News : Money Smart Week to help Iowans manage personal finances

Iowans have a chance to brush up on money management skills during the fifth annual Money Smart Week taking place across the state April 2—9. Financial institutions, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations and community groups have teamed up to offer a full week of events designed to help Iowans of all ages better manage their finances.

“There has never been a better time for Iowans to enhance their personal money management skills,” said Joanne Kuster, Money Smart Week Chairperson. “Plenty of information exists, but many consumers don’t know where to turn or who to believe. Money Smart Week points them in the right direction, offering education without the pressure of product sales pitches.”

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and nearly 140 Iowa Money Smart Week partners are offering more than 136 free financial seminars in communities across the state, including Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Council Bluffsarea, Des Moines/central Iowa, Waterloo/Cedar Falls and the QuadCities. Topics range from home-buying basics and financial literacy for youth to retirement planning and investment options for senior citizens. The events – which are provided at no charge and do not include sales pitches – will take place at banks, credit unions, libraries and local businesses throughout the week. A full calendar of events is available at www.moneysmartweek.org/iowa.

Two Money Smart Investor Conferences serve as the cornerstone events for Money Smart Week. The conferences will take place Saturday, April 2 in Des Moinesand Friday, April 8 in Davenport. The conferences are free to attend, but seating is limited. Complete conference details and registration information is available at www.womenandmoneyconference.com.

Since 2002, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicagohas been proud to sponsor Money Smart Week. “Money Smart Week Iowa’s statewide and community-based efforts, as well as its partners’ commitment, will make this event a success again this year,” Chicago Federal Reserve President and CEO Charles Evans said. “We hope consumers of all ages, including children, will take part in this week’s diverse personal finance offerings.”