a pleasant and
¿QDQFLDOO\EHQH¿FLDOKROLGD\VHDVRQE\EHLQJSURDFWLYH and take the blame. Do things that will truly bring meaning
planning ahead and budgeting.
As a junior enlisted service member where money isn’t
as plentiful, I look for various ways to save for holiday
spending. The holiday spirit encourages an aura of giving
and spending at will, which is hard not to do. I ensure that
I pay myself by putting my money in savings before I make
purchases. I use last year’s income tax return and savings
to get reasonable holiday gifts for my loved ones. On the
other hand, military personnel higher up the rank structure
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higher salary. Regardless of your median income, planning
and saving your money is helpful.
The median wage in the United States is approximately
$27,000 per person. The average American will spend ap-
proximately $700 on holiday gifts, totaling more than $465
billion, the National Retail Federation estimates. With that
being said, it’s not recommended for people to spend more
than 1.5 percent of their annual income on holiday spend-
ing, according to Practical Money Skills. However, if you
decide to spend more money, you can use your savings
account to help meet your spending goal.
Having an estimate on how much you plan to spend is a
JRRG¿UVWVWHS.HHSLQPLQGWKHFRVWVRIWKLQJVVXFKDVJLIW to your life as you lead up to the New Year.
wrap and expenses associated with hosting a holiday party.
Using a checklist to budget for expenses such as shipping
costs, new holiday clothing, baking, traveling and restaurant
GLQLQJFDQDOVRKHOSJDXJH\RXU¿QDQFLDOSODQ)URPWKHUH New Year into a positive light with peace of mind if you
you need to decide what to give. Outright asking is always
a good indicator, but being spontaneous and creative can
make that gift more memorable.
7DNHWKHRSSRUWXQLW\WRUHÀHFWDQGFKHULVK\RXUPRVW an obstacle you have to overcome. The season is designed
memorable holiday experiences. Try to recreate that same
holiday spirit for a wonderful experience with your fam-
ily. Additionally, keep deployed service members in your
thoughts and prayers as they won’t have the opportunity
to enjoy their families. Give something sentimental that
will be valuable to someone. Everything isn’t about expen-
sive gifts. The gift of giving can be much more impactful
when there’s no price tag attached. Volunteering to feed
the homeless can be therapeutic and humbling experience.
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terms with and be the bigger person to resolve the situation
rejuvenate and enjoy your holiday season.
spend money as soon as you get it. Always remember, to-
Invest time to help Airmen
by Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Bitton
Travis AFB, Calif.
Think back to when you joined the Air Force. Did you
know everything about your AFSC, how the promotion system
works, assignments, performance evaluations, deployments
and the list goes on?
I would have to say no, however, I would bet that at mul-
tiple points and times throughout your service someone took
the time to show you how they worked and explained the ins
and outs. Today, we call it mentorship. Some say that it’s a
catchphrase or a passing fad, but in all reality it has always doing something stupid. Trust me he was a busy guy. I have
been occurring, you more than likely just didn’t think about
them as mentors.
I remember back to when I was new to the Air Force. At
November 20, 2015
facebook.com/EdwardsDesertWings
Financially surviving the holiday season can bring the
don’t have to worry about extra bills. During the holiday
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to give people the opportunity to celebrate their religious
beliefs, cherish special moments with family and friends,
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going to pass your physical training test after eating seven
different types of macaroni and cheese. I encourage you
Whether you’re active-duty, civilian, a Guardsman or Re-
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of your holiday spending. Think about the future and value
the importance of not being stressed from money issues.
Don’t have a consumer’s state of mind. You don’t have to
day’s holiday gift can be next year’s credit card bill. Enjoy
a successful winter holiday.
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perintendent had us join him at the club, where we would just
sit around and talk about things at work and what was going
on in our lives. Looking back at what he was doing, I really
appreciate what he did for us.
I understand now that he was mentoring us and it was at
these shop gatherings that I learned about things like the as-
signment system, Weighted Airmen Promotion System testing
and things that were happening in the Air Force at the time.
Additionally, he learned what was going on in our lives and
it gave him the opportunity to save me more than once from
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his mentorship as he was key to my success in the Air Force.
See INVEST, Page 4
Commander’s
Action Line
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The Commander’s Action Line gives all Airmen, re-
tirees, families and community members a direct link to
Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander.
The Action Line can be used to express constructive
points of view on the policies and procedures of the
base; discuss safety and security issues; and address
problems, concerns, or suggestions after traditional
methods have been exhausted.
The Commander’s Action Line should not be the
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commanders.
Action Line queries may be submitted by sending an
e-mail to speak2cc@edwards.af.mil with Commander’s
Action Line as the subject heading or by calling (661)
277-7325. Action Line submissions must be written in
a courteous and professional tone, and must include a
name, an e-mail address or an alternative method of
contact. The requestor’s contact information will not be
published in compliance with Privacy Act restrictions.
Any messages received without contact information will
not be routed, so please be sure to provide some method
for communication.