Financial Capability Month is Here!

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is pleased to be one of the many partners celebrating April 2015 as Financial Capability Month in our state. Understanding the importance of financial education, Washington Governor Jay Inslee proclaimed April as Financial Capability Month: http://www.dfi.wa.gov/documents/financial-education/2015-financial-capability-month.pdf.

This

Community Leaders: Join In Financial Literacy Reading Days

Jump$tart Washington and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) are sponsoring Financial Literacy Reading Days in Washington classrooms during Washington Financial Capability Month – in conjunction with Washington Money Smart Week April 18-25.
The reading days program provides a venue for community leaders to step out of their offices and into one of their city’s

Military Saves Events Happening Across Washington

As part of the Washington Finance Alliance, Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is pleased to support our military personnel with four Military Saves Week events this week – at Fairchild Air Force Base, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor and the Coast Guard in Seattle.

The Washington Finance Alliance is a group of organizations – including Army One Source, The

Washington Saves Week

Governor Jay Inslee has proclaimed February 23 – 28, 2015 as Washington Saves Week.

Washington Saves Week is a part of the America Saves Week campaign coordinated by America Saves and the America Savings Education Council.

Started in 2007, the Week is an annual opportunity for organizations to promote good savings behavior and a chance for individuals to assess their own saving status. Across

FINRA Foundation-Funded Study Documents Effectiveness of State Financial Education Mandates

A FINRA Investor Education Foundation-funded study released today examines the effectiveness of state mandates on financial education for high-school students, documenting notable improvements in credit outcomes for young adults who were exposed to rigorous programs.

The study selected three states that mandated financial education in high schools after the year 2000 (Georgia, Idaho and Texas

Are You Eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit?

Today is Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day in Washington.
Low-income people can reduce or eliminate the amount of federal income taxes they pay by claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2014 income tax returns. Some may even qualify for a lump-sum payment if the credit exceeds the amount of taxes owed.
Last year, the average Earned Income Tax Credit refund in Washington was $2,145

KOMO Story: Most Internet Lenders Are Illegal

Here’s a good reminder to work with licensed lenders.

KOMO TV recently ran a story on internet lenders operating illegally in Washington state. Footage below.

Financial Education Spotlight: Thurston County

For those looking for financial education resources and classes in the Olympia area, need look no further than Bank on Thurston and Enterprise for Equity.
Low or No Cost AccountsBank on Thurston connects people with banks or credit unions that will help them to set up low cost or no cost accounts. The banks and credit unions offer a second chance to people who have had problems with overdrafts.

Plain Talk about the Foreclosure Process Video

The Seattle University School of Law, in collaboration with City of Seattle, has produced an educational video that explains the non-judicial foreclosure process and shows why it is important for homeowners to seek help as soon as possible.

Here’s the video:

For more information about the foreclosure process and assistance in Washington state, visit www.homeownership.wa.gov.

DFI’s Guide to Smart Holiday Shopping

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, DFI has released a guide to smart holiday shopping.

The holidays can get quite chaotic and during this time of year it’s extremely important to stay on top of your finances to avoid debt and fraud. Check out our guide for tips on how to

protect your purchases
avoid fraud
avoid debt
and more

View the guide online at http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/

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