For More Media Information, Contact:
Gayle V. Economos
GVE Media/Public Relations, LLC
Phone: 410-437-7483; Cell: 443-253-8191
GrkAthena@aol.com
THE MARYLAND CASH ACADEMY SMALL GROUP INITIATIVE
OFFERS FREE FINANCIAL EDUCATION:
Small group of people committed to changing their financial habits meet weekly
to learn, grow and support goals of creating assets, savings and hope for a better
future; Sign up January 1 through February 3
(Montgomery County) Baltimore, MD. The Maryland CASH Academy, a signature
program of the nonprofit Maryland CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope)
Campaign, is the first online calendar and registration system for free or low cost inperson financial education classes for Marylanders. The Maryland CASH Academy is
designed to encourage Maryland residents to build their financial IQ, one class at a time
through a coordinated network of financial educators. As part of these efforts, the
Maryland CASH Academy launched its newest free service last year: a small group
initiative where 4 to 8 individuals who are committed to changing their financial habits
will receive support and encouragement with respect to budgeting, saving, and/or credit.
This small group allows members to become familiar with the "nuts and bolts" of their
desired financial goals and provide ongoing support and encouragement to one
another. Working with Maryland CASH Academy financial educators, group members
will explore their Money Habitudes, create goals and action plans, and complete
"assignments" each week (such as creating a “vision board”; pulling one's credit report
and score; identifying opportunities to reduce expenses). Group members will meet in
person for 60-90 minutes, once a week starting April 2 for eight weeks. There is no cost
to participate. Anyone interested in being considered for this group should complete the
survey found on the Maryland CASH Academy website (www.mdcashacademy.org) no
later than Friday, February 3, 2012.
The Maryland CASH Campaign will notify group members of their selection on
Wednesday, February 8th and will confirm the location of meetings. “There is an
increasing appetite for information on how to manage one’s finances,” comments Shani
Gibson, Program Manager, Maryland CASH Academy. “For many adults, ‘trial by fire’ is
the way that many money lessons are learned. Through our small group initiative, our
goal is to help people learn ‘by trial’ but without the ‘fire’. Our weekly meetings will be
guided by a Maryland CASH Academy financial educator who is committed to delivering
objective information about navigating one’s finances. More importantly, folks don’t have
to feel alone in their journey to improve their credit, savings, or spending plan. Here’s a
chance to genuinely connect with and support like-minded individuals to work on money
issues.”
ABOUT THE MARYLAND CASH ACADEMY:
The Maryland CASH Academy is the first online calendar and registration system for
free or low cost financial education classes for Marylanders - the goal is to “Build Your
Financial IQ. One Class at a Time”. The CASH Academy is a one-stop resource for
learning how to manage money. People can access the CASH Academy’s in-person
classes in a variety of ways: by location, by subject matter or by instructor. Topics
range from basic issues like budgeting or credit and debt management to more complex
concepts like taxes and investing. Volunteer professionals, screened by CASH
Campaign partners, teach the classes, which are available now in Baltimore City and
Baltimore, Howard and Montgomery Counties. The website is user-friendly - Signing up
for in-person classes is easy! Visit us online www.mdcashacademy.org or call 410-5288006, extension 4, to register.
ABOUT THE MARYLAND CASH CAMPAIGN:
The Maryland CASH Campaign is a statewide network of organizations that promote
financial stability for working families. The coalition includes Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance (VITA) partners who provide free tax preparation services, promote access
to high-quality financial services, and offer financial educations and coaching. Maryland
CASH coordinates a network of practitioners while focusing on three main initiatives:
capacity building and training, financial education, and research and advocacy. Ms.
Robin McKinney, Director of the Maryland CASH Campaign, may be reached at 410528-8006. www.mdcash.org
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