Financial Literacy Council
The North Carolina Financial Literacy Council (FLC) was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2009. The FLC, housed within the North Carolina Department of Justice, is responsible for helping to deliver financial literacy education and increase financial literacy among North Carolinians. Those responsibilities include:
- Monitoring and assisting the Department of Public Instruction in coordinating the statewide delivery of financial education within the public school system
- Identifying programs designed to increase the financial literacy of North Carolinians outside of the public school system
- Working to expand access to financial education resources and programs in communities across in North Carolina
Legislation
The FLC was established through NCGS § 114, Article 8.
Duties
The legislated duties of the FLC are:
- Study and document current financial education programs in North Carolina and best practices across the country.
- Coordinate activities related to financial education and asset building that occur within various government agencies, private enterprise, and the nonprofit sector to ensure dissemination of resources and information to households across the State.
- Propose public and private policy, organizational changes, and systemic changes to ensure all North Carolinians have access to training about necessary financial skills and experience with financial services.
- Consider and make recommendations specifically to address the following issues:
- Current personal financial literacy programs in the public schools and how to integrate financial education in K-12 to ensure that young people are prepared for financial success.
- Unique financial issues facing students in higher education and how to address those issues through the community colleges and public and private university systems.
- Creation of and access to financial products that provide hands-on learning of financial skills.
- Monitor the outcomes of financial education programs, focusing specifically on the following indicators: improved financial knowledge, improved financial behaviors, and increased access to and use of affordable financial services.
- Use the talents, expertise, and resources within the State, especially those of the public schools, community colleges, and public and private university systems, as well as the bank and credit union industries, to further its mission.
- Report annually to the General Assembly and the Governor on the performance of its prescribed duties and on the impact of the financial education activities conducted by State agencies.
Members
Council members are appointed by Gov. Cooper. The current council membership is:
- Stuart Mills: FLC Chair. Partners for Children and Families, Inc.
- James Morton: Cape Fear Community College
- A. Mercedes Restucha: North Carolina Department of Justice
- Erin Wilson: North Carolina Department of Labor
- Lori Carlin: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
- John Maron: North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State
- Christy Farrelly: North Carolina Department of State Treasurer
- Sidney Thomas: North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks
- Heather Horton: North Carolina Department of Commerce
- Javier Carlos: North Carolina Department of Revenue
- Dewana Little: Public Member
- Muye Akinkuotu: Public Member
- Louise Mack: Public Member
- Kokou Nayo: Public Member
- Melissa Marie Hart: UNC School System
- Artie Nicholson Collins: Public Member
- Keith A. Epstein: Public Member
- Ebonee Streater: Public Member
As of 02/06/2024
Upcoming Events
Below is a list of upcoming FLC meetings, which are held quarterly, and related community events:
Financial Literacy Council 1st Quarter Meeting
Friday, February 2, 2024 at 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Meeting access: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82737920637
Financial Literacy Council 2nd Quarter Meeting
Friday, May 3, 2024 at 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Meeting access: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83934332405
Financial Literacy Council 3rd Quarter Meeting
Friday, August 9, 2024 at 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Meeting access: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86749681586
Financial Literacy Council 4th Quarter Meeting
Friday, November 1, 2024 at 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Meeting access: TBD
Additional Resources
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
North Carolina Office of the State Treasurer
- Unclaimed Property
- North Carolina Achieving a Better Life Experience (NC ABLE)
- Retirement Information
North Carolina Department of Commerce
North Carolina Department of Labor
North Carolina Department of Revenue
North Carolina Council on Economic Education