Financials

Financial Nuggets is a six lesson, financial educational program designed for middle school students (grades 5-8) that provides an opportunity for youth to simulate real world, financial experiencesthrough hands on learning activities. Lessons and activities are designed for 45-60 minutes and are aligned with the Maryland Financial Literacy Standards. This curriculum provides an age appropriate introduction to basic ideas such as financial decision-making as well as advanced topics, including investments and insurance. The first lesson, Financial Decisions, focuses on understanding the difference between needs and wants. Next, youth understand the relationship between careers, education and income in Lesson 2. The next lesson, Plan and Manage Money, teaches financial management and budgeting concepts to youth while Lesson 5 builds on this knowledge by exposing the youth to ideas and concepts to explain how wealth is created and built. Finally, Lesson 6 - Manage Risks and Preserve Wealth – exposes youth to risk, managing risk by way of insurance, and other wealth accumulation and preservation strategies.

While estate planning for Maryland farm operators can be complicated, a conservation easement can be an effective tool to include in your plan. Conservation easements can help reduce the value of a farm estate and ensure the land will continue to be available for agricultural use. Donating a conservation easement is one way to reduce federal and state estate taxes when the value of your estate minus permitted deductions exceeds the current estate tax exemptions. Under current federal and Maryland tax laws, donating a conservation easement to a qualifying group can result in favorable tax deductions.