The 14th annual Money Power Day, the region’s biggest free financial fitness fair for the whole family, will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at the Poly-Western High School Campus.
The nonprofit CASH— Creating Assets, Savings and Hope— Campaign of Maryland again will host this important community event that provides valuable resources and information to people of all ages.
“The main goal of Money Power Day is to connect Baltimore residents to high-quality, unbiased financial information services that are often out of reach for most of us, said Courtney Bettle, the director of Financial Capability at CASH. “People come to Money Power Day because they don’t want to just get by, they want to get ahead and have the peace-of-mind that comes with financial security.”
Among the more common responses, “they don’t teach this in school” or “I want to set my kids up for financial success,” Bettle added. “That’s why we’ve designed an event with everyone in mind whether they are young or older, mid-career professionals new parents, unemployed or underemployed, entrepreneurs— Money Power Day is for everyone.”
The free event kicks off at 9 a.m. and will include a MECU-sponsored Exhibitor Hall with more than 45 vetted-for-quality nonprofits, businesses, and government organizations who will provide on-site financial services, information and education that participants can use immediately to boost their financial power.
A BB&T-sponsored Small Business Zone will allow for one-on-one advice from entrepreneurship experts where attendees can learn about business planning, structure, taxes and other essentials.
Anyone attending will also be eligible to “Pitch Your Side Hustle,” a contest that includes a $750 first place prize.
M&T-sponsored workshops will cover various topics to help individuals learn the steps to getting out of debt, and achieving their financial dreams, including how to buy a home or start or grow a small business.
Wells Fargo will sponsor a Credit Café to assist participants in obtaining their credit report for free and getting their credit score with one-on-one credit counseling for credit and financial information.
The event will also feature a Kids Zone; College & Career Access Zone; and a Financial Planning Zone. There also will be free tax preparation services with IRS-certified volunteers and tax lien foreclosure assistance.
“All of the favorites are back this year: free credit reports and counseling in the Credit Cafe; business growth and development advice in the Small Business Zone; high-quality financial advice from our professional financial planners; fun prizes and raffle baskets; and the shredder truck,” Bettle said. “For the first time, we’re welcoming Stacy Tisdale, the award-winning financial journalist, author and financial behavior expert behind Mind Money Media to guide our participants through proven strategies for reaching their financial goals.”
Also, representatives from the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development will be onsite to help participants connect to higher paying jobs and careers with their Mobile Workforce Center, Bettle said. “You don’t need to prepare anything to take advantage of Money Power Day, but you’re welcome to bring financial documents that you’re unclear about, a financial plan you’ve been thinking through, or just a list of questions.
“Bring the kids because we’re got a zone dedicated just for them. Come ready to learn and bring a bag to carry all of the financial resources and prizes we’ll be giving out. This day is for you.”
For more information about Power Money Day, visit: www.moneypowerday.org and www.bmorefreetaxes.org.