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Personal finance counselor offers advice, promotes fitness

Dec. 7, 2012 | By kentuckyguard
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="288"]Regina Harris20121205 “I believe in and practice physical and financial fitness," says Regina Harris, a personal finance counselor who provides guidance and support to the men and women of the Kentucky National Guard. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs) FRANKFORT, Ky. – One of the most important and least understood factors in life is money, or more specifically how to handle it, spend it and save it.  While it may be the root of all evil, money is a necessary evil, essential in taking care of your family, your obligations and debts – and securing your future. With that in mind, the newest member of the Kentucky National Guard’s team is ready to help Guard members sort out all the challenges and obstacles that come with dealing in money.  Regina Harris just set up office as our personal financial counselor and she’s open for business. “I believe in and practice physical and financial fitness,” said Harris.  “Towards that end, I'm an accredited financial counselor, I’m educated as a certified financial planner and have a degree in business. My professional and personal life has led me to various environments such as banks, credit unions, and military readiness offices in four states. So why is having a financial counselor important to citizen soldiers and airmen?  That’s pretty obvious, according to Harris. “Financial mismanagement, and especially failure to take action to correct financial problems, can result in consequences that negatively affect many aspects of an individual’s life.  The consequences can impact you in the civilian world and in your military career.” Impact my military career?  Are you kidding me? Nope, that’s a fact, Jack.  Financial neglect in the civilian world all too often results in denied credit, repossession, bankruptcy and jail.  Any of that can easily translate to the military side in the form of negative evaluation, loss of promotion, loss of security clearance and non-judicial punishment, just to name a few. But that’s the fate of the ill-prepared.  As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  And that’s where Harris comes in.  Her professional recipe for avoiding money problems come in three steps: sound money management, consumer skills for good decision making, and information on available resources and support services. “I can help our members with preventive education, financial counseling and information and referral,” she said.  “All of this is toward the goals of personal financial readiness, responsibility and accountability, building wealth and ultimately choice and freedom.” Sound easy?  Well, like any worthwhile endeavor, it probably isn’t.  But don’t worry, Harris is eager to help you get started. “I am truly excited about getting the chance to help Kentucky National Guard families to become financially fit.  It’s something I deeply believe in and love doing.  Please don’t hesitate to give me a call.” You can contact Harris via email at rharris@mflc.zeiders.com or call her at 502-607-1680.

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