Money Smart Week^® Feature

MSW Chicago and Michigan Now Underway

Chicago and Michigan kicked off their Money Smart campaigns on April 20. Hundreds of events are taking place April 20-26, so be sure to check out the online calendars for information on what is available in your area.

Chicago
Hundreds of free educational classes, seminars and activities are scheduled to take place around the city during Chicago's Money Smart Week. The online calendar will guide you to these events, which focus on financial topics for people of all walks of life.

View the free online Financial Literacy and Education Summit. Opening remarks were delivered by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke. Panelists include best-selling author and contributor to The Today Show Jean Chatzky, U.S. Treasurer Anna Escobedo Cabral, and author and activist Chris Gardner. These financial education advocates discussed how best to help Generation Y (ages 18-25) establish a sound financial future.

Michigan
"Michigan's Money Smart Advisory Council has shown great enthusiasm for this statewide personal finance initiative over the years," said Doug Tillett, Vice President, Public Affairs, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. "With their commitment and hard work, we look forward to another successful week."

Governor Jennifer Granholm's office already supported the week through the issuance of a proclamation (PDF,505KB) for all Michigan residents. Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano did the same for Wayne County (PDF,442KB) residents as did Mayor Kilpatrick and the City of Detroit (PDF,256KB). For the first time, Harper Woods Mayor Kenneth A. Poynter also issued a proclamation (PDF,300KB).

Money Smart Week will also include the Money Smart Ambassador Contest, a competition for 11th graders in metropolitan Detroit to explain the importance of money management. The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship from Chrysler Financial, Ford Motor Credit, and GMAC Financial Services.