COVID-19

In response to COVID-19, the CASH Campaign of Maryland is providing helpful resources for Maryland individuals, families,and small business owners to lessen the financial impact of this public health crisis. Resources are listed by topic area. If you need help with something that isn't listed, please email us at info@cashmd.org. For Information about free tax preparation services when they become available, visit our main CASH website. Please note that any commercial resources are listed solely as a resource and not as a recommendation or endorsement.

Staying Afloat: Navigating Your Finances in Uncertain Financial Times
For more Tips on Personal Finance During COVID 19, click here.

1) Use the $MART method for managing your money:

$top or postone: What can you eliminate spending money on? Can you wait on a different car or home improvement project?

Monitor--create a list of any money coming in and every dollar that is going out. Create a Spending Plan and check in weekly.

Allow--what will you spend money on? Prioritize your expenses.What’s most important right now? Usually that’s food,housing, transportation. But that might alsobe internet, or cell phone service if that’s essential to your ability towork and/or stay connected.

Reduce--what can be cut back on?Consider cooking inexpensive meals at home and switching to generic prescriptions. Can you suspend or cancel a membership or subscription that you don't need right now?See the update on Gym Memberships.

Talk--Discuss your financial situation with family, friends or a professional.

2) Contact your creditors TODAY:

Reach out to landlords, mortgage or car lenders, utility providers, student loan companies ASAP if you anticipate having difficulty paying them. It ismuch easier to work out alternative payment plans or ask for relief before you begin missing payments. Visit the Consumer FinancialProtection Bureau’s website for tips and samples letters to send to creditors.

3) Get professional help:

Are you overwhelmed or unsure of how to get started? Do you think you’re on the right track but want a second opinion? CASH Campaign has free Financial Coaches and Certified Financial Planners available to help! Learn more here.

4) Supplement your income:

If you can, pick up a side gig while you wait for regular employment. You may also qualify for supplemental support like emergency unemployment, SNAP (food stamps), or other benefits. CASH can help you determine your eligibility. Click here to learn more and to fill out an intake form.

5) Beware of scams:

Do not provide financial information in response to a call that you receive, and be wary of any supposed information on treatment for COVID-19 or special offers on cleaning products and masks. See a list of major coronavirus scams.

Watch the webinar: "Staying Afloat: Navigating Your Finances in Uncertain Financial Times" by clicking this link :zoom_0.mp4