In a rare mid-week post, we couldn’t resist taking a moment to celebrate April’s arrival as financial literacy month. We know that there are many who made that long since abandoned New Year’s resolution to improve their finances months ago. Never fear – this is the time to get refocused!
First, let us highlight the AMAZING line up of events being offered by the Howard County library system this month. Schools are off early tomorrow, why not pack up the kids and head over to Are You Cents-Able at Glenwood? It’s a great opportunity to instill good money sense at an early age. And, believe me, there’s nothing that will keep you sticking to a resolution like having your kid looking over your shoulder!
Saturday is the flagship financial education event for our community. Founded by Council Chairman Calvin Ball 5 years ago, the Money Matters event is offering a host of great activities for kids and adults. When was the last time you reviewed your credit report, set a savings goal, learned about financial aid or saving for college, had your tough tax questions answered, reviewed your insurance, asked questions about scams? Yep, they’ve got an expert for that! Plus the kids will enjoy a variety of crafts, activities and games at the event too. New this year, the event is featuring a pilot VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site. For families that qualify , the VITA program offers FREE tax preparation and filing AND ensures that they are connected with a variety of available tax credits (details at: http://www.hclibrary.org/uploads/VITAFlyer2011.pdf). Also at the event, families that may be struggling financially can check in to determine if they are eligible for help from the Community Action Council, receive financial and housing counseling from the Office on Aging, and learn about a variety of helpful housing assistance programs from the Department of Housing.
During the event, at 11 o’clock a Joint Proclamation declaring it Financial Literacy Month in Howard County will be read and we will be joined by Comptroller Franchot and Congressman Cummings. Also at that time, we’ll be presenting the award to our own winner of the Passport to Financial Literacy Reflections Essay Contest.
The Money Matters event on Saturday is just the start of a great series of financial literacy programs for all ages during April. On April 7th, noted columnist Michelle Singletary will join us at the East Columbia Library at 7 pm to discuss managing money in the new economy. Other events will focus on saving for college, buying a car and a host of programs for kids and teens. On April 14th our friend Robert Wasilewski, the D-I-Y Investor will help you Maximize Your Investing Power at the Glenwood Branch at 7PM.
So, what’s in your wallet? Certainly with all these great (free!) programs around the county this month to help you develop the skills to better manage your finances, there’ll be MORE in your wallet at the end of April!
Know of any other great financial education programs we’ve missed???? We want to hear!
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