January 2022 Money Smart Newsletter

In This Issue

January Monthly Message from the FDIC
Reminder: Encouraging People to File a Tax Return In 2022
Success Story: Using Money Smart to Teach Friends Against Fraud
New Year, New Product
Latest FDIC Consumer News Edition

January Monthly Message from the FDIC

The beginning of the year is a perfect time to think about planning for the rest of the year. As you begin putting together your financial education programs or workshops, consider basing your event around a theme that will help to engage your audience.

For example, in February you might observe America Saves Week with a program about savings! Or, help inspire aspiring homeowners during National Homeowners month in June. Whatever you decide, Money Smart has resources to assist you.

We are eager to hear from you about promising approaches or successful strategies involving Money Smart. Please email us at moneysmartnews@fdic.gov to share your story or tips about Money Smart. Also, join us on social media using the #MoneySmart and show us any of the Money Smart products in action!

Reminder: Encouraging People to File a Tax Return In 2022

Consider sharing the following content from the CFPB with your stakeholders, such as in a newsletter, email, or other communication.

If you do not normally file a tax return and are not required to file because your income is below the tax filing threshold, 2022 may be the year you want to make sure to file because there are several tax credits for which you may be eligible.

First, if you did not already receive it, you may still be able to receive a stimulus payment that was issued to tax filers in 2021.
Second, if you have children, you may be eligible for an expanded child tax credit.
Third, if you pay for childcare so that you can work, you may be eligible for the child and dependent care credit.
Finally, if you have a low income, you may also be eligible for the earned income tax credit. See the IRS EITC page (irs.gov) for conditions of eligibility.

All of these credits combined could provide you with a substantial tax refund that could help you pay your bills, pay down debt and even save for the future.

For those that don’t yet have a bank account, learn more about the benefits of having a bank account at FDIC’s #GetBanked site and find one that works for you before you file your return. Remember that the IRS says the quickest way to get your tax refund is to efile and use direct deposit into your account.

Learn whether you need to take additional steps to receive your credit (consumerfinance.gov)
Read the guide to economic impact payments (consumerfinance.gov)
View the IRS page on Credits and deductions (irs.gov)

Success Story: Using Money Smart to Teach Friends against Fraud

This month, we spotlight The Elder Justice Committee housed at the Guilford County Family Justice Center in North Carolina. They use Money Smart for Older Adults. Read More at Success Story: Using Money Smart to Teach Friends Against Fraud.

New Year, New Product

We will be removing both paths of our Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) game from our website by March 31, 2022, and replacing it with FDIC How Money Smart Are You? You can start using How Money Smart Are You? now. Don’t wait! How Money Smart Are You? helps people learn to better control their finances and better protect and manage their money. Each of the 14 games contain mini games where users can win virtual coins for correct answers and potentially earn certificates of completion. We will launch the Spanish version of How Many Smart Are You? before removing the CBI at the end of the first quarter.