TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Thanksgiving is a time for all of us to pause and reflect upon the many blessing we enjoy personally and professionally.

We truly have much to be grateful for, and I thank each of you who shared a portion of your blessings during the recent CFC drive.

Following the feasting and fellowship, the napping and football, many look forward to the day after Thanksgiving, the busiest shopping day of the year!

Whether you prefer the solitude of shopping on E-Bay or the challenge of battling the sea of humanity while shopping at the mall, the joy of buying for our loved ones and family can be a very stressful time -- especially financially.

From holiday parties to gifts, the holiday season can burn a hole in your pocket quickly if you don't plan properly.

Smart financial planning for the holiday season should be done early and realistically.

Build a budget that you and your family can live with to include any extra monetary demands you typically have throughout the holiday season including gifts, charities and holiday parties.

Even little things such as decorations, gifts for people hosting holiday parties and groceries can add up!

Track what you are spending on your credit cards and through your checking accounts. Awareness of what you are spending will prevent you from experiencing post-holiday financial stress.

Many people rely on their credit cards to pick up some of the extra holiday expenses.

Unfortunately many military members get into legal trouble by using the government travel card for unofficial expenses! The cards are scrutinized heavily and the punishment for wrongful use is stiff.

If you find yourself in financial trouble, there are many Air Force programs available to help you.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center can issue a no interest 12-month loan to Airmen in need of help.

Also, Air Force One Source has many programs available to help Airmen and their families.

Many of you may have seen the pay day lender businesses off-base.

Some of these businesses can charge the equivalent of 300 percent interest on a 2-week loan, so I highly encourage you to avoid this option for acquiring additional cash.

Often, military members get into much worse trouble by using them.

Financial planning should be done throughout the year, but the holidays can be a time of hardship for even the best of planners.

Don't get yourself into trouble by trying to find the easy way out of a financial crisis. Instead, seek help through your first sergeant, supervisor or the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

When talking about saving money and investing, it's been said that the easiest way to double your money is to fold the dollar bills in half and put them back into your pocket!
As always, don't forget our deployed Airmen and their families throughout the holiday season.

This can be a lonely time for many people and simply visiting them or inviting them to a holiday party can make their day.

We must look out for the rest of our Air Force family members and our Wingmen throughout the season!

BE PROUD! BE SAFE!