Having sufficient amount of money can help Sailors when it comes to their health, relationships, financial wellbeing and overall morale. On the other side, not having enough can put strain on their lives in multiple ways.

Command financial specialists (CFSs) are one of the many resources Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) can use when it comes to managing their money.

"I enjoy helping my Sailors keep track and save their money," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Charles Paulino, a CFS for air department. "All my Sailors are hardworking individuals who deserve every single penny they earn."

Each department aboard George Washington has at least one financial specialist. The CFSs are E-5 and above Sailors who have gone through a mandatory weeklong course taught by the Fleet and Family Support Center.

"The course is a reality check for us," said Senior Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Ralph Casimiro, the command CFS. "Sometimes we just go through life's daily grind and spend money without paying attention to where it's going. One of the first things we do in the course is a budget on ourselves to see how we are actually spending our money. We can't help Sailors manage their money if we can't manage ourselves first."

Sailors often come to their CFS when they are transferring or applying for Public/Private House Venture (PPV). However, they may also seek the guidance of a CFS if they intend to buy a car, a house or want to utilize their Thrift Savings Plan.

"Our primary goal is to provide financial resources for Sailors as needed," said Casimiro. "Our job is not to tell Sailors how to spend their money, but to provide them with resources which can help them budget their money better. If a Sailor is interested in buying a car and comes to see me, I will provide them with all the resources they can take advantage of to save money."

Another aim for CFSs is to help Sailors with their spending habits.

"One of the things I'm seeing with my Sailors, especially now were pierside, is that they are eating their paychecks away," said Paulino. "There are many fast food restaurants on the base and just outside. Some Sailors love to eat out and unfortunately, they do that too often. When I see that, I love to sit with my Sailors and crunch their numbers. They are usually shocked by the numbers and that, in itself, is a great first step to keeping a better track of their money."

Whether Sailors need tips on how to budget or need help buying property, Casimiro encourages them to speak with their departmental CFSs on a regular basis.

"We all need resources to help us in life," said Casimiro. "If you do not want to talk to us, we have no problem referring you to someone who you feel is more capable. We just want to help our Sailors and educate them on how to save their money."

Sailors can also go to the Fleet and Family Support Center for financial counseling, or to take classes on budgeting.

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