Money Power Day Gives Marylanders Tips On Financial Fitness

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The power of money. That's the goal of an event this weekend designed to arm participants with more money management skills.

As Gigi Barnett explains, Money Power Day comes just as the tax day looms.

This is a one-stop shop to answer money questions many people are too afraid to ask. It's Money Power Day, a full-fledged financial fitness fair.

"Everybody should be checking their credit report," said Courtney Bettle.

Bettle is with the Baltimore CASH Campaign, the non-profit that's sponsored the free event for the last 10 years. She says with more than 30 vendors, dozens of workshops and experts to answer questions face-to-face, guests can learn about everything from home insurance to college scholarships.

"People come in maybe a little intimidated. They're not sure where to start. But by the end of the day, they've had a lot of fun talking with people," Bettle said. "They're ready to start setting some financial goals."

And that could have a direct impact on the state's economy.

"When people have financial literacy, they're more likely to understand the financial obligations they have," said Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford. "Be it a loan, be it a mortgage."

"I need to figure out how to write a business plan," said John Stanley.

That's why he came to Money Power Day. He'll leave with the information he needs to launch his business and the confidence to make it thrive.

"If you launch a program that works in the city, maybe you can go to other cities," he said.

And if all of the financial advice at Money Power Day is not enough, we are in the middle of tax season so guests can also get information on how they can get their taxes done by an expert free of charge.

"The deadline is right around the corner so you can get your taxes done for free," Bettle said.

Because money management shouldn't be left up to chance.

Nearly 1,000 people attended Money Power Day.