BBB launches program to help veterans and military personnel achieve financial independence

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The Better Business Bureau helps veterans and their families achieve financial independence and wants your help to encourage as many people as possible to get involved.

Only 12 BBBs nationwide are part of this military and veterans initiative, including our local BBB for Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

Ed Bloedow, a longtime veteran, said he was fortunate to fall in love with teaching after his military service. However, he said returning to civilian life was not the easiest task.

“The more help you can give veterans the better, because it’s a completely different way of life,” Bloedow said.

Bloedow said he supports the BBB's new program to help veterans adjust to life outside the military and give them the financial resources they need.

Lane Montz, CEO and president of the BBB of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, says the program will cover what to consider when buying a home, saving for retirement and looking for work in the private sector.

“A lot of small business owners, contractors and the like actually have military experience, so they make up a pretty large portion of our membership,” Montz said.

Groups can ask the BBB to provide information on financial topics, and the BBB encourages partnerships with organizations that support veterans, offering to provide information to these groups at no cost.

“Most veterans join a support group or an organization that focuses on veterans,” Montz said. “And if [you see this] Tell this organization to contact us now so we can reach as many veterans as possible.”

Individuals and organizations who would like to participate in the program can contact the BBB.

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