The road to financial literacy isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. And like any great run, it takes practice and preparation. That’s why Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society partnered with USAA Educational Foundation (USAAEF) to create something new, engaging, and built for real life.
In April, Money Ops™ game kits, featuring a 90-minute interactive experience, arrived at NMCRS offices around the world, ready to help Sailors and Marines strengthen their financial footing in a way that sticks.
“Our programs and services respond to a wide range of financial emergencies, and with strong financial education, some of these situations can be addressed earlier or even prevented,” said NMCRS Training and Development Instructional Designer Susan White. “Money Ops™ is the culmination of our collaboration with USAAEF.”
At Marine Corps Base Quantico, Marine Corps Sgt. Keila Barbaran, a finance specialist, saw an opportunity to bring this training to life. Having worked closely with Marines on pay and travel claims, she understood the real-world challenges and jumped at the chance to make a difference.
“Let’s be honest, too many trainings feel like ‘death-by-PowerPoint,’” Barbaran said. “That’s not how Marines learn best. Money Ops™ changed that completely. It was interactive, competitive, and actually fun. The format worked perfectly.”
Two sessions were held, each for 30 Marines. Participants divided into teams and were handed a “life card” with real-world financial scenarios. From paying down debt to saving for a wedding or even buying a motorcycle, teams made decisions, took risks, and learned together as they navigated four rounds of gameplay.
At the center of it all? The “Boom Wheel,” which serves as a spinning reminder that life doesn’t always go as planned.
“When the wheel stops, teams either gain or lose money, mimicking life’s unpredictability,” White said.
The room quickly filled with laughter, cheers, and a healthy dose of competition.
“There was a lot of shouting, strategizing, and celebrating,” Barbaran said. “It didn’t take long for everyone to get fully engaged.”
But beyond the energy, something deeper was happening.
In one round, Budget Boot Camp, the focus was on the leave and earnings statement (LES), helping service members better understand their pay and deductions while spotting issues early.
“We want service members to be proactive about their finances,” White said. “Understanding your LES is a big part of that.”
And the impact was immediate.
“It opened the door for real conversations,” Barbaran said. “Marines started asking questions about debt, credit, and their goals.” Some reached all their goals in the game, some didn’t, but many took the next step and scheduled follow-up services with NMCRS.”
At Quantico, the NMCRS team felt the momentum too.
“Seeing that level of engagement, clients asking questions, leaning in, wanting to learn; that’s what it’s all about,” said NMCRS office director Casie Flippin. “Money Ops™ meets Sailors and Marines where they are and makes financial education meaningful.”
With Money Ops™ kits now deployed, NMCRS is bringing this energy, insight, and confidence-building experience to more Sailors and Marines, helping them take control of their financial future, one smart decision at a time.