The Direct Express® Financial Education Center has two new modules available to support users in the new year.

Whether it is to increase post-employment funds beyond a retirement account, or make healthy choices while staying on budget, Direct Express® cardholders now have access to educational support that ensures they don’t have to make unnecessary sacrifices in their life!

5 Things You Can Do When Your Retirement Savings Just Isn’t Enough supports seniors that may not be comfortable living off social security and savings from retirement accounts. Data and reliable resources are provided to explain each option and ways to increase their spending ability.

This module discusses:

  1. Working Part-Time
  2. Getting a Reverse Mortgage
  3. Using an Health Savings Account (HSA)
  4. Relocating
  5. Downsizing

The average social security payment  in 2022 was only $1,677 per month and most experts agree that it probably won’t be enough. Additionally, many things may prevent an individual from having reached the suggested personal savings goal of 80% of annual income for 30 years to support retirement.

Eating Healthy on a Budget supports any cardholder who may feel that they cannot afford healthy eating habits because of budget or time constraints.

This module discusses:

  1. Food to Buy
  2. Food to Avoid
  3. How to Save While Shopping

While it may be easier to buy junk food or already prepared meals, homemade meals and snacks can be cheaper than take-out and prepackaged options. Planning meals, and sticking to a shopping list, can help cardholders consider their food needs, stick to a budget, and best spend their time.

Taking inventory of what is in the kitchen and pantry, including leftovers, before grocery shopping can help cut down on food waste and costs by using what you have before it expires. Additionally, planning meals that use similar ingredients that are low in cost  but used in many ways, such as rice, pasta, beans, and vegetables, can help save money at the store.

Cardholders can access the new modules on The Direct Express® Financial Education Center or Direct Express® cardholder website or from any computer or mobile device that has internet access. The Financial Education Center will continue to support cardholders by releasing new topics regularly and existing content will be refreshed as needed to provide new information. Modules and materials are available in both English and Spanish.

SOURCE: Direct Express® Financial Education Center