**Financial Tip of the Month**

Savings

You may want to keep track of your spending, and on what items, for a few months to see where your money really goes. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back on spending in order to put money in savings or purchase something you need but did not think you could afford. For example, you may be spending $25 a week on beverages, which totals $1200 a year! That money could be saved for a summer vacation or furniture for your home.

 

 

The Maryland CASH (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) Campaign is a state-wide network of organizations that promote financial stability for working families. Our coalition includes Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) partners that provide free tax preparation services, promote access to high-quality financial services, and offer financial education and coaching.

 

 

Maryland CASH coordinates a network of practitioners, while focusing on three main initiatives: capacity building and training, financial education, and research and advocacy.

 

1. Capacity Building and Training: The Maryland CASH Campaign provides training opportunities for our partners and practitioners throughout the state.

        Examples include:

                          VITA training resources

                          Financial Stability Toolkits

                          Financial Social Work Initiative - New Workshop!

 

2. Financial Education: Free and low-cost financial education courses are available through the Maryland CASH Academy. These classes are offered throughout the state to all Maryland residents. Register online at www.MDCASHacademy.org.

 

3. Research and Advocacy: The Maryland CASH Campaign advocates for policies at the state and national level that support financial stability for working families.                 

       

  

If you are an individual tax filer making $25,000 or less in 2009 or a family of 2 or more earning $49,000 or less, you may qualify for free tax assistance. Our VITA coalition partners offer free tax preparation services for Maryland residents. Click here to find a free tax preparation site in your area.

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2008 Maryland Cash Campaign