The State of the Dream 2026 report warns that current policies are reinforcing racial and economic inequalities, leading to a potential Black Recession, and urgent action is needed to address these regressive trends before generational losses occur.
Category: Financials
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Scammers don’t take holidays: How to help protect your money this seasonÂ
With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to be aware of the increasing sophistication of online scams and to take steps to protect yourself, such as shopping with trusted retailers, being wary of unrealistic deals, and using secure payment methods.
Posted inFinancials
Maryland Bankers Association to host community talk on credit equity at Coppin State
The Maryland Bankers Association and the Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship at Coppin State University will lead a conversation on credit equity in Maryland on Oct. 24.
Posted inBUSINESS
Harbor Bank of Maryland opens new branch in Silver Spring
The Harbor Bank of Maryland has opened a new branch in Silver Spring, marking its seventh location and a strategic expansion into the Montgomery County market. The community-focused bank celebrated the soft opening with a visit from Afrofuturist icon George Clinton, whose artwork is now on permanent display inside the branch.
Posted in!Front Page Baltimore News
There’s a clear gap in credit scores depending on race and place: How Baltimore is working to fix itÂ
By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Staff Writer vmejicanos@afro.com The weight of a number For residents of Baltimore, the barrier to buying a home, starting a small business or managing unexpected costs doesn’t rely on ambition alone. There’s a three digit number that plays a major part: the credit score. Research shows that a person’s credit score, […]
Posted inFinancials
The president’s last tax cuts failed Americans like me– let’s not repeat the mistake
Brakeyshia Samms is a senior analyst at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. This week, she discusses why Black women often don’t see the benefits gained from tax cuts put in place by political leaders.
Posted inFinancials
Preparing for retirement is hard– here’s how to make it easier
Jason Brown, founder of The Brown Report, encourages Black Americans to prioritize financial education and redefine retirement as financial independence rather than a fixed age. He stresses the importance of understanding personal finances to overcome systemic barriers and build long-term wealth.
Posted inFinancials
Retirement tips for the self-employed
With more Americans turning to self-employment for greater fulfillment, experts emphasize the importance of starting retirement savings early—even amid unpredictable income. From opening a Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Arrangement) to eventually establishing an SEP (Simplified Employee Pension plan), building a flexible, consistent approach is key.
Posted inFinancials
Exploring alternative paths to security in retirement
As traditional retirement options like pensions and workplace plans become less accessible for many, some Americans are exploring real estate, entrepreneurship and other nontraditional paths to build financial security in their later years.
Posted inFinancials
The retirement gap: Why Black Americans face an uphill battle in saving for the futureÂ
Despite working for decades, many Black Americans reach retirement with significantly less savings than their White counterparts. A 2024 study finds that unequal access to employer-sponsored plans, lower wages and greater economic hardships have fueled this growing racial retirement gap.
Posted inFinancials
Avoiding online fraud: How to stay one step ahead
Phishing emails pose a major cyber threat, targeting businesses and individuals with deceptive messages to steal sensitive information. Timothy Smoot, executive vice president and chief financial officer, warns that scammers often impersonate trusted contacts to gain access. He stresses the importance of cybersecurity training, multi-factor authentication and vigilance in spotting red flags to prevent fraud and data breaches.
Posted inPolitics
Black Americans hit hard as medical debt rule tossed
A federal judge has blocked a Biden administration rule that would have removed medical debt from credit reports, a move that would have helped around 15 million Americans. The decision hits Black Americans hardest, as they are disproportionately burdened by medical