Creating Assets, Savings & Hope
Posted April 1, 2016
Most Americans are falling short of the amount required for a comfortable retirement – if they are saving at all. The difficulty can be a lack of education about the need for retirement savings. Also, meeting the demands of today and/or the belief that our wages are too low can prevent us from saving for… Read more
Posted March 15, 2016
Free tax preparation helps low-wage workers build financial stability, boosts local economy Nearly $ 21 million in federal and state income taxes was returned to Maine state workers during the 2015 tax season as a result of free tax preparation services offered by local IRS-certified volunteers, according to a new breakdown of national IRS data… Read more
Posted March 14, 2016
Thanks to New Ventures Maine’s (NVME) Financing Your Future class and the Family Development Account (FDA) matched savings program, Gail was able to go back to college part-time while working full-time and graduate debt-free. Gail graduated debt-free in 2010 with her Associate Degree. She then went to work in the office at Lane Construction. She… Read more
Posted March 11, 2016
Previously a team of one, the number of tax preparers at Four Directions has now grown to four with the much-appreciated help of AmeriCorps volunteers, Olivia Gambocarto and Emily Baer. Wabanaki CA$H, managed by Four Directions Development Corporation, has already increased participation levels by over 25% this year. “It has been exciting to be a part… Read more
Posted March 11, 2016
FOUR DIRECTIONS OFFICE | 20 Godfrey Drive, Orono ME | SATURDAY, MARCH 19th and MARCH 26th | 8am-3pm Want to keep that financial momentum going post-tax season? Think about attending a homebuyer education course through HoMEworks or a local nonprofit! In cooperation with MaineStream Finance and Penquis CAP, Four Directions is offering a comprehensive… Read more
Posted March 8, 2016
CA$H Maine and New Ventures Maine are celebrating AmeriCorps VISTA member, Amy Scholl, during Americorps week. Amy was hired in August 2015 to assist with research and outreach and will serve a one-year term with CA$H Maine. She will be working to build the capacity of CA$H Maine statewide to assist families with the development and… Read more
Posted March 5, 2016
Purchasing a home is most likely the largest investment you will make. York County Community Action offer two programs to assist with this process: A 10-hour, Homebuyer Education class, offered monthly, that provides honest, accurate information concerning homeownership and prepares individuals for the steps in the homebuying process. Participants earn a Certificate of Completion that is required… Read more
Posted March 3, 2016
A recent article published in the State Legislatures Magazine highlights Children’s Savings Account (CSA) programs for college in the United States. Maine was the first state in the nation to launch a statewide universal CSA program in 2008. The state is credited with one of the most generous programs available, which includes a $500 grant… Read more
Posted March 3, 2016
Steve and Laurie Welch of Chesterville with their savings pledge at Western Maine CA$H. Last week CA$H Maine participated in America Saves Week, encouraging income tax filers to take a step toward savings by making a pledge. With 47% of Mainers living in asset poverty, tax season is an important time to start saving… Read more
Posted February 26, 2016
The article, “Matched Savings Efforts Help Mainers Work Towards a Better Future,” that is found in the John T. Gorman Foundation’s most recent newsletter, highlights why it is important for people to be able to save, and the programs that can support the people of Maine in doing so: “For many Mainers, saving for a house, for… Read more
CA$H Maine is a statewide collaboration of eight coalitions, comprised of 50 non- and for-profit partners, working together to help empower Maine individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability.