On social media, pictures of freshly baked homemade bread abound. Comments regarding the dearth of yeast are common, yielding to threads and tips regarding sourdough starters. Even my sister sent me a photo of Seymour, her star starter. And while I’d like to blame bread for my recent increase in eating, sadly, I’ve not made… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Blog
Getting a Stimulus Check? Start Planning What to Do with It. Now.
A lot has been written regarding the CARES Act direct payments. Articles addressing payment eligibility, methods of payment delivery and speculation regarding when payments are to be received abound. (Information regarding direct payments can be found here.) For those awaiting payments to hit bank accounts or mailboxes, there’s no time like the present to consider… Continue Reading
Do I Need a Will? Short Answer: Maybe.
*This post does not, and is not intended to, provide legal or tax advice. Individuals seeking such advice should contact a qualified professional. The coronavirus has upended our lives and lifestyle. Not only are we keeping our distance and washing our hands more often, but recent headlines have many thinking about the unthinkable: death and… Continue Reading
Ugh, My Hair! Don’t Ignore Self-Care.
My hair. It is embarrassing to admit, but my hair has been dominating my thoughts for the past 72 hours. Yes, I am aware of the pandemic. Yes, I am aware of Governor Hogan’s recent executive order requiring all Maryland residents to stay at home, unless engaged in essential activities, such as working for an… Continue Reading
What’s in the Economic Relief Package. And When Do I Get my Check?
On Friday, March 27, 2020, Congress passed—and President Trump signed into law—a $2 trillion economic relief package to assist American households during the coronavirus crisis. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), was passed, in part, to provide financial relief to individuals and small businesses; it also provides financial assistance for hospitals… Continue Reading
Financial Help for Military Members, Active Reservists, and Retirees.
The economic fallout from COVID-19 is just beginning in many parts of the country. Active duty servicemembers—and their families—are neither isolated, nor immune, from such financial consequences. For those serving our country—be it through the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, or Marine Corps— and facing financial hardship, be assured there are resources to… Continue Reading
Volunteers Needed for the 2019 Tax Season
2019 It’s VITA time again! Making Change along with CASH Campaign of Maryland is hosting a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site in Howard County for the 2020 tax season. VITA Training will begin January 2020, and tax preparation will be held late-January through mid-April at the Non-Profit Collaborative in Columbia, and the Multi-Service Center… Continue Reading
MakingChange Staff Advises Attendees at Money Matters Fair
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball presented the Money Matters Fair 2019 Sunday at The Mall in Columbia. Free financial services, such as financial planning, and information about college savings, retirement savings, credit counseling, housing counseling and consumer education were included. Government agencies, banks, credit unions, financial planners, nonprofits and counselors and coaches were exhibitors. Renee… Continue Reading
MakingChange Launches Free Tax Preparation Service
Volunteers provide assistance with tax returns at sites in Columbia and North Laurel MakingChange, a nonprofit in Howard County which empowers individuals and families to achieve financial stability, recently launched its 2019 free tax preparation services at a briefing for community leaders. County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball offered remarks at the gathering, nothing that in… Continue Reading
