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Category: Penny Forward

Welcome to Penny Forward, a nonprofit organization founded and led by blind people. We empower each other to confidently navigate the complicated landscape of personal finance. We offer self-paced online financial education courses, weekly and monthly personal finance workshops, and one to one financial counseling provided by blind financial counselors.

Self-Advocacy, Problem-Solving, and Building a More Inclusive World

This weekend, some friends and I had a deep conversation about self-advocacy. For blind people like us, self-advocacy often means asking for what we need—things like Braille materials, accessible formats, or other accommodations—to fully participate in work, school, and life. It’s a skill that can make or break opportunities, but it’s also a heavy burden,…

04/28/2025
Wednesday Workshop: Setting and Achieving Your Financial Goals

Turn your dreams into reality by setting clear, achievable financial goals. This workshop will guide you through defining meaningful financial objectives, creating action plans, and tracking your progress. You’ll leave empowered with the tools to maintain focus, celebrate milestones, and confidently move toward the financial future you envision.

04/23/2025
Wednesday Workshop: Invest to Improve Your Future

Investing isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s a powerful tool for achieving long-term financial goals. This workshop introduces the basics of investing, including understanding risk, diversifying your investments, and choosing options that match your goals. Learn accessible ways to start investing today and set yourself on the path to financial independence.

04/23/2025
Feedback Sought: Proposed Penny Forward Workshop Offering

Members, we have heard you! Some people have expressed difficulty with logging into the Penny Forward website and accessing and engaging with its content. How does one navigate to and complete a Penny Forward online course? How can previous recordings of the Penny Forward Workshops be accessed? How does one book an appointment to receive…

04/21/2025
Accessible Credit Reports Still Available Through ACB Settlement

Blind and low vision consumers can still request accessible credit reports thanks to a landmark settlement agreement between the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and the three major credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Through this agreement, the credit bureaus are required to provide credit reports in braille, large print, or audio upon request. These…

04/21/2025
Missed the Tax Deadline? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you missed the April 15 tax filing deadline, don’t panic—but don’t wait either. The IRS encourages taxpayers who haven’t yet filed to submit their return as soon as possible to avoid or reduce penalties and interest, especially if they owe money.

04/18/2025
Wednesday Workshop: Managing and Building Your Credit

Good credit can open doors to lower interest rates, better housing options, and even job opportunities. In this workshop, we’ll explore how credit works, effective ways to manage debt, and actionable strategies to build or rebuild your credit score. Whether you’re starting fresh or working toward improvement, you’ll leave with a clear roadmap to healthier…

04/16/2025
A Change In How Some Will Receive Their Federal Benefits

New executive order mandates all federal benefits, including Social Security and tax refunds, be distributed electronically starting September 30, 2025.

04/16/2025
What It’s Like to Visit a Social Security Office

Last week, I shared some thoughts on how complicated the Social Security system can be and why it’s important to stand up for yourself when facing unfair decisions. This week, I want to get personal and tell you about my own recent experience with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)—and why fighting back was so important.

04/14/2025
Social Security Matters: Social Security Administration Implements New Anti-Fraud Measures to Enhance Telephone Claim Processing

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the implementation of enhanced fraud prevention tools for claims filed over the telephone, further modernizing the agency’s services and strengthening program integrity.

04/14/2025