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It's the last WFEN newsletter of 2025! Did this year fly by for anyone else? While you're enjoying the holiday season, keep in mind that this time of year brings an increase in scams. You can find some information below about being aware of holiday scams. As always, you can also find information on upcoming webinars, available resources, financial education in the news, and much more! 

As a reminder, please share with us any highlights, updates, or events you would like to share with the more than 23,000 people receiving the WFEN updates. When you have something you'd like to share with the network via this monthly email update - please send it to [email protected] <[email protected]%20> with the subject line "Proposed WFEN content." 

If you’re not already following DFI’s social media accounts, please do! We’re working to grow our networks in addition to promoting your great work. 


* *X: *[link removed] [ [link removed] ]
* *Instagram:* [link removed] [ [link removed] ]
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As a reminder, DFI's outreach coordinator Nathan Spiecker provides financial education workshops statewide - in both English and Spanish! If you are looking for someone to help provide outreach in your community, contact Nathan at [email protected] or fill out a presentation request form. [ [link removed] ]

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DFI Warns Investors to Stay Alert for Financial Frauds and Imposters Dishing Out Scams This Holiday Season

press release

DFI reminds investors to be alert for scammers who are setting the table for financial fraud. Don’t let a con artist carve into your savings this holiday season.

According to the North American Securities Administrators Association’s (NASAA) 2025 Enforcement Report [ [link removed] ], scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation remain among the top threats this year. Artificial intelligence (AI) has made it easier for criminals to cook up convincing deceptions. Fraudsters can clone voices, generate fake videos, and impersonate trusted individuals or institutions, all to mislead victims into sharing personal information, transferring funds, or granting access to accounts or devices. These scams are increasingly sophisticated and can be financially devastating for victims and their loved ones. 

Read the full press release on DFI's website [ [link removed] ]. 

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*Washington Flood Emergency: Financial Resources and Recovery*

flood

Governor Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency in response to major flooding. If you or someone you know has been affected by flooding, visit our website [ [link removed] ] for information on:


* Immediate safety and shelter
* Finances and bills
* Homeowners
* Renters
* Insurance
* Scams
* And more!
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Tax Filing Resources and Working Families Tax Credit - Web Meeting

fam

The Washington State Department of Revenue will provide an update about the Working Families Tax Credit and a United Way representative will share local tax filing resources in your community.

This event is for community leaders and service providers. 


* Overview of the Working Families Tax Credit, tax credit payment options, and an opportunity to ask questions about filing this year.
* Key dates for filing, tax preparation resources in your community, e-filing options, and if you missed a filing.
* Federal changes to discontinuing paper checks and options for clients.
* Find out what some financial educators are doing to use tax season to help clients improve their financial position, and experiences clients are sharing. 

Register [ [link removed] ]for this webinar!

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*Office of State Treasurer Financial Wellness 101 Workshops*

*workshops*

In partnership with WorkSource of Thurston County [ [link removed] ], the Office of the State Treasurer provides financial Wellness one-on-one workshops in an effort to enhance financial education and empower individuals in Washington. These workshops educate participants on financial goal setting, budgeting, saving, credit management, and identity theft prevention and awareness. Attendees can participate either in person at WorkSource of Thurston County or online, making it accessible to people across the state. By equipping individuals with essential financial knowledge this partnership contributes to building a financially resilient community.

December webinars:

Financial Wellness 101 - Part C: Consumer Cautions:

Monday, Dec. 15 @ 9-11 a.m.



Online Registration [ [link removed] ]



 

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*Watch Financial Education Public-Private Partnership (FEPPP) Webinar Series on YouTube*

*FEPPP*

Every Person Has a Story: A Financial Webinar Series for Educators

FEPPP has launched their new webinar series for educators! Washington educators are invited to a dynamic three-part webinar series designed to empower your financial education in the classroom. If you've missed a webinar or would like to watch the series, you can find the videos on FEPPP's YouTube [ [link removed] ]. 

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*How Would You Like to Learn About WA529?*

wa529

Instead of toys that break or clothes they outgrow, give something that grows with them—the gift of education. Visit the WA529 Knowledge Cafe website [ [link removed] ] to explore what WA529 has to offer. You can attend a webinar, book an appointment, watch recorded webinars, read presentations, request a speaker for an event, and easily reach out to WA529 with any questions you may have!

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*Pause. Check the Cause. *

check cause

This year, the Washington State Attorney General's Office (AGO) and the Office of the Secretary of State reminds us all to pause and check the cause of a charity before donating. It’s part of a campaign on the AGO website and on social media that they're calling “Pause. Check the Cause.”

Pausing before donating allows people to avoid giving impulsively and falling victim to solicitations that could be scams.

Read the full news release [ [link removed] ] on the AGO website. 

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*Financial Beginnings Webinars *

FB

Financial education — anytime, anywhere.

Did you know Financial Beginnings (FB) offers a free online learning platform designed to make personal finance more accessible? Whether you're a student, adult learner, or educator looking for supplemental tools, FB Online lets you explore key financial topics at your own pace.

Topics include:
• Budgeting & Saving
• Credit & Debt
• Investing Basics
• Income & Taxes
• Risk Management & Insurance

Start building financial confidence online [ [link removed] ].

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*FutureReady: Modernizing Washington’s High School Diploma for a Changing World*

webinar

How can Washington’s high school diploma better prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world?

J [ [link removed] ]oin the Washington State Board of Education for a webinar [ [link removed] ] with League of Education Voters on Dec.18, 12:30–1:30 p.m. and learn how the Board is identifying where current graduation requirements fall short in preparing students for success and how they're identifying changes that will make the system work better for students, educators, and communities. 

During the webinar, members of the Board and FutureReady partners will share what they’ve learned over the past year from students, families, educators, and community organizations across Washington.

The webinar will cover: 


* FutureReady's process for identifying the academic knowledge and real-world skills students need to succeed in today’s world. 
* Where Washington’s current graduation framework falls short in meeting students’ needs.
* The work ahead as the Board develops its proposal for the legislature’s 2027 session. 
* How the public can engage in the process and provide input. 

Can't attend? No worries! All registrants will receive a recording of the webinar. Register [ [link removed] ] for this webinar!

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*Safety, Privacy, and Access: **Supporting Marginalized Communities in Tax Season*

FEn

Communities facing the greatest barriers, including immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, domestic violence survivors and others who have been historically marginalized, often encounter unique risks when accessing financial, tax, and public services. Fear of data sharing with enforcement agencies, uncertainty about documentation changes, and discrimination during filing can all prevent people from getting the support they deserve. This workshop brings together experts from legal, government, and community-based sectors to help service providers understand risks and resources available.

Join the Financial Empowerment Network (FEN) on Jan. 15 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register now [ [link removed] ]!

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FinEd news

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Peer mentors create safe space to talk and learn about money

peer mentor

Located within Western Washington University’s College of Business and Economics, the Merriman Financial Literacy Program [ [link removed] ] — made possible by the passion, vision, and support of Paul Merriman (’66) — is a financial education and wellness program designed to empower the Western community to confidently navigate their finances and improve their overall well-being. Peer mentors serve the program as one-to-one coaches; they also conduct workshops and represent the program at events.

Read the full article [ [link removed] ].

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