Promoting Financial Literacy
A Note from Congressman Carson
Each April we recognize Financial Literacy Month, bringing attention to budgeting, responsible use of credit and saving for the future. Developing an understanding of these smart money management skills is vital, no matter what your age or income.
Sadly, we are facing a serious deficit of financial literacy in this country. According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, more than half of American adults rate themselves as either "fair" or "poor" in terms of financial literacy. Consequently, problems with personal finance and money management are passed on to children by parents who believe students are learning financial literacy in schools. In reality, only 30% of teachers are incorporating these lifelong skills into their curriculum.
Reaching more young Americans is critical, especially as they begin earning their first paychecks through part-time jobs, considering college loans or buying their first car or apartment. We must do a better job of teaching money management skills to young people, from middle school to graduate school. That's why I introduced H.R. 891, the Young Americans Financial Literacy Act - a bill that seeks to promote the development of effective financial literacy curricula and educational models for students ages 8-24.
If we strengthen financial literacy education and instill these important skills in our kids, I am confident we can spur our economic growth and ensure that more Americans have a shot at achieving their financial goals.
Regards,
André
Inside Scoop
Constituent Services: United States Postal Service Employee
Donald Harvey, a retired postal worker, contacted my office for help to recover documentation from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Mr. Harvey started drawing his United States Postal Service (USPS) pension after retiring in 1998, but had since lost all related records. This became a problem when he recently applied for Social Security because the benefit is adjusted based on previous pension withdrawals. He attempted to contact USPS and OPM for months without success. With my staff's assistance, Mr. Harvey's employee records were retrieved and his application for adjusted Social Security benefits was approved.
I am committed to providing the highest level of constituent service to the people and organizations of the 7th Congressional District. If you have questions or need assistance with a federal agency, please contact my Indianapolis Office at 317-283-6516.
Help Indiana, Don't Miss Out on Big Tax Refund
A staggering one out of five Americans who of are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) fail to take the necessary steps to claim what they are owed. Don't let this be you. During the 2012 tax year, qualified Hoosier taxpayers received an average $2,274 EITC, and because this is a tax credit, and not a deduction, you can actually receive a refund that is larger than what you paid in taxes for the year. This is how the EITC helped lift an estimated 6.5 million people out of poverty, including 3.3 million children. Last year, an estimated 555,000 working-class Hoosiers received $1.3 billion in EITC. For middle- and working-class Americans, the EITC can help to put food on the table and help families save for the future. Please click here for the IRS' interactive tax assistant to determine whether you qualify for the EITC.
Voting: Our Privilege and Responsibility
One of the greatest privileges of being an American citizen is the opportunity to voice your opinion through the electoral process. With the 2014 elections just a few months away, you may be asking yourself: Am I registered to vote? Where is my nearest polling place? If you live in Indiana, Click here to register to vote online, find your nearest polling place, and confirm your voter registration.
Below are important dates for Indiana voters:
April 7, 2014 Voter Registration Ends
May 6, 2014 Primary Election Day
May 20, 2014 Voter Registration Begins
October 6, 2014 Voter Registration Ends
November 4, 2014 General Election Day