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March 31, 2025
April is Financial Literacy Month! Take Control of Your Money and Join our Series of FREE Financial Empowerment Webinars!
April is Financial Literacy Month, a time to focus on building the knowledge and skills needed to make smart financial decisions. Understanding money—how to earn, save, and protect it—can help you achieve financial security and avoid common pitfalls like overwhelming debt and scams.
REGISTER NOW for our virtual Financial Empowerment Series!
April 3rd at 12pm – Understanding Credit, Credit Scores and Credit Reports
April 10th at 2pm – Avoiding and Identifying Scams
April 15th at 2pm – All About Consumer and Auto Loans
April 22nd at 2pm – Money Management and Budgeting Strategies
April 30th at 2pm – The Foreclosure Process & Homeowner Options
Why Financial Literacy Matters
Being financially literate means:
- Knowing how to create and follow a budget.
- Managing debt.
- Understanding credit.
- Saving for the future.
- Protecting yourself from fraud.
No matter where you are in life, improving your financial knowledge can help you reach your goals. Whether that’s buying a home, saving for retirement, paying down debt, or living comfortably.
5 Tips for Financial Empowerment
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Understand and Improve Your Credit Score
Pay bills on time, keep credit card balances low, and check your credit report regularly at AnnualCreditReport.com. A good credit score opens doors to lower interest rates, easier loan approvals, and financial freedom.
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Protect Yourself from Scams
Fraudsters target people through fake investment opportunities, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true financial offers. Stay informed and never share personal information with unknown sources.
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Avoid Debt Traps
Be cautious with credit cards, payday loans, auto loans, and high-interest debt. If you must borrow, make sure you understand the terms and have a repayment plan.
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Make a Budget and Stick to It
Track your income and expenses to understand where your money goes. Use budgeting apps or a simple spreadsheet to help manage your spending.
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Is Your Mortgage Late?
Have you fallen behind on your mortgage payments? Don’t wait—contact your mortgage servicer immediately. Our Foreclosure Help for Homeowners page can assist you with the steps to avoid foreclosure.
Resources for Financial Education
Many organizations offer free tools and guidance to improve financial literacy. Visit our Legal Help & Financial Counseling page for resources to get your financial life back on track.
Act This April!
Use Financial Literacy Month as an opportunity to take charge of your financial well-being. Explore free resources, attend one of our upcoming workshops, and set a new financial goal. Small steps today can lead to a more secure financial future!
For more tips and financial education events, follow us on social media throughout April! Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Contact
If you have a question about the upcoming webinars, please contact toni.white-mccoy@maryland.gov.
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