COVID-19

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…

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…

*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…

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,…

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…

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…

Social distancing.  Self-isolating.  Quarantine.  If you’re following current federal and state guidelines, likely you are at home trying to stay away from others.  For some, this time is peaceful.  It’s uninterrupted family time without the constant busyness of everyday life.  There is no rushing from here to there and all…

Whether caused by lack of work, illness (yours or a loved one’s), or political stalemate, a reduced income can trigger immediate and substantial financial hardship. While personal finance professionals preach the wisdom of having a liquid emergency fund totaling three to six months of living expenses to help ease the financial…