On a vibrant Saturday, the Poly-Western High School Campus in Baltimore became the epicenter for financial empowerment as thousands gathered for the 18th annual Money Power Day. This free event, organized by the CASH Campaign of Maryland, served as the region's largest fair dedicated to enhancing personal financial health. Attendees enjoyed workshops, exhibitor booths, one-on-one counseling, and engaging activities tailored for all ages, emphasizing family-friendly learning experiences.
The morning commenced with an energetic opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m., featuring prominent local figures such as Lady T from Fox45’s BMORE Lifestyle, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and Mayor Brandon Scott. The day unfolded with various opportunities for participants to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing finances effectively. Throughout the venue, over 30 vetted organizations provided on-site services and educational resources, making it an invaluable resource hub for attendees seeking practical advice.
In addition to these offerings, aspiring entrepreneurs found guidance within the Small Business Zone, where personalized mentoring was available alongside a competition titled “Pitch Your Side Hustle,” awarding cash prizes to winners. Numerous workshops delved into critical subjects like purchasing homes, expanding businesses, handling debt responsibly, and practicing secure banking methods. At the Credit Café station, visitors accessed free credit reports while receiving expert counsel regarding them.
Kids between four and twelve years old participated enthusiastically in the Youth Zone, filled with interactive games designed around monetary concepts. Extra amenities included document destruction services via shredder trucks for seasonal cleaning purposes and support applying for governmental aid programs.
This remarkable gathering concluded with every participant leaving equipped with enhanced awareness about controlling personal finances, initiating or developing ventures, interpreting credit information accurately—all essential components towards achieving long-term economic stability. Such initiatives exemplify community efforts fostering resilience against financial challenges through shared knowledge.
Recent updates in the Social Security payment schedule have introduced new considerations for recipients. The changes reflect a broader effort to streamline and modernize benefit distribution processes. In particular, individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will notice variations in their payment dates throughout the year.
These adjustments primarily affect SSI beneficiaries who can expect multiple payments in some months and none in others due to calendar anomalies. For instance, May 2025 will see two payments, with the first arriving on May 1 and the second on May 30. This pattern repeats in August, where payments occur on August 1 and August 29, skipping September altogether. Such scheduling shifts aim to ensure timely disbursements even when holidays or weekends interfere with regular cycles.
Understanding eligibility and application procedures is crucial for those considering enrollment in SSI. The program targets individuals aged 65 and older, as well as younger persons with disabilities or blindness, provided they meet income and resource criteria. Prospective applicants are encouraged to establish an online account promptly, given upcoming enhancements in identity verification protocols designed to safeguard personal information. Embracing these advancements ensures smoother access to essential financial support while promoting accuracy and security within the system.