Game night expands financial horizons

  • Published
  • By Nick DeCicco
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AFB, Calif. --  With the market struggling to such a point some whisper the word "recession," some are suddenly much more conscious about their finances.

One avenue in which to maximize one's business moxie comes in the form of the Airman and Family Readiness Center's Millionaire Maker Game Night.

The game nights are twice-a-month gatherings to play "The Millionaire Maker Game," board game geared toward expanding the personal financial knowledge of its players.

The game is a sort of Monopoly on steroids. Players begin the game in a specified financial scenario - cash-strapped bachelor or an older couple living comfortably, for example - and attempt to capitalize on capital ventures in real estate, petroleum and businesses.

At Travis, the game nights have varied between being directed at certain groups and being open to all comers.

One night in June was for the Enlisted Spouses Club and one earlier this month targeted first sergeants. The next game night, set for July 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the AFRC, is open to current Travis employees.

According to Mike Wade, AFRC financial counselor, the game nights grew from the annual, week-long Military Saves campaign, that took place earlier this year. The purpose of the campaign is for military members to build wealth rather than debt.

Around 800 people signed up for the Military Saves campaign this spring, more than double the amount of individuals from 2007.

During the course of the campaign, Mr. Wade said the AFRC decided to target Airmen living in the dorms in an effort to raise their capital consciousness. These events, Dorm Dweller Financial Freedom Pizza Night, brought the game to the dorm environment, where Airman could participate during the evenings, in their civilian clothes, a short walk from their front doors.

"We wanted something to keep the momentum going throughout the year," Mr. Wade said. "It's been growing because of the good response."

Tom Bradley, an aid officer at the AFRC, said the purpose of the game nights is to increase the financial literary of the base populous, but that it also teaches more ambitious individuals helpful lessons as well.

"The game is a great thing for an aspiring entrepreneur," he said. "The information is good for them."

Mr. Bradley said the pressures of the present financial market make thinking about money "a huge part of everyone's lives."

"People are not ready to deploy with huge bills hanging overhead," he said.

Books and compact discs pertaining to wealth-building information are given away at the game nights.

The game is part of wealth guru Loral Langemeier's enterprise. As part of this year's Military Saves campaign, Ms. Langemeier was invited to visit Travis to host a series of classes throughout the week.

The game nights are open to those working at Travis. For more information, contact Mr. Bradley at 424-2486.