Have you ever noticed how frequently you receive credit card offers? They may come in the mail, through email, or when you make a purchase with online retailers. Often, these solicitations will say that you are pre-approved and that your purchase would be worth so much more, either in savings or rewards, if you open […]
We are facing extraordinary challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment rates are high and a partial or complete loss of income for many Americans is leading people into financial crisis. For those who have had a sudden loss in income this year, you may be worried about meeting your financial obligations, such as housing payments […]
This year has been challenging for everyone, and we are all still adjusting to living in the midst of a global pandemic. On top of that, we are now entering one of the most financially stressful times of the year: the holiday season. Many families have lost members and friends to the virus. Hundreds of […]
As you start to create your holiday gift lists, you will likely encounter retailers – including online retailers – that are offering layaway services as well as “buy now, pay later” plans (through online providers such as Quadpay, Sezzle, PayPal credit, etc). Before you take advantage of these programs, ensure you understand the implication they […]
One of the most heartwarming scenes in movies is when a child receives a puppy he/she has been wishing for. The first few moments when a dog meets its new owner, or when they are reunited after a long time apart, can make even the strongest person cry. Images like these inspire people to buy […]
House hunting is a very exciting process and as you start to zero in on that perfect home, you need to dig deeper into your budget. How much of a down payment will you need? How much will your monthly mortgage payment be? What interest rates can you get? These are common questions that help […]
If you are a federal employee or member of the military, the 6.2% social security tax withholding on your regular paycheck is currently on a mandatory deferral until January 2021 if your taxable wages are below a certain threshold; $4,000 per pay period for federal employees and $8,666.66 per month for military service members. Employees […]
Interest rates are low, so it is the perfect time to refinance, right? Not necessarily! Whether a “refi” makes financial sense will depend on several factors related to your personal portfolio of loans. Here are a few tips to consider before making your decision. Consider any benefits you stand to lose by refinancing with a […]
The news, social media and likely your phone calls with friends lately have been filled with doom and gloom. COVID-19 has changed our lives. For many people, the changes have not been welcome or enjoyable and are far from over. There will be repercussions from this pandemic that will shape our society for years to […]
Every summer brings the challenge of trying to cram as much fun into two months as possible without depleting your bank account. Summer of 2020 brings the added challenge of having fun while following the CDC recommendations for social distancing. For those with children, this summer might start to feel endless as schools push back […]
1. Why is protecting older Americans from financial exploitation important to you and your organization? Protecting older Marylanders is a core mission of Maryland Department of Human Services’ Adult Protective Services Program (APS). Our Adult Protective Services team serves people aged 18 or over who lack the physical or mental capacity to provide for their […]
1. Why is protecting older Americans from financial exploitation important to you and your organization? As the Commissioner of Financial Regulation for the State of Maryland, I am committed to ensuring that Maryland citizens can conduct their financial transactions with banks, credit unions, and other financial service providers safely and securely, without having to worry […]
Written by EverSafe Every day we see new evidence that criminals are updating scams to take advantage of Covid-19. But this episode has now lasted long enough that we are learning more of what to watch for. Among the lessons learned so far: Be Cautious When Browsing Covid-19 Websites According to the Justice Department, many […]
1. Why is protecting older Americans from financial exploitation important to you and your organization? It’s sad to say, but many seniors and vulnerable adults (individuals who lack the physical or mental capacity to provide for their own daily needs) are targets of a multitude of crimes, including financial exploitation—the illegal or improper use of […]
Now that you are spending more time at home, your financial situation has likely changed. Your income may have decreased due to the pandemic and you cannot spend money on shopping and entertainment like you once did. As a result, your bank account has been acting different this spring than it did in winter. Now […]
