More than 500 free financial education events and workshops for consumers of all ages will be held across Michigan during Money Smart Week, April 23-30 (MSW).
MSW programs are open to people of all ages, all walks of life and of all levels of income and knowledge.
Events are hosted by libraries, businesses, financial institutions, schools, community organizations and
government agencies across our state. Programs cover a wide variety of money-management topics,
including raising money smart kids, saving for college, buying a house, using credit wisely, avoiding fraud
and scams, managing student debt, and financing retirement, among others.
A few MSW programs unique to Michigan include an inaugural Run for the Money family-friendly 5k
and 100-yard dash, a Mompreneur Summit for female entrepreneurs, GeoCache for College Cash taking
place on college campuses across the state, the Personal Finance Challenge for any Michigan high
school-age student, and dozens of Money Smart Kids Read story time events for 3-6 year-olds, along
with dozens of events for adults and teens, on saving, managing, borrowing and investing money for a
lifetime. From 3 years old to 93 years young, there is something for everyone.
The non-commercial, educational events will be carried out by local and regional partnering
organizations. In addition, there are several national campaign partners, including the American Library
Association, the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, the Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau, and the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative Extension.
“Money Smart Week is an incredible opportunity for consumers to access free advice on all areas of
personal finance,” says Alejo Torres, Senior Outreach Manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago,
which coordinates the campaign. “We hope individuals and families will take advantage of these
educational offerings and ultimately improve or enhance their financial success.”
Money Smart Week is the broadest and most comprehensive financial education program in the
country. Started in 2002 in Chicago with just 40 programs, the Money Smart Week campaign has
expanded significantly to become the only national educational program for people at all stages of life.
According to exit surveys, most participants indicate they’re likely to change the way they manage their
money after attending a Money Smart Week event.
Consumers who are interested in finding out about classes in their area during Money Smart Week can
visit www.MoneySmartWeek.org now.