Financial Resources
Helpful information on shared credit union
branches throughout the U.S. and overseas.
Virginia State Employee Emergency Fund
The Virginia State Employee Emergency Fund (VSEEF) helps state employees who are in need as a result of a recent crisis, illness, or emergency. Funding is provided by donations from state employees across Virginia via the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC Code #3040). Grants of up to $500 are available. Please see the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign website for more information and an application.
Commonwealth Financial Training and Loan Program
The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) and the Virginia Credit Union have partnered to offer small loans (with interest) -- from $100 to $500 -- to state employees facing financial difficulties. As a requirement of the loan, borrowers will have to complete an on-line financial fitness course and exam. For more information and to apply, please visit The Virginia State Employee Loan Program
Just interested in the on-line financial course? Check it out at Balance Track Financial Fitness.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
All health plans offered at Mason to employees and their dependents have employee assistance programs (EAPs). Included are up to four sessions at no charge for such services as mental health, alcohol or drug abuse assessment, child or elder care, grief counseling and legal or financial services. Additional information is available on the Benefits EAP page.
Financial Programs
Wachovia Bank
By becoming a member of the Wachovia At Work Program, George Mason employees receive many benefits. For more information on the Wachovia At Work Benefits call (800) 555-7905. Our At Work company number is 8594.
Real Estate And Related Services
For homebuyer assistance, please call the Capital One Bank branch located in the Johnson Center at 703-993-9090. Additional information can be found regarding branch services.
Savings Bonds
U.S. Savings Bonds (Series EE and Series I) may be purchased through a direct deposit allocation with Treasury Direct. Savings Bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and provide a safe and easy way to help satisfy long-term savings goals. Savings bonds offer tax advantages as well. For more information, visit U.S. Savings Bonds.
To enroll, please set up an account with TreasuryDirect. Their website has a helpful 3 step process. Once your account at Treasury Direct is established, please visit PatriotWeb (select Employee Services; Pay Information: Direct Deposit Allocation) and set up an additional direct deposit in the amount you would like sent each pay period to purchase the bonds.
If you have any questions, please call the Payroll team at 703.993.2629.
Virginia Education Savings Trust
The 1999 Virginia General Assembly approved the creation of the Virginia Education Savings Trust (VEST) to complement its Virginia Prepaid Education Program (VPEP). Both programs are administered by the Virginia Higher Education Tuition Trust Fund, an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and offer families the opportunity to participate in an IRC Section 529 qualified state tuition program with both prepaid and savings trust investment options to cover future costs of college fees and tuition. For more information, log onto Virginia College Savings Plan or call 888-567-0540.
Credit Counseling
Credit Unions
Apple Federal Credit Union, Fairfax County Federal Credit Union, and the Virginia Credit Union have partnered with financial fitness program called BALANCE. Members in each credit union have access to the program. For information on becoming a member, please visit Apple FCU, Fairfax County FCU or the Virginia Credit Union.
For details on the BALANCE program, please click on the credit union of your choice below.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Washington
- Fairfax: 703.591.9020
- Woodbridge: 703.494.1014
- Alexandria: 703.836.8772
- Website: www.creditcounselingnetwork.org
Provides debt management, through which clients make monthly payments to CCCS, with CCCS paying their bills. Clients benefit from reduced interest rates and payments. This program stops over limit or late fees, and stops creditors and collection agencies calling. Education programs on money management are also offered.
Northern Virginia Family Services
A United Way Agency
- Oakton: 703.385.3267
- Woodbridge: 703.490.3646
- Website: www.nvfs.org
Provides budget counseling, a debt management program, and educational services to clients.
Helpful Financial Sites
The Investor's Clearinghouse (Alliance for Investor Education) - "Twelve of the Best Resources for Investors in Tough Times"
360 Degrees of Financial Literacy - Sponsored by the nation's Certified Public Accountants - Information organized by lifecyle topics from Childhood (how to teach your children about money, budgeting, and investing) through Retirement and Estate Planning. Includes a section on Life Crisis.
Mymoney.gov - Information is organized by helpful lifecycle topics including homeownership, paying for education, and responding to life events. "Mymoney.gov is the federal government's website that serves as the one-stop shop for federal financial literacy and education programs, grants and other information" and is available in English and Spanish.
Federal Citizen Information Center (Pueblo, CO) - We used to have to write to Pueblo, CO to get federal consumer information on a range of topics including money, health, housing, and many more. Now they're just a click away.
Publications of Interest
Household Records Guide
A comprehensive packet that enables you to record vital personal and financial data in one concise document. By keeping this Guide current, you will have an important, ready reference for those who will need the information to carry out your thoughts and wishes in the future.
Savings Fitness: A Guide to Your Money and Your Financial Future (Department of Labor) Spanish
Money Tips for All Ages (Consumer News, FDIC) - Includes a section on "Ways to Cope Financially During and After a Big Change."
66 Ways to Save Money (Federal Trade Commission)
Managing Your Debts: How to Regain Financial Health (Consumer Federation of America)
Building Wealth: A Beginner's Guide to Securing Your Financial Future (Dallas Federal Reserve Bank) Spanish
Tax Resources
Publication 17 - 2011 Tax Guide for Individuals (Internal Revenue Service) - Has been published by the IRS since the 1940s. This 303 page updated guide is "packed with basic tax-filing information and tips on what income to report and how to report it, figuring capital gains and losses, claiming dependents" and much more.
AARP Tax Aide - Free tax assistance for older and low- to middle-income tax payers.
- Find a Tax Aide location near you ....
IRS - You may be eligible for free tax preparation and e-filing if your adjusted gross income was $57,000 or less in 2011.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) - If you made less than $50,000 in 2011, you may be eligible for free tax assistance at locations across northern Virginia.
H&R Block - Offering faculty and staff a $25 off coupon on tax preparation. Conditions apply. Please see "Tick Tock" discounts (discounts with a deadline) at myMasonHR.