2010 Winter Edition Volume 53, No. 4 The O cial Publication of the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association HAPPY HOLIDAYS, NERA. Celebrating two traditions of superior service: yours and USAA’s. Inside: 5 smart tips for enjoying debt-free holidays. USAA IS PROUD TO BE THE EXCLUSIVE PROVIDER OF FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THE NAVAL ENLISTED RESERVE ASSOCIATION NAVY RESERVE NERA Ready Now. Anytime, Anywhere. USF185_NERA_Wrap_FC.indd 1 11/19/10 6:07 PM USF185_NERA_CoverWrap_Front_Cover_11/19/10_6:07 PM_RELEASE ADVERTORIALADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIALADVERTORIAL • Consider handcrafted or In order to have control, you inexpensive but meaningful gifts. have to build a simple plan. Wouldn’t your friends and family love a framed photo from your Bob Wiedower, last fun get-together? LtCol USMC (Ret.), it up. You might be surprised at how like and the things they talk about. 30-year MCA member several gifts will add up to a lot of Shop for meaning, not grandness. 5. USE CREDIT WISELY. Bob Wiedower serves as the money. If you start early enough in One way to be sure you stick to Executive Director for USAA’s Few people can pay cash for a car the year, you can divide your total your budget is to purchase gift Wealth Management in Phoenix. or a home, and many feel they budget by the number of months cards. While this may not seem He is dedicated to helping military need to use credit for holiday remaining before the holiday season. members manage fi nances and very “personal,” a gift card to a purchases as well. If you do, The result will show you how much plan for their future and leads a sporting goods store for an do it wisely. dedicated team of professionals you need to save each month in outdoorsman is personal and can Find a credit card that has a who provide expertise in all areas order to cover costs without match your planned budget. of building, managing and incurring debt. That will also help reasonable interest rate and an preserving wealth. spur early savings. 4. BE THRIFTY. attractive rewards program that meets your needs and spending Bob joined USAA after serving 22 There are several ways you can ™ TIPS FOR A years as an offi cer in the United 3. KEEP TRACK OF habits. The NERA USAA Rewards reduce expenses. Some ideas include: ® States Marine Corps. He holds a YOUR BUDGET. World MasterCard is an excellent DEBT-FREE HOLIDAY. master’s degree in business Shop at discount/wholesale choice. It offers competitive rates Once you’ve spent the time making • management from Troy State stores instead of high-end based on your credit history, has a budget, stick to it! Track your University, and an undergraduate retail locations. multiple rewards1 and cash back By Bob Wiedower expenses and match them against degree from the University programs that can match your • Use the points on your affi nity Like any military operation, proper planning is of Southern California. your plan. This will serve two desires, and is backed by some or rewards cards to purchase He also holds the Certifi ed purposes. First, you’ll be less of the best customer service the key to success. Your fi nances should be no gifts for others. Wealth Strategist®, Chartered tempted to overspend if you know in the industry. different. As the holidays approach, it is important to Financial Consultant® and it will show up in your budget. • Shop online. Many times there ® Note: Do not apply for several prepare for their fi nancial impact so you can spend Chartered Life Underwriter Second, it will keep wise spending are savings associated with designations, along with several cards. Each credit card you have habits top of mind, which stimulates using online stores because more time enjoying the season. Here are a few ideas securities registrations. may negatively affect you in two creativity and thriftiness. These two those retailers have no brick- that may help. ways. First, the more credit you USAA Wealth Management is a service of USAA. USAA means factors can contribute to a less and-mortar expenses. You must United Services Automobile Association and its affi liates. have, the more likely you are stressful and more rewarding be alert to the shipping costs to use it, which could lead to holiday season. associated with online shopping; 1. SAVE THROUGHOUT the biggest positive impact on our If you don’t have a roadmap, then overextended fi nances. Second, Also keep in mind that most of however, many times online THE YEAR. fi nances, so start saving now. when the holidays roll around you’re irresponsible use and multiple your gift recipients will probably shopping offers signifi cantly likely to spend your money aimlessly credit applications could drive Many military members plan and appreciate thoughtfulness and better prices in addition to your credit score down and make 2. CREATE A BUDGET. without ever knowing the true save for large purchases like a car or imagination more than the cost of saving you time. getting a loan for a big purchase, There is an old saying: “If you don’t fi nancial impact — until the bills start a home, and you should use the same the gift. Pay attention to what they such as a mortgage, more diffi cult. coming due in January. logic for holiday shopping. We know know where you’re going, any road it’s coming. It’s the same time every will get you there.” In other words, if In order to have control, you have to year. Setting aside a little each month you don’t know your destination, then build a simple plan. Make a list of Look to USAA for more ways to save. will make it much easier to stay you will end up wandering aimlessly everyone you’re going to buy a gift for out of debt at the end of the year. and never arrive. The same reasoning this year. Determine how much you 877-503-NERA (6372) | usaa.com Often, it’s the simple things that have can be applied to holiday spending. plan to spend on each person and total 1 Reward points terminate if account is closed, delinquent or program ends. Earn 1 point for every $1 in credit card purchases. Other restrictions apply. Credit Cards provided by USAA Savings Bank; other bank products by USAA Federal Savings Bank, both Member FDIC. 123338-1210 Continues inside back cover INSURANCE | BANKING | INVESTMENTS | RETIREMENT | ADVICE ADVERTORIALADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIALADVERTORIAL USF185_NERA_CoverWrap_Inside_11/19/10_6:05 PM_RELEASE USF185_NERA_CoverWrap_Inside_11/19/10_6:05 PM_RELEASE 2010 Winter Edition Volume 53, No. 4 The Official Publication of the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association Service to the Reservist, PS1 Christopher Irvin receiving NERA plaque from Nick Marine and VADM Dirk Debbink. Ray Robson NAVY RESERVE NERA Ready Now. Anytime, Anywhere. 1 2011 Naval Enlisted Reserve Association USAA/NERA College Scholarship Program The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association (NERA) offers Scholarship Use Requirements a College Scholarship Program for NERA members and members of their family. Scholarship applicants may be either graduating high school seniors or students already attending a college or General Information university. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to Applications Due 3 June 2011 enroll, full-time or part-time in the fall semester im- mediately following award of the scholarship. Enroll- NERA scholarship program recognizes the service to the ment may be in any undergraduate program leading to a United States and sacrifices by Navy, Marine Corps and bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree at an accredited Coast Guard Reserve component members, retirees and college or university. their families. This program is sponsored though sub- The NERA Scholarship can be awarded in addi- stantial grant funding from USAA Insurance (www.usaa. tion to any other partial scholarship, including a ROTC com) and additional donations from NERA and its mem- Scholarship. Those applicants already in possession of bers. NERA reserves the right to modify or discontinue an appointment to a U.S. service academy or receiving a the scholarship program at any future date should fund- “full scholarship” to any accredited college or university ing not be available. The application and supplemental are not eligible. A “full scholarship” is usually defined as instructions are available online at www.nera.org. one that provides for payment of tuition, books, lab fees, and university-supplied dormitory room and board. Scholarship Amounts Eligible students must attend undergraduate level Two $3,000 scholarships for Regular NERA Members. studies at a college, university, or junior/community Four $2,500 scholarships for any Regular or Associate college that confers a bachelor’s degree or associate’s NERA member or any spouse, son, daughter or grand- degree, on a full- or part-time status as established by child of a regular NERA member. Children and grand- the school accepting the scholarship funds. Academic children must be unmarried and under age 23. programs involving a second undergraduate or graduate school degree are not eligible. Eligibility To be eligible for the scholarship the applicant must be Essay Requirement: either a NERA member, regular, or associate. NERA One 500-word essay members may also sponsor a qualified applicant: a spouse, son, daughter or grandchild. Sponsored children First Essay Choice: and grandchildren must be unmarried and under age 23 Personal Goals And Objectives on 3 June 2011. In 500 words, state your career goals and objectives for In order to qualify for the scholarship the applicant your education. Direct your comments to how you think or sponsor must be a member in good standing by the your college education will benefit you or others in keep- scholarship deadline, 3 June 2011.