Content retrieved from: https://disb.dc.gov/page/april-national-financial-literacy-month. There\’s still time to get financially fit!
In celebration of April as National Financial Literacy Month, District residents are encouraged to Get Financially Fit by taking advantage of free educational programs, resources and services to improve financial wellness and make more fiscally sound decisions to prevent fraud. Subscribe here to get updates from DISB. Also, you can follow the Department on Twitter: @DCDISB and like us on Facebook.
April 1-7: Preventing Financial Fraud — An Educated Consumer Is a Protected Consumer
Get tips on ways to avoid becoming a victim of scams and frauds.
Financial Fraud and Exploitation Presentations
Worried about your loved one being victimized by financial scammers? Check out the Department’s financial fraud prevention presentations that help residents and service providers spot scams and report them to DISB for investigation. Want DISB to host this presentation at your community location? Submit the request here. To see a list of upcoming presentations, view our online calendar at https://disb.dc.gov/events.
Money Smart for Older Adult Presentations:
April 11, 11 am to noon
Money Smart for Older Adults
Fort Stanton Recreation Center
1812 Erie Street, SE
Washington, DC 20020
April 19, 1 pm to 2 pm
Money Smart for Older Adults
Chevy Chase Community Center
5601 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20015
April 23, 11 am to 12 pm
Money Smart for Older Adults
Deanwood Recreation Center
1350 49th Street, NE
Washington, DC 20019
April 30, 6 pm to 7 pm
Money Smart for Older Adults
Columbia Heights Recreation Center
1480 Girard Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
April 8-14: Building Wealth through Financial Planning — It Is Never Too Early to Think About Retirement
Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign
Did you work last year and had income less than $54,884? Are you worried that you owe money? Do you qualify to have your tax refund completed for free? The Department supports the District’s EITC campaign through a contract with Capital Area Asset Builders. If an individual worked last year and had income of less than $54,884, they should check out their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a special tax break designed specifically for low- and moderate-income workers. People who qualify for the EITC will pay less in taxes or even get cash back. To be eligible, individuals must have earned income or certain disability income. Visit a free tax preparation site at: http://www.caab.org/en/free-tax-preparation-services/free-tax-preparation-services-in-dc.
Early Learning Tax Credit
Is your child enrolled in a licensed DC child care facility? In last year’s budget, Mayor Bowser created a new Early Learning Tax Credit to make child care more affordable and provide a fair shot for District families. Through the Early Learning Tax Credit, families with children enrolled in a licensed DC child care facility can receive a tax credit of up to $1,000 per eligible child.
District of Columbia Government Employees:
Saving for Retirement
Did you know that if you are a District Government employee you can save for retirement by making tax-deferred contributions directly from your paycheck? You can contribute as little as $20 a paycheck. View details about the District’s 457b Deferred Compensation Plan from ICMA-RC .
Saving for College
Did you know District Government employees can save for college by opening a DC 529 savings plan? For as little as $25 a month you can commitment to saving. To establish your account, visit https://www.dccollegesavings.com/home.html.
April 15-21: Saving and Protecting Your Assets — Promoting Sound Financial Habits
Financially Fit DC Initiative
Looking to get out of debt? Looking to buy a home? Need to build your emergency fund? Check out Financially Fit DC, a financial educational program with an online component that helps residents to improve their financial capability and set financial goals. Get started now at welcome.financiallyfitdc.com.
Financial Education Workshops
Do you know any teens that will have a paid internship or job over the summer? Are you saving your allowance for a special occasion? DISB’s Bank on DC program provides workshops to District teens to find affordable banking options to save money and develop good personal financial management skills. To learn more, please follow us on Twitter @DCDISB and @BankonDC.
Student Debt Management Strategies
Did you know that 25 percent of District residents have student loan debt and the average student loan balance is approximately $40,000? The District of Columbia first in the nation indebted student loan borrowers. Worried about defaulting on your loan? Get help from the District’s Student Loan Ombudsman.
Sign up for open office hours or schedule an appointment by calling 202-727-8000 or emailing [email protected]
Visit, https://disb.dc.gov/service/meet-student-loan-ombudsman, to see when the Ombudsman will be in your neighborhood.
Upcoming Student Loan Ombudsman Open Office Hours
(at DISB Office, 1050 First Street, NE, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20002)
April 4, 2019 from 10 am to 1 pm
April 17, 2019 from 2 pm to 5 pm
April 23, 2019 from 11 am to 2 pm
April 22-28: Insurance — Are you covered? Underestimating insurance needs may cost you more in the long run.
The Department provides information on often-missed insurance considerations that can lead to more costs down the road. Visit the Department’s Consumer Alerts and Guides online to get our tips for insurance.
Content retrieved from: https://disb.dc.gov/page/april-national-financial-literacy-month.