State Treasurer to visit counties to promote financial literacy

• Q&A with State Treasurer Janet Cowell

State Treasurer Janet Cowell will meet with local governments in three locations in late March as part of a Financial Literacy Tour announced March 19. The tour will provide a unique opportunity for public employees to hear from Cowell and staff on a variety of topics including: the need for Financial Literacy in the workplace, resources the Department of State Treasurer offers, and ways to enhance employee preparation for retirement.

"Financial Literacy is one of my top priorities as State Treasurer," stated Cowell. "The workplace has been proven to be the best venue to reach people for financial education. This tour is a part of efforts to reach the 125,000 local government employees working in our state."

There are a number of resources available for public employees that can assist with avoiding financial trouble and planning for the future. The Financial Education Center on the Department’s Web site (www.nctreasurer.com) will host links to various resources, including Prudential and the Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), which serves North Carolina’s local government employees, elected/appointed officials, volunteers and their families.

"Financial education has an important place in an organization's overall employee benefits package," said LGFCU President Maurice Smith. "Stress over money may not only lead to anxiety and health-related issues, but studies have shown it can affect productivity in the workplace. Financial education can improve the life of the employee, which in turn improves their job performance."