CA$H Maine

Creating Assets, Savings & Hope

Maine State House

Update: LD 1318 Work and Save

Posted June 7, 2016

LD 1318, known by its shortened name, Work and Save, did not survive the legislative process this past session in spite of  the concerted efforts of a group of  advocates led by Amy Gallant of AARP, and  supported by Eloise Vitelli for CA$H Maine and NVME, among others. Conversations have already begun, however, to re-introduce… Read more

Display of bananas in the grocery store

Who is Hungry in Maine?

Posted June 6, 2016

  Did you know that 16.2% of Maine’s 1.3 million citizens are experiencing food insecurity? 16.2% may not sound like a lot, but that percent represents 208,000 people. This amounts to approximately 1/6 of the state’s population that is not getting enough to eat. What is food insecurity anyway? Food insecurity is experienced by a… Read more

People sitting in a classroom

CA$H Maine Adds Class Listing

Posted May 31, 2016

We have a new section on our website that highlights money management, career, home ownership, and small business classes available throughout the state through our community partners. The class listing can be found in the drop down under the Money Guide. This listing will be updated as new classes become available. Summer classes will be… Read more

Woman's hand writing "My Plan" in notebook

Retirement Savings Means It’s Time to Sweat the Small Stuff

Posted May 25, 2016

Written by, Tammy Greynolds, who works for America Saves, managed by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America, which seeks to motivate, encourage, and support low- to moderate-income households to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. Learn more at AmericaSaves.org. Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials. The lack of retirement savings in our country is an… Read more

tree growing money

Ways to Make the Most of Your Refund

Posted May 9, 2016

Tax season is over and for those who received a tax refund the question is what to do with that refund. Many tax filers already know what they will do with their refund such as paying down debt, bringing past due bills current, other individual financial needs, etc. Saving some of your refund can be… Read more

Smiling mother with baby working with computer at home

Payback Playbook for Student Loans Unveiled

Posted May 9, 2016

On April 28th the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released information that they were making available a prototype of the Payback Playbook for consumers to review.  The Payback Playbook will allow consumers with student loan debt to view personalized payment options on their bill, online and through email to see what options would be most… Read more

Umbrella with rain

Planning for the Unexpected

Posted April 29, 2016

There are times in life when unexpected things happen that change one’s financial situation. This may be the loss of a job, a separation or divorce, the death of a spouse or a major home or car repair. All of these circumstances can cause our finances to suffer as we try to figure out how… Read more

Young family enjoying a day in nature, shallow DOF, father and son in focus

Kids and Money: When to start the conversation?

Posted April 28, 2016

It’s never too early to start teaching your kids about saving, budgeting, and other money basics.  While it may seems like a complicated topic there are many activities you can have your children do to help them learn about money in a fun and stress-free way.    If you do not feel confident in your… Read more

Couple in front of sold house sign smiling

Is Homeownership for You?

Posted April 27, 2016

Have you ever thought that you would like to be a homeowner? This is a desire that many Americans have, so how do you decide if this is right for you? If you are currently renting, but are interested in becoming a homeowner, there are many decisions you will need to make.  A great place… Read more

Hands taking money out of green wallet

Should You Combine Your Finances?

Posted April 26, 2016

How do you decide if combining finances is right for you? Whether you have been a couple for years and are interested in combining your finances, or are getting married soon and are considering doing it then, there are many things to think about. While the decision is up to you and your partner about what… Read more