Build Financial Resilience
for Life’s Major Milestones
Free, professional-grade financial literacy courses designed for veterans, first responders, military families, and essential workers. Complete all 4 courses and earn your Certificate of Financial Readiness.
Your Path to Financial Readiness
Follow these simple steps to complete the Afford Today Certificate Program and qualify for FAS emergency assistance.
Enroll Free
No cost, no catch. Create a free account on the FAS Client Portal to track your progress.
Complete Courses
Work through all 4 certificate courses at your own pace — on any device, anytime.
Earn Certificate
Complete all modules and receive your Afford Today Certificate of Financial Readiness.
Apply for Aid
Use your certificate to unlock eligibility for FAS emergency financial assistance programs.
The 4 Certificate Courses
Each course is self-paced, mobile-friendly, and completely free. Complete all four to earn your certificate.
Master the foundation of personal finance. Learn to build a household budget, track spending, and create an emergency fund — even on a fixed or irregular income.
- Building your first household budget
- Tracking income vs. expenses
- Creating a 3-month emergency fund
- Budgeting on irregular/military income
- Free budget worksheets & templates
Take control of debt and rebuild your credit score. Learn proven strategies to prioritize payments, negotiate with creditors, and understand your credit report.
- Understanding your credit score
- Debt avalanche vs. snowball method
- Negotiating with creditors
- Disputing errors on your credit report
- Rebuilding credit after hardship
Maximize your earnings and benefits. Navigate VA benefits, employer health plans, federal assistance programs, and veteran-specific financial opportunities.
- VA disability & compensation overview
- Education benefits (GI Bill, VR&E)
- Employer benefits optimization
- Federal assistance you may qualify for
- Resume & workforce reentry strategies
Build long-term wealth on any income. Learn savings strategies, investment basics, homeownership planning, and how to create generational financial stability.
- Savings vehicles: TSP, IRA, 401(k)
- Investment basics for beginners
- Homeownership readiness
- Building generational wealth
- Creating a 5-year financial roadmap
Budgeting Tools & Calculators
Practical, no-signup-required tools to help you put your learning into action immediately.
Monthly Budget Calculator
Input your income and expenses for a clear monthly financial overview and savings gaps.
Use Tool →Debt Payoff Planner
Calculate exactly how long it takes to become debt-free using different payoff strategies.
Use Planner →Housing Cost Estimator
Compare rent vs. buy scenarios and estimate your true total housing costs over time.
Estimate Now →VA Benefits Navigator
Step-by-step guide to VA disability, healthcare, education benefits, and pension programs.
View Guide →Savings Goal Tracker
Set a savings target and map out a realistic monthly timeline to reach it.
Track Goals →Event Budget Planner
Plan weddings, graduations, and life events under $20K with our free template.
Get Template →Earn Your Certificate
Complete all 4 courses and receive the Afford Today Certificate of Financial Readiness — issued by The Foundation for American Service. This certificate demonstrates your commitment to financial education and unlocks eligibility for FAS emergency assistance programs.
