Financial Education Center
Building Wealth
The Department of State Treasurer has implemented, and is part of, a number of programs that offer financial counseling and education for all age groups. We are committed to helping North Carolina’s families increase their understanding of finances and ability to grow personal wealth. Building wealth starts by creating a personal budget, investing in assets that increase in value over time, saving for higher education and planning ahead for a secure retirement.
The Financial Education Center will provide you with information and resources to help manage and improve your finances. Please click on the links to the left for helpful information that will assist you with creating a budget, buying a home and improving your credit rating.
RESOURCES FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
State Treasurer Janet Cowell embarked on a Financial Literacy Tour across North Carolina, visiting with officials from local governments. The tour provided a unique opportunity for public employees to hear from Cowell and staff on a variety of topics including: the need for Financial Literacy in the workplace, resources the Department of State Treasurer offers, and ways to enhance employee preparation for retirement.
Here are some of the helpful resources discussed during the tour:
North Carolina Retirement Systems -http://www.nctreasurer.com/dsthome/RetirementSystems
ORBIT Program - https://orbit.myncretirement.com/orbit/Common/Pages/BPASLogin.aspx
North Carolina Supplemental Retirement Plans - https://www.retirement.prudential.com/cws/ncplans/flash_index.html
Local Government Federal Credit Union - https://www.lgfcu.org/plan/
TAX TIPS
A Special Financial Education Center Update from the State Treasurer
Tax season is approaching and refunds may provide some relief to many North Carolina residents who are struggling financially.
As State Treasurer, I want to help North Carolinians take advantage of state, local, and national resources that can not only help them save money when filing their taxes, but also boost our state’s economy.
Free Tax Preparation
Households who earn $50,000 or less per year or military, elderly, disabled, and non-native English speakers can take advantage of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. To find a free tax preparation site, call 1-888-927-3230 or click here for a listing of sites by county.
Free On-line Filing
Households who earn $58,000 or less can file their own taxes for free through the North Carolina Beehive by clicking this link.
Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a both a federal and state income tax credit that benefits low and moderate-income working families. Families whose income is approximately $49,000 or less may be eligible for a credit of up to $6,000.
To see if your family is eligible or more information on the EITC, you can call (919) 968-4531 or visit this link.