2004 Money Smart Week^SM - Announcement

Chicago Celebrated 2004 Money Smart Week^SM May 10 - 15
Chicago's third-annual Money Smart Week^SM was May 10 to 15, 2004. A variety of free educational activities were held throughout Chicagoland to inform consumers about managing their personal finances. Money Smart Week^SM is a joint effort of the members of the Money Smart Advisory Council and other partner organizations.

About Money Smart Week^SM
Created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago along with members of its Money Smart Advisory Council, the week-long event is designed to help consumers better manage their finances and provide awareness of financial education programs available on topics such as budgeting and using credit wisely.

This was the third Money Smart Week^SM to be held. The number of Money Smart Week events doubled to 88 in 2003 from 44 in 2002. This year there were more than 100 events. In addition to participation by local organizations, local media personalities have joined Money Smart Week organizers as active partners who provide coverage of the six-day event.

2004 Money Smart Week^SM Co-Chairs
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago Fed President Michael Moskow led this year's Money Smart Week as event co-chairs.

Richard M. Daley Mayor City of Chicago	Michael H. Moskow President and Chief Executive Officer Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Money Smart Week^SM History
Money Smart Week was held for the first time in April 2002 in Chicago. The only event of its kind in the country, it was created during the first meeting of the Money Smart Advisory Council. Convened by Chicago Fed President Michael Moskow in July 2001, the council includes representatives from schools, libraries, community groups, banks, and city and state government agencies. The goal of the council is to achieve greater public awareness of Chicago-area financial education programs and services designed to help consumers learn to make sound financial decisions.

Chicago Fed's Detroit Branch Holds First Money Smart Week^SM in April 2004
For the first time, there was a similar week of activities in Detroit this year. In April, the Chicago Fed's Detroit Branch bank held the first annual Money Smart Week^SM in Detroit. The Detroit program was led by local organizations in the Detroit metropolitan area that participate in the newly-created Detroit Money Smart Week^SM Advisory Council.

More Information
For more information about Money Smart Week^SM, contact Alejo Torres at (312) 322-2287.