Press

Accentra CU & Commerce Dept. kick off Financial Literacy Month

AUSTIN, MN – (April 23, 2015) — The Minnesota Department of Commerce geared up for Financial Literacy Month with a stop in Austin Monday.

Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman toured Accentra Credit Union, where he visited the facility and observed a local tax preparation group help seniors and low-income residents file tax information ahead of the the April 15 tax deadline.

“From kindergarten to retirement, we want to make sure people have the tools they need to do well in life,” Rothman said.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has worked in Austin for more than 25 years and prepares between 1,500 and 2,000 tax returns during tax season, the second highest amount for any volunteer group in the state, according to Commerce officials.

“This is a wonderful program. I so appreciate the service they provide here,” said Elaine Chihak of Austin.

But the group is about maxed out for the number of people it can help this year, and they’re looking for more volunteers to help in coming years.

Rothman and other Commerce officials will make similar stops around the state this month to highlight financial groups that help people become more aware of services and financial skills they need.

People interested in volunteering to help prepare taxes can visit aarp.org/taxaide.

– See more at: http://mncreditunionnews.org/lending-a-helping-hand-accentra-cu-commerce-dept-kick-off-financial-literacy-month#sthash.7mIc7jer.dpuf

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