Even in December, taxpayers have more control over their refund than they might think. Strategic contributions, careful planning and overlooked credits can still make a difference before the year ends.
Category: Money
Posted inBUSINESS
Not just for the rich and wealthy: How to start investing in 2026
According to Pew Research, in 2022, 66 percent of White families owned stocks directly or indirectly, compared to 39 percent of Black families according to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF).
Posted inMoney
Rising costs push Black households to cut back on everyday comforts
Black households across Baltimore and beyond say rising costs are reshaping their daily lives from food spending to basic beauty routines. Women like Sydney Robinson and Olivia Dreux describe holding on to hairstyles longer and cooking more at home as inflation outpaces income. Their stories along with those of new parents Rya and Eric Greene reflect a growing sense that even simple comforts have become harder to afford.
Posted inEditorial
This Christmas, give our children something that will grow with them
By Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy DraperAFRO CEO and Publisher Every holiday season, we search for the perfect gifts for the children in our lives. We want the joy and the surprise. But most of what we buy doesn’t last. Sneakers lose their shine, video games get replaced and toys are forgotten by spring. As families […]
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Overcoming barriers to homeownership: Assistance programs for first-time buyers in Baltimore
Homebuyers in Baltimore can access down payment assistance programs, such as grants, forgivable loans, deferred-payment loans, and low-down payment loans, to help cover the upfront costs of homeownership.
Posted inMoney
When success isn’t enough: Why the Black middle class is still struggling
By Victoria MejicanosAFRO Staff Writervmejicanos@afro.com A stable job, homeownership and a family often defines the concept of the “American Dream.” However, for Black Americans across the country, it can feel impossible to reach, even for those who have “made it.” Caprice Risby was born to teenage parents. Her family relied on different types of federal […]
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland Bankers Association, Coppin State address credit equity gaps
The Maryland Bankers Association and Coppin State University hosted a Community Conversation on Credit Equity to address financial literacy gaps in Baltimore. Students and community leaders emphasized accessible education and practical strategies for building credit and economic opportunity.
Posted inBaltimore News
Ask Rusty – How do I navigate the Social Security Maze?
By Russell GloorAMAC and AMAC Foundation Dear Rusty: I am a woman, turning 65 this October (2025). It seems that deciding when to claim Social Security is complicated. I would like more information to navigate through this maze. Thank you. Signed, Ready to Claim Dear Ready: Deciding when to claim Social Security can be challenging, […]
Posted inBaltimore Community
Bank of America hosts three-day financial literacy event in West Baltimore
Bank of America recently held a three-day event, educating locals on financial literacy and wellness programs. The event took place at the Bon Secours Community Resource Center from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
‘3 by 30’ aims to create 3 million Black homeowners—but barriers persist
By DaQuan LawrenceAFRO International WriterDLawrence@afro.com Black homebuyers are 1.7 times more likely to be denied a mortgage than all other racial groups in the nation, according to a recent study by LendingTree. Considering the historical trend of housing disenfranchisement and disproportionate racial homeownership, the AFRO spoke with policy experts about the implications of the phenomenon, […]
Posted inNews from Around the Web
Building sustainable Black businesses through training and teamwork
Black entrepreneurs face systemic challenges that can delay or derail full-time business ownership. Experts Omar Muhammad and Devon Corbin emphasize the importance of early paying customers, strategic partnerships and belief capital—the confidence founders have in their vision. Through comprehensive training and collaboration, they believe Black business owners can overcome barriers and build lasting economic empowerment in their communities.
Posted inEducation
BEYA and WOC launch Quantum Computing Executive Leadership Learning Track
The Becoming Everything You Are (BEYA) STEM Conference has launched the Quantum Computing Executive Leadership Learning Track, led by Terrence R. Head, to prepare executive leaders and senior technologists for the rapidly evolving quantum era.