CHARLOTTE, N.C. — WCNC Charlotte is focused on getting you ahead in 2024. From finding easy ways to spend less money and save more to donating items to families in need, this resource guide is your toolkit for helping others get ahead this year.
To let us know how WCNC Charlotte can help you get ahead in 2024, email us at newstips@wcnc.com.
Free services/referrals
The United Way of North Carolina runs the 2-1-1 hotline which provides free information on health and human services that can be kept confidential. Some of the resources NC 211 can help with are basic needs like utility and housing assistance, criminal justice and legal services, educational opportunities, environmental and public safety/health concerns, income support, transportation, food and health care including mental health services.
When you call NC 211, a trained community resources specialist will listen to your concerns and refer you to the proper place to help you with your situation. There's a list online of all the free services NC 211 provides.
Financial literacy and gaining generational wealth
- Common Wealth Charlotte helps people learn the basics of personal finance including how to clean up credit scores, create a budget, build some assets and realize your financial dreams in a one-hour workshop.
- Community Link will educate and counsel individuals financially through its Asset Building program.
- Generation Wealth Educators helps its members overcome obstacles by providing mental health guidance and the tools to build financial wealth. The organization is also dedicated to helping high school students transition into adulthood.
- Healing Vine Harbor hosts monthly workshops for women so they can learn independent living skills, financial literacy and job readiness.
- Inlivian (formerly Charlotte Housing Authority) helps clients with steps to qualify for a mortgage loan, offers financial counseling and education.
- Operation Hope provides free financial education workshops through Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
Income tax assistance
From free filing options to income-based programs, there are several ways to make the most of your tax refund in 2024. All of these services are available through the federal tax deadline of April 15. You can request an extension, but it must be filed before April 15.
- Common Heart in Indian Trail is offering free tax help to those who have an annual household income of $64,000 or less.
- Ada Jenkins Center assists families and individuals in achieving economic mobility, including free tax prep.
- IRS Free File: If your adjusted gross income is below $79,000, you qualify for the IRS Free File program, which includes guided tax preparation. The program also offers volunteer tax assistance for qualified residents.
- Common Wealth Charlotte provides free tax prep in addition to other financial advisement services.
- The AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program offers free in-person and virtual tax assistance to anyone, regardless of age. This program can help with most, but not all, tax returns.
- Community Link will give people free tax help in addition to educating and counseling people on financial matters through its Asset Building program.
- Cash App Taxes provides a free filing service with no income restrictions for federal and state taxes. The only requirement is being a Cash App user, which is free.
- Other services, such as TurboTax and H&R Block, have free tax-filing options for people with simple returns.
- The Department of Defense offers free filing for veterans with its MilTax program. The service is also available for family members and survivors. Click here to check your eligibility.
- Goodwill is offering free tax assistance for individuals or families with an annual income of $65,000 or less. The service is available at the Wendover Road location every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Shepherd’s Center Charlotte provides free tax help for individuals over the age of 55
- Another way to figure out what types of tax organizations and services are available to you is to dial 2-1-1. When you call that free number, a trained community resources specialist will listen to your concerns and refer you to the proper place to help you with your situation. There's a list online of all the free services NC 211 provides.
- Families in the Charlotte area that qualify can get tax filing assistance from Community Link. You can click here for more information.
Unclaimed cash
Who doesn't love free money? Sounds like there's a catch, but there's really not. North Carolina has almost $1.3 billion in unclaimed property. The money could be from leftover insurance payments, divorce settlement checks or even old paychecks that never got cashed.
To see if you have any unclaimed money waiting on your, simply click here and search for your specific state. Check any state you've lived with your information. From there it's as simple as following the on-screen prompts to get your money.
Criminal justice and legal services
Another way to figure out what types of resources are available to you is to dial 2-1-1. When you call that free number, a trained community resources specialist will listen to your concerns and refer you to the proper place to help you with your situation. There's a list online of all the free services NC 211 provides, but some things they will deal with are understanding the court system, the criminal correctional system, judicial services, law enforcement agencies and services and free or affordable legal services.
Senior discounts
Many businesses, such as hotels, restaurants and retailers, will offer discounts to anyone age 55 and older. Some of these deals start as young as 50. However, you must ask about these discounts and may be asked to show ID.
Senior Living compiled a complete list of senior discounts and savings that let you save money on everything from Amazon memberships to clothes and home improvement projects. You can also apply for age-based discounts from AARP for health and wellness services, as well as insurance premiums and vacations.
Health care
When it comes to figuring out more information about health care. if you dial 2-1-1, there are a trained community resources specialist will listen to your concerns and refer you to the proper place to help you with your situation. They can address emergency medical care, health screening/diagnostic services, health supportive services, human reproduction, inpatient or outpatient health facilities, rehabilitation/habilitation services, specialized treatment and prevention and specialty medicine.
Depending on what types of mental health services are needed, NC 211 can provide lots of different resources, including counseling approaches and settings, mental health assessment and treatment, care facilities, support services and substance uses disorder services. There's a list online of all the free services NC 211 provides.
Money-saving tips to reach your financial goals in 2024
How many of your New Year's resolutions focused on money? Chances are, at least one of them was about paying off debt, saving more or simply spending less. Here are a few tips from the online magazine Money, including a checklist for focusing on finances.
1. Pay off your holiday debt. The more you pay now, the less interest you'll pay later.
2. File your taxes ASAP: The sooner your file, the sooner you get your refund.
3. Familiarize yourself with your debt: Know answers to important questions like how much you owe, your interest rates and who exactly you're paying. This can help you prioritize any extra payments you want to make to knock down those debts faster.
Chris Hobart, a Charlotte-based financial advisor, has a simple tip for anyone looking to pay off debts this year. Spend less! That's it, according to Hobart. If you can control your spending, more of your income can go toward eliminating debt so you can contribute more to savings accounts, including retirement plans and rainy-day funds.
Hobart says once you get better control of your spending, then you can look at all of the options, including debt consolidation. For many borrowers, consolidating multiple debts into a single bill with lower interest rates can save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars over time.
Another way to figure out what types of money management resources are available to you is to dial 2-1-1. When you call that free number, a trained community resources specialist will listen to your concerns and refer you to the proper place to help you with your situation. There's a list online of all the free services NC 211 provides.
Home assistance programs in Charlotte
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the issues facing the communities we serve, including affordability. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you by providing the following assistance programs in Charlotte:
- Crisis Assistance Ministry
- Dreamkey Partners
- House Charlotte
- Inlivian (formerly Charlotte Housing Authority) ($3.2M)
- NC Home Advantage
- USDA home loan
- NC housing finance agency
- Homepath
- House Concord Program
- HUD home program – Home Investment Partnership Program
- HUD home program - Good Neighbor Next Door
- HUD home program – Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Education
When it comes to figuring out more information about educational support services, programs and institutions/schools that can help you get ahead, a trained community resources specialist will listen to your concerns and refer you to the proper place to help you with your situation when you dial 2-1-1. There's a list online of all the free services NC 211 provides.
Gaston College Finish Line Grants will help college students who face unforeseen financial emergencies pay bills, repairs their cars or cover utilities.
Save money on insurance
Car insurance rates are expected to go up this year. Exactly how much isn't clear, but a rough estimate shows premiums go up by about 10% in 2024. Reasons behind the price hike include more expensive parts, more expensive rental rates and more storm damage reports to vehicles.
- Consider bundling your home and auto insurance. For renters, you can do the same. Several providers will give you a discount for combining your policies.
- Consider a higher deductible. This will cost more if you file a claim, but you'll spend less on your monthly premium. For drivers with a safe record, this is a good option to take.
- Shop around. You should look at insurance quotes every six months to a year. There are plenty of first-time discounts for new customers. Shop around and see if it makes sense to switch. You may be surprised what how much you can save with similar coverage.
For the latest news about how to get ahead, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.
Income support and employment
When it comes to figuring out more information about your employment and public assistance programs. if you dial 2-1-1, there are trained community resources specialist will listen to your concerns and refer you to the proper place to help you with your situation. They can address social insurance programs and temporary financial assistance. There's a list online of all the free services NC 211 provides.
How to negotiate cheaper utility bills
Duke Energy bills are going up this year, so any penny saved is a penny earned. According to Consumer Affairs, you could lower your bill if you ask the right questions. This doesn't apply just to electricity, consider these options for gas, water and cellphone providers, too.
Time-of-use plan: Ask your utility company about time-of-use plans. Some companies will offer plans where rates vary based on the time of day. You can also save money by shifting some of your biggest energy drains, like doing laundry, to off-peak hours.
Go paperless or use auto-pay: Utility companies often give customers discounts for enrolling in autopay plans. It's convenient for them and you.
Cut your own deal: Don't be afraid to ask for discounts, specialty rates and loyalty incentives. Don't leave anything on the table. When it comes to services like cable or internet, you can often negotiate a cheaper plan by threatening to cancel your subscription due to rising rates.
Call NC 211: A trained community resources specialist will listen to your concerns and refer you to the proper place to help you with your situation when you dial 2-1-1. There's a list online of all the free services NC 211 provides.
Matthews Help Center offers financial help with rent and utilities for residents of that town.
Individual and family life
When it comes to figuring out more information about your life. if you dial 2-1-1, there are trained community resources specialist will listen to your concerns and refer you to the proper place to help you with your situation. They can address things like death certificate/burial arrangements, domestic animal services, individual and family support services, leisure activities/recreation, mutual support, social development and enrichment, volunteer development and opportunities. There's a list online of all the free services NC 211 provides.
Energy assistance in North Carolina
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally-funded low-income energy assistance program that provides immediate assistance so families don’t have to choose between heating their homes or paying for other basic needs. Mecklenburg County officials say this is a one-time direct vendor payment of $300, $400 or $500. You must meet income requirements to benefit from this program.
Reducing energy bills
The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income homeowners save energy and reduce their utility bills. With federal grants, the program is able to repair and replace thousands of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units.
When it comes to figuring out your energy bills, a trained community resources specialist will listen to your concerns and refer you to the proper place to help you with your situation when you dial 2-1-1. There's a list online of all the free services NC 211 provides.
Crisis Assistance Ministry provides assistance and advocacy for people in financial crisis, helping them move toward self-sufficiency. The organization offers free coaching on rent and utility assistance. Participants work one-on-one with a specialist for an average of three months to identify barriers, set goals and create a plan for the long-term stability of their families.
Help with phone bills
Lifeline is a federal government program that pays for landline and cell phone plans. There are some pretty strict restrictions in order to qualify though. For example, there must be at least three people in a household and the total household income can not make more than $33,561 a year. To see if you qualify for Lifeline, just click here.
Donate used items in Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Several Charlotte-based nonprofits can accept your used items and help redistribute them into the community where they'll be put to use. These items vary from animal supplies to clothing, electronics, books for children and toys. There's a good chance you have something sitting around your home that could help a family or individual in need.
Below is a list of locations where you can donate used items, courtesy of SHARE Charlotte. Click this link for more information.
Men's & women's clothing: Washed and in good condition
- Crisis Assistance Ministry accepts donations at its warehouse on Spratt Street. Individual donations do not need appointments.
- Anuvia Prevention and Recovery Center accepts casual and comfortable clothing. Contact Stefanie Groot at 704-376-7447 before delivering.
- Hope Haven accepts in-season clothing donations. They can be dropped off at 3815 North Tryon Street at the main entrance. Deliveries are preferred during normal business hours but after-hours arrangements can be made.
- Block Love Charlotte currently needs jeans, hoodies and sweatshirts. Please contact them at 980-288-4895 before delivering. You can also email them at team@blockloveclt.org.
Kid's clothing: Washed and in good condition
- Champion House of Care Project One accepts donations year-round. Contact them at 704-764-8081.
- Classroom Central's main facility is at 2116 Wilkinson Boulevard. Donation hours are 8 a.m. until noon Monday through Thursday. You can also schedule an appointment for deliveries outside of those hours.
- Carolina Raptor Center: Bring items to the Carolina Raptor Center during business hours. Call in advance at 704-875-6521 for all donations.
- Assistance League of Charlotte accepts donations for its thrift shop at 5426 Old Pineville Road. Donations are accepted on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Baby and kids item donations
Several organizations accept donations for babies and kids. Everything from diapers and car seats to toys and other home goods for kids are accepted.
Book donations
For kids
- Classroom Central accepts books that are appropriate for K-12 students only.
- The Carolina Raptor Center accepts donations of children's books. Please call in advance at 704-875-6521.
- The Assistance League of Charlotte takes donations at its thrift store on Old Pineville Road.
- From One to Some accepts children's books. Please contact them before delivering any unwanted books.
For adults
- Anuvia Prevention and Recovery Center will accept used books for adults at its center on Billingsley Road.
- The Community Culinary School of Charlotte prefers cookbooks for its students. They are open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Large donations should be arranged beforehand by calling 704-375-4500.
Household furniture and goods
Numerous local nonprofits accept cookware, utensils, dishes, glasses and silverware in addition to large furniture, such as couches, recliners, loveseats, tables, etc. Always contact the nonprofit you're considering donating to in order to ensure they can take your items.
Emergency supplies
The Carolina Raptor Center accepts donations of emergency items like flashlights, battery-powered lanterns and head lamps. Please call in advance at 704-875-6521.
Blankets, sheets and linens
The following nonprofits accept blankets, sheets and linens to assistance families in need. These items can go to those impacted by house fires and other crises, while some organizations sell them at discounts in thrift stores.
Health care equipment
- Assist M.E. accepts standard manual wheelchairs, tub transfer benches, drop-arm bedside commodes and other home medical supplies. Equipment can be dropped off at Atrium Myers Park clinic at 1350 South Kings Drive. Enter through the back door and follow hall signs to the Assist M.E. counter. Hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Mobility & More in Matthews accepts donations from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 250 North Trade Street. No appointment necessary.
- InReach accepts some health care equipment. All deliveries must be arranged by contacting InReach.
Computers, handheld electronics and office supplies
Several Charlotte-area organizations will accept used computers and electronic devices. All deliveries should be arranged with the nonprofit of your choice. These organizations accept most of these items:
WCNC Charlotte's Where's The Money series is all about leveling the playing field in the Carolinas by helping others and breaking down barriers. WCNC Charlotte doesn't want our viewers to be taken advantage of, so we’re here to help. Watch previous stories where we ask the question “Where’s the Money” in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.