Each year, WorkSource partners with the RealSense Prosperity Campaign to provide free income tax preparation services for individuals eligible to file for the Earned Income Tax Credit. This year, with many families suffering the effects of the recession, RealSense is placing a strong emphasis on financial education.
As many employers implement cost-saving strategies to keep their businesses afloat, there is a new, free service they can offer employees to help stretch their take home pay. Through on-site, employer-based financial education classes, United Way’s Real$ense Prosperity Campaign is providing First Coast employers free financial education sessions that help employees maintain financial stability.
The Money Smart Series, supported by United Way’s Real$ense Prosperity Campaign, consists of ten 60-minute sessions covering topics such as budgeting, setting goals and saving, borrowing, credit cards, debt management, and consumer protection. The classes can be offered as a financial education benefit for employees, and the curriculum can be customized to ensure it meets the greatest needs of employees.
According to Real$ense Director Jeff Winkler, a key priority this year is to increase the number of corporate partners who offer these free classes on-site as an enhancement to their company’s benefits package and wellness program. “In light of the tough economy,” said Winkler, “research shows these classes can increase productivity and help reduce turnover while providing valuable money management skills to employees.”
“Real$ense will host an informational breakfast for First Coast employers at the Federal Reserve on October 30, 8:00-9:30am to introduce the Free Financial Education Classes. In addition, Real$ense has joined forces with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) to educate employers on this timely benefit they can offer for their employees.
To register for the October 30th Informational Breakfast for Employers, please contact Barb Klingler at 904-632-1025 or Barb.L.Klingler@atl.frb.org. Limited space is available.
To learn more about this opportunity contact Real$ense at 904-390-4008 or Anita McKinney at 904-387-8850 or mckinney@coj.net.
United Way of Northeast Florida works to create real, long-lasting change in Northeast Florida by focusing on the building blocks for a good life. In partnership with volunteers, community organizations, and leaders, United Way is creating opportunities to improve life for people in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and northern St. Johns counties. In addition to Real$ense, United Way leads United Way 2-1-1, a 24/7 information referral hotline; Life: Act 2, a pro-active response to an exploding senior population; and Full Service Schools, a community approach to removing barriers to academic success. For more information, call 904-390-3200 or visit www.liveunitednortheastflorida.org.
