Financial Strength for First Responders

Please note: This training can be found on our Benchmark Learning Management System. To register, create your account or log in here, then either search for your desired training under “Available Training” or return to this page and click "Register" below to be taken directly to the event page. For more information or help, please refer to this page. Description

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is pleased to offer “Financial Strength for First Responders.”

Description:

Too often, Virginia’s first responders conclude a rewarding career only to approach retirement with no plan or a poorly designed plan that falls short of their retirement goals. This does not have to be the case. This comprehensive workshop is designed to equip first responders with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve financial independence. Participants will explore their relationship with money through exercises that uncover money beliefs and habits, discuss how these affect financial decisions, and learn financial principles often overlooked in traditional education. 

The workshop covers practical skills in budgeting and financial planning, helping attendees create and maintain realistic budgets, prioritize expenses, and manage spending habits. The course content is wide-ranging, from discussing how credit agencies determine scores to exploring entrepreneurship opportunities and investment strategies. The focus is on helping first responders develop financial habits and the knowledge that will lead them to financial strength.

Topics to be addressed:

Through active participation in the classroom learning and exercises, participants will:

• Understand the importance of financial strength over financial wellness
• Understand their relationship with money and its value today for tomorrow’s independence
• Draft a budget and create a personalized financial planning tool
• Understand resources for managing and/or improving their credit
• Be able to articulate active and passive income stream opportunities in their own lives
• Consider the viability of entrepreneurship in their financial future
• Understand strategies for starting a new business or growing and scaling an existing business

Who should attend? 

This training is open to all first responder groups, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, fire/EMS, EMTs, dispatchers, and corrections. Additionally, retired first responders, civilian peer support, and mental health clinicians who are culturally competent in first responder wellness, are encouraged to attend.  

Partial In-service Credit 

Partial In-service Credit (PIC) for Virginia law enforcement officers and continuing education credits for EMS will be available. 

Travel, Lodging, and Meals 

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, lodging arrangements, and meal expenses. 

Training Time and Details 

Check-in will begin at 7:30 am, and the course will be held from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cost and Registration 

There is no cost to attend this training. Pre-registration is required.  

Please note that the DCJS registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. It is the responsibility of the DCJS-assigned course coordinator to review the roster and make a final determination on acceptance into the course. Denied registrants will be notified via the email address provided during registration.