News Release

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Money Smart Advisory Council announced today that the fourth-annual Chicago Money Smart Week will be held May 23-28.

Coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, members of its Money Smart Advisory Council and other partner organizations, Money Smart Week is designed to educate consumers about money management and create awareness of financial education programs on a wide range of topics such as budgeting, saving and using credit wisely.

More than 200 free classes, seminars and activities promoting financial education will take place during Chicago's Money Smart Week. The educational activities will be carried out by over 60 local community groups, businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations.

"Money Smart Week provides an opportunity for people to learn something new about managing an aspect of their personal finances," said Chicago Fed President Michael Moskow. "This year's calendar features numerous subjects for a wide range of consumers and offers all attendees the chance to learn where good personal finance information is available."

New programs this year include:

Promoting personal finance for the Spanish-speaking consumer and women.
Managing finances during and after unemployment and in the case of natural disasters.
Educating children early about personal finance.

In addition, the winner of the Money Smart Kid contest will be announced at this year's kick-off breakfast on May 23.

Additional information and a calendar of events for this year's Money Smart Week are now available on the Chicago Fed's Web site at http://www.chicagofed.org/moneysmart