Commemorative coins for those who cross the finish line
USAA to give away specially minted finisher coins, and more
Courtesy of USAA – Presenting Sponsor

Following the military tradition of “challenge coins,” which can be traced back to World War I, USAA will salute all finishers of the Marine Corps Marathon with a specially minted coin. The coin is in addition to Marine Corps-issued medals.

MCM runners can pick up the unique collector’s item at the USAA tent at the Finisher Festival. “USAA salutes and honors military members’ service by proudly sponsoring the Marine Corps Marathon,” said Mayra Rivera, Executive Director of Marketing at USAA. “We’ve served the military and their families for more than 80 years, and we understand the challenges, sacrifices, and rewards that come with wearing the uniform.” Other USAA giveaways and promotions include: Valuable prizes. Visitors to the USAA booth at the MCM Health and Fitness Expo on October 25-27 at the D.C. Armory can sign up to win great prizes, such as iPODs, which will be awarded hourly, and other great prizes. Visitors will also receive a free iPOD holder armband.

Keep track of your runner. USAA is providing friends and family of runners the chance to see how they’re doing throughout the marathon with USAA Map Tracking. Log in and look for your runner at the USAA Interactive Zone. Free breakfast. USAA will provide breakfast for nearly 600 Marine volunteers on Marine Corps Base Quantico. Awards for best active duty finishers. USAA will sponsor awards for the top three male and female military finishers. Support for Wounded Warriors. For the brave men and women who have returned injured, but who remain disciplined and determined, USAA is donating a number of entries to the Wounded Warrior Project to allow them to face the challenges of the Marine Corps Marathon. “Through these sponsorships and promotions, USAA is paying tribute to the proud traditions of the Marine Corps and all those who serve,” Rivera said.

USAA TOP 6 FISCAL FITNESS TIPS
Tip #1: Start with the basics- Marathon training can be applied to any fitness – and financial – program. J.J Montanaro, a Certified Financial Planner^TM with USAA recommends getting your fiscal fitness program going by starting with the basics – develop a budget. “Just like your marathon training program, your budget should be something you plan to stick with, but also update it as your situation and needs change.” For more financial advice, visit usaa.com.

Tip #2: Get the right coverage- Just as wearing the wrong running gear can expose you to the elements; inadequate insurance coverage can expose you to financial risks, according to J.J. Montanaro, a Certified Financial Planner^TM with USAA. “Review your auto and homeowners insurance policies and make sure you have the right coverage. Consider raising your deductibles to lower your premiums. If you’re renting, make sure you have renters insurance – it’s very affordable.” For more financial advice, visit usaa.com.

Tip #3: Trim the excess- An unhealthy diet can minimize your running performance just like a poor financial diet can ruin your finances, says J.J. Montanaro, a Certified Financial Planner^TM with USAA. “Stay healthy with your finances by creating a plan to pay off debt as soon as possible. A $5,000 credit card balance with a 13 percent interest rate will take at least eight years to pay off if you only pay the minimum monthly payments. In addition to making larger payments, call your credit card company to request a lower interest rate,” Montanaro advises. For more financial advice, visit usaa.com.

Tip #4: Be mindful of weather changes- Running in the weather requires planning, just like preparing financially for a rainy day requires you to save money each month to build an emergency fund, says J.J. Montanaro, a Certified Financial Planner^TM with USAA. “Work toward saving at least three months of basic living expenses. Start by setting up automatic transfers in a set amount of $25 or $50 – whatever you can afford. It may take time to reach your goal, but it’s a lot like preparing for a marathon,” Montanaro says. For more financial advice, visit usaa.com.

Tip #5: Add a little variety- Many marathoners supplement their running with low-impact exercises like swimming, bicycling, or yoga. Just as you might not get the physical results you’re looking for with one type of exercise, the same applies to investing, according to J.J. Montanaro, a Certified Financial Planner^TM with USAA. “Ensure your investments are spread across the asset classes, such as large domestic companies, small international companies, and real estate. Determine your tolerance for risk and rebalance your portfolio annually.” For more financial advice, visit usaa.com.

Tip #6: Find the right partner- Working out with other people makes training much easier. It’s also wise to have a trusted partner in finance -- like a salaried financial advisor or planner – who can help you achieve your financial goals, according to J.J. Montanaro, a Certified Financial Planner^TM with USAA. “A planner can help you create a budget, develop a plan to reduce debt, select the right kind of life, disability, and property insurance, and make informed tax-planning decisions.” For more financial advice, visit usaa.com.

USAA is proud to be a presenting sponsor of the Marine Corps Marathon. Since 1922, USAA has provided the military with insurance and financial services designed specifically for military members and their families. Visit usaa.com for a calendar of other USAA sponsorships, sweepstakes, and giveaways.

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Financial advice provided by USAA Financial Planning Services Insurance Agency, Inc. (known as USAA Financial Insurance Agency in California), and USAA Financial Advisors, Inc., a registered broker dealer.