Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) held a life-sized board game style event to educate Sailors about planning and financing their future at the Liberty Northwest Center as part of Military Saves week, Feb. 27.

Savin’ Bacon, as the game was called, was instigated by a challenge issued to Navy installations by Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) for a fun and educational activity to be held in conjunction with Military Saves Week, which runs Feb. 23 to March 2.

“Today’s goal is to teach our Sailors to save, let them know they can set a goal and save for that goal,” said Jo Sherrod, a Financial Educator from Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC). “This gives information about planning, awareness, and lets them know the tools and resources available to them.”

Liberty Northwest and FFSC Whidbey Island received a $500 grant from CNIC to support their project. Participants would pick a financial goal from one of four categories: buying a car, going to college, retirement, or moving off base. They then would go through stations where they would be asked questions to see how well they were progressing toward their goal.

“As long as an individual comes in here and walks out knowing one more thing about their personal finances or how to save toward a goal, then we’ve accomplished what we’ve set out to do,” said Terese Toennies, Fleet and Family Readiness Marketing.

Participants thought the game was a good way to get involved with educating Sailors so they can be more confident in their decision-making processes when it comes to finances.

“We don’t bring finances up on an everyday basis to our younger Sailors and encourage them, but them coming here gives them that little encouragement and some hands-on involvement,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (AW/SW) James Dorce, Electronic Attack Squadron 137. “This is putting them on the right track because the first steps are to have people encourage you to save and getting help like this.”

At the end of the course, Liberty Northwest had computers set up with the Military Saves Web site, so those interested could sign up for more financial education and support. Almost everyone who played the game walked out knowing something they didn’t realize and all were made aware of the resources provided to them at FFSC to ensure they are able to accomplish their goals.

“This helped me learn I need to diversify a little bit,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Nathan Dawson, Combined Maintenance Organization 10. “I only have one retirement asset right now and that probably isn’t going to cut it; I do have a lot more options. It definitely brings it up that retirement is something to think about even though I’m only 23.”