By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com The Baltimore City Council held its fiscal year (FY) 2026 Taxpayers’ Night on May 15. Taxpayer’s Night is an annual opportunity for the community to voice their thoughts and concerns about Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s (D) proposed budget before the council decides whether to accept the mayor’s budget as is […]
Category: Money
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Rent vs. own in today’s economy: Is now the best time to buy?
Homeownership can be a long-term wealth-building strategy, but renting may be more affordable in certain areas and offer more flexibility, while owning a home provides stability and the potential for equity.
Posted inMental Health
Money woes and mental health: The unspoken struggles of financial stress
Money-related stress weighs heavily on many Black Americans, often manifesting as emotional and mental exhaustion and strained relationships. Experts say historical inequities, ongoing financial disparities and cultural pressures make the burden especially intense and deeply personal.
Posted inMoney
From debt to success: Lamar Laing’s journey
Lamar Laing, CEO and founder of Copiafy, turned his struggles with debt and poor credit into a mission to empower Black Americans with financial literacy and resources. Through Copiafy, an online platform, he provides tools for setting financial goals and tracking bills and credit report disputes.
Posted inMoney
Gray divorce: 10 financial and tax issues you must know after 50
Beyond the emotional toll of gray divorce, securing your financial future requires smart planning—starting with professional legal help and extending to budgeting, downsizing, Social Security strategies, income options and long-term care decisions.
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Harnessing Emerging Technologies to Power Your Business
Small business owners are increasingly using AI to drive innovation, efficiency and growth, with 80% already using or planning to implement AI, focusing on customer-facing applications like chatbots and customer service automation.
Posted inMoney
Saving, spending and surviving: Real talk on financial literacy
As financial literacy takes center stage this month, individuals are finding creative ways to budget, save and manage rising costs. From cutting back on dining out to using cash-only spending methods, everyday people share how they navigate their finances. While some prioritize emergency savings, others focus on investments or stretching their dollars with strategic shopping. Their stories highlight the realities of financial planning and resilience in today’s economy.
Posted inTechnology
Is artificial intelligence key to economic mobility or will it increase disparities?
By Leah Mallory Artificial Intelligence is definitely a tool for financial empowerment, but not the key to economic growth since the racial wealth gap predates AI, experts explained. “I don’t think AI is an end-all-be-all and the mothership to Black economic mobility because the systemic issues that Black communities have faced on a general scale […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Meet the financial content creators making money management education accessible for all
With the growing Black-White wealth gap and diminishing federal job opportunities, financial literacy has become essential for Black Americans. Experts are increasingly using social media to provide practical advice on budgeting, saving and investing.
Posted inAfro Briefs
​​Record-high credit card interest rates and fees are bogging down consumers– here’s how to avoid them
By Jill Jaracz Monthly credit card statements are causing consumers ongoing stress and concern. After years of high inflation and rising interest rates, consumers are having trouble keeping up with their credit card bills. According to industry data compiled by BankRegData, nearly 3 in 4 consumers carry outstanding balances on their credit cards, and more […]
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Preparing Financially for Future Emergencies: Building Resilience and Readiness
Sponsored by JPMorganChase In an unpredictable world, financial emergencies can arise at any moment, whether due to unexpected medical expenses, job loss, or natural disasters. Building financial resilience is not just about having a safety net; it’s about cultivating habits and strategies that help ensure stability and peace of mind in the face of uncertainty. […]
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Financial considerations for multigenerational householdsÂ
Sponsored by JPMorganChase For many Black, Hispanic and Latino families, as well as other cultures, multigenerational living is a cherished aspect of home life. It can also be good for your family’s overall wellbeing. Research indicates there can be financial benefits to multigenerational living, and when executed intentionally, having multiple family members under the same […]