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	Budgets, banking, loans and taxes are important pieces of the puzzle to understanding your money. DCA's OFE will show you ways to Get, Manage, Save, and Protect your money, provide important information about Debt and Credit, and help you Find a Counselor or Class so you can piece the puzzle together!


	University of North Carolina (UNC) Study Confirms Success of $aveNYC in Encouraging Taxpayers with Low Incomes to Save The UNC Center for Community Capital released "The Importance of Tax Time for Building Emergency Savings: Major Findings from $aveNYC," which concluded that taxpayers with low incomes will save money when offered an incentive, an easy enrollment process, and a safe account. A matched savings program, $aveNYC has been replicated in several cities as SaveUSA. The research supports a change in federal policy to implement tax time savings match programs for filers with low incomes. Download Study Read UNC press release Learn about the SaveUSA program

	Shred Fest is May 19! Shred Fest is a free annual City event to help New Yorkers prevent identity theft. At Shred Fest you can safely shred papers containing personal information using shredding trucks and get tips. The event is from 10 am to 4 pm on May 19 at 10 locations Citywide. Learn more Read press release

	NYC Media Adds “Tackle Your Debt” to Its That’s So New York Video Series City's Financial Empowerment Center can help New Yorkers take control of their debt, deal with collectors, improve their credit and create budgets. Free, one-on-one professional financial counselors in all five boroughs have helped over 20,000 New Yorkers collectively reduce over 10 million dollars in debt. Watch video Find a Financial Empowerment Center near you

	Harvard University Names DCA's Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE) an Innovations in American Government Award Finalist In recognizing OFE as one of the nation’s Top 25 public sector programs, Harvard cited the Office’s work connecting New Yorkers with low incomes with financial education counseling and asset building services. Read Harvard’s announcement View all finalists Learn about OFE initiatives

	U.S. Treasury Department’s Ready.Save.Grow. Initiative Makes Saving Easier than Ever Did you know that you can buy a savings bond for just $25 and other U.S. Treasury securities starting at $100? You can buy and manage these affordable, safe, and convenient investments either online or through payroll direct deposit. Go to Ready.Save.Grow. Web site for more information Learn about NYC Direct Deposit Schedule a free financial counseling appointment at an NYC Financial Empowerment Center

	DCA and Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Release Immigrant Financial Services Study Research Brief Study Reveals Gaps in Financial Services for Immigrant Households with Low Incomes and Identifies Opportunities for Public-Private Partnerships and Financial Institutions to Provide Financial Access This Study is one of NYC’s first field research initiatives to look specifically at the financial needs and practices of recent immigrants in three communities: Chinese, Ecuadorian, Mexican. Among key findings: 57% of Mexican, 35% of Ecuadorian, and 5% of Chinese participants in the Study sample did not have a bank account. 80% of immigrant survey participants who make less than $300 a week report having savings. High incidence of money transfers back to home countries represents a significant market opportunity for mainstream financial banking institutions. The Study received generous support from Citi Community Development and The New York Community Trust. Download Study in: English Español (Spanish) 中文 (Chinese) Read press release Get free financial counseling Open a direct deposit account

	NYC Announces Partnership with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund to Replicate Nationally DCA's Work in Consumer Protection and Financial Empowerment Read City Hall press release Watch the video announcement Visit CFE Fund Web site

	NYC Direct Deposit: The Faster, Safer, Less Expensive Payment Option for Employers and Employees Through the NYC Direct Deposit program employers can benefit from reduced operational costs while employees get a free checking account for directly depositing their pay. Learn more

	Tax Day was April 15. However, you can still file your 2012 tax return for free. Learn if you qualify to file your taxes for free Read Tax Credit Fast Facts Get important tax information for individuals and families affected by Hurricane Sandy