Helpful Links

Learn more about managing your personal finances by visiting the websites below.

General Personal Finance Information

Interested in learning more about personal finance?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal government agency, provides free consumer resources, guides and tools, enabling you to make informed financial decisions.
Wherever you are on your financial journey, there’s a book for that. And with a Howard County Library System card, it won’t cost you a single penny. Financial Literacy Books
Wanting to learn more about a specific personal finance topic? Check out Khan Academy’s Personal Finance, Life Skills.

Credit Reports & Scores

Regular periodic review of your credit report allows you to detect fraudulent use of your personal information and ensure the accuracy of your credit history.

There’s no need to pay for a credit report, when you are entitled to one free report from each of the major credit reporting agencies every year. But make sure you’re clicking on the right site so you won’t be charged and, remember, your credit score will not appear on the report. Free Annual Credit Report
Want to learn more about what a FICO score is and what factors influence your score the most? Check out MyFICO for educational videos and articles.

Fraud, Scams & Shams

Keeping your personal information secure and avoiding scams are essential to your financial well-being. Keep abreast of new scams and report identity theft using these resources.

Report a scam or check out the scams being reported by others at AARP Scams & Fraud
If you’re a victim of identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Doing so not only provides victims with a recovery plan, it may help enforcement agencies spot trends and take action. Report Identity Theft
Want to know about locally reported scams? Check out the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection site, which provides Scam Alerts, allowing residents to report a scam, read about recently reported scams, and learn about how to identify scams
Maryland Attorney General’s Identity Theft Unit page is filled with advice and tips on how to avoid becoming an identity theft victim.

Howard County Resident Resources

Community Action Council of Howard County provides eligible individuals and families with food assistance, energy and weatherization assistance, housing assistance and early childhood education.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center provides 24/7 access to individuals and families for behavioral health, crisis and homeless services.
Find specific dates, times, and locations of food distribution events in the Howard County by using its HoCo Food Distribution Database.
Howard County’s Virtual Assistance Portal provides easy access to disaster and emergency resources and other essential services.
COVID-19 Health Crisis: Financial Relief Guide for Marylanders
Howard County Rental & Utility Assistance

Tax Information

Have questions regarding state or federal tax filings, refunds or payments? Look for the answer by using the search box on the agency’s official website.

Internal Revenue Service
Maryland Office of the Comptroller

PLEASE NOTE: MakingChange does its very best to be sure information on its website is accurate and current; however, we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of all information provided herein and/or the accuracy of information provided by other websites provided herein.

For financial counseling related to COVID-19 or any other financial challenges you are facing,

call us at (443) 518-7647 or schedule an appointment below.

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