| Subscribe | Translate |

Join Our Team
Translate

Financial Literacy

FL title

Financial Literacy

“Financial literacy is an important step toward getting a better job, improving one’s quality of life, and attaining economic stability. I’m committed to helping New Yorkers strengthen their financial knowledge and understanding.’’

– State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli

CONTACT

For questions on available information or resources, or to learn more about State Comptroller DiNapoli’s financial literacy initiative, email
[email protected]

 

Financial Empowerment Resources for New Yorkers

Financial literacy empowers New Yorkers with skills, knowledge and education to make informed decisions with their money. In the wake of economic hardships caused by the pandemic, inflation, and higher interest rates, financial literacy is more vital than ever. State Comptroller DiNapoli’s financial literacy initiative provides regular updates with information and resources on financial concepts, such as budgeting and saving, so New Yorkers can make better short- and long-term spending decisions and protect themselves from scams.

Prepare for Education Costs with NY’s 529 College Savings Program

It’s never too early or too late to think about saving for a loved one’s future education costs! The State Comptroller and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation co-administer NY's 529 College Savings Program, which allows you to open a tax-free account to fund a range of eligible educational programs, including:

  • Post-secondary trade and vocational schools
  • Two and four-year colleges
  • Private educational institutions
  • Registered and certified apprenticeship programs
Save for Disability Related Expenses with NY ABLE

New York's Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (NY ABLE) is a tax-advantaged savings and investment plan that helps individuals with disabilities achieve greater financial security and a better quality of life by allowing them to save for qualified medical and living expenses, without limiting their ability to benefit from Medicaid, SSI and certain other means-tested benefit programs.

For details about how to qualify for tax benefits, please review the Disclosure Booklet and Participation Agreement.

Build a Strong Financial Foundation

It’s always important to take control of your own personal finances and to teach children about sound financial practices. Financial Literacy is a skill with lifelong benefits. Kids as young as preschool age can learn how to handle money, budget and save. Here are two resources that provide a wide range of personal finance information that could help you now and in the future:

Assistance for Seniors
Assistance for People with Disabilities
Assistance for Veterans

For help, please check with Federal and State resources:

Assistance for Active Military
  • Military OneSource is dedicated to providing timely resources, information and answers to address the health and financial impact of COVID-19 on the military community. For more information, please visit: Military OneSource (U.S. Department of Defense) or call 1-800-342-9647.
  • The Department of Defense has launched an initiative to assist military spouses with financial readiness. For more information, please visit: MilSpouse Money Mission (U.S. Department of Defense)
Income Tax Credits and Refunds

To check on the status of your income tax refunds, visit:

NYC Resources
  • Get Free Financial Counseling (NYC Consumer Affairs) – NYC Financial Empowerment Centers provide free one-on-one professional, financial counseling and coaching for NYC residents.
 

We Should Be Teaching Financial Literacy in NY's High Schools

DiNapoli op-ed

Newsday on Monday published an op-ed from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and New York State Education Commissioner 
Betty A. Rosa.

READ MORE

New York Needs to Boost Financial Education in Our Schools

DiNapoli op-ed

amNewYork on Saturday published an op-ed from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

READ MORE

Protect Yourself Against Scams

It’s important to be on alert for those who may be attempting to defraud you or your family, and to report fraud.
Reporting Fraud Resources

Report Unemployment Insurance Fraud (NYS Department of Labor) – If you have been the victim of suspected unemployment fraud, the NYS Department of Labor has set up an online reporting tool to open an investigation.

Report Identity Theft and Get a Recovery Plan (Federal Trade Commission) – If you believe you’ve been the victim of unemployment fraud or any other identity theft, please visit this website for assistance.

Card image cap
Learn to identify phishing attacks

Ignore unsolicited calls, emails and mail. Never share personal or sensitive information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links. If unsure if a request is legitimate, call the company.

Card image cap
Use strong, unique passwords

Create complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords across sites. Change them every 4–6 months.

Card image cap
Monitor your credit and bank accounts

Check accounts and statements regularly. If you catch suspicious activity or unauthorized charges, freeze your cards and account immediately.

Card image cap
Shred sensitive documents before disposal

Destroy documents with personal identifying information like bank statements, medical records, and tax forms.

Card image cap
Monitor your children's credit report

Children are at risk just as you are and their credit is rarely checked. Monitor it periodically.

Reporting Fraud Resources

Report Unemployment Insurance Fraud (NYS Department of Labor) – If you have been the victim of suspected unemployment fraud, the NYS Department of Labor has set up an online reporting tool to open an investigation.

Report Identity Theft and Get a Recovery Plan (Federal Trade Commission) – If you believe you’ve been the victim of unemployment fraud or any other identity theft, please visit this website for assistance.

Financial Literacy

Have you ever lost track of an old bank account or uncashed check?

Check to see if you have unclaimed funds.

Every day, the State Comptroller returns $2 million to those who file claims. It is fast, free and easy.

SEARCH FUNDS NOW

Please note that the references to the above information and websites do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation of the Office of the State Comptroller and are provided for informational purposes only.