CA$H Maine

Creating Assets, Savings & Hope

Women standing

CA$H Asset Organizer Pays It Forward

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

Girls standing with a sign

AmeriCorps Volunteers at Four Directions Dive into Taxes

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

Houses on a street

Upcoming Homebuyer Education Course

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

house

York County Homebuyer Education Courses

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

Mother and son on Maine coast

Maine on Top of Children’s Savings Acounts

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

People standing with sign

Western CA$H Celebrates America Saves Week

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

Image of money dropping into college and retirement jars

Matched Savings Efforts in Maine

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

Monica Having Taxs Prepared at the L/A CA$H Coalition

Super Refund Saturday: A Tremendous Success

Posted February 18, 2016

Area resident Laura Merrill has her taxes prepared by IRS-Certified volunteer Monica Lee on Super Refund Saturday.   Super Refund Saturday & Financial Resource Fair Huge Success! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LEWISTON:  Super Refund Saturday, as hosted by the Lewiston-Auburn CA$H Coalition, was a tremendous success once again on February 13, 2016.  A room full of IRS-certified tax preparers… Read more

Person writing with white pen in notebook

Work and Save LD 1318: Help Us Spread the Word

Posted February 11, 2016

What is Work and Save? Work and Save is the short/working title of a bill before the Maine Legislature that would make it easier for employees of Maine’s small businesses to save for retirement.  Representative Henry Beck of Waterville is the primary sponsor. The official title of LD 1318 is “An Act to Promote individual… Read more