Illinois Sec’y of State Jesse White hosts free seminars to recognize Money Smart Week

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that his office will host a number of events in Chicago and Springfield to help consumers learn to manage money wisely. These events are among more than 500 free classes, seminars and activities promoting financial education in Chicago alone during Money Smart Week.

Money Smart Week (April 21-April 28) 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. The educational activities will be carried out by local community groups, businesses, schools, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.  The week is coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank and its Money Smart partners.

“For ten years, Money Smart Week has brought financial literacy to the community, to schools and the workplace,” White said.  “We are proud to participate and offer valuable information during this week.  I urge everyone to take advantage of these informative events and get ‘money smart’.”

On Wednesday, April 25, White’s Securities Department will host the annual Financial Regulators Fair in the lobby of the James R. Thompson Building at 100 West Randolph St. in Chicago.  State and Federal agencies that deal with financial matters will have staff available at various booths to provide information and answer questions.  The fair, which starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m., is free and open to the public.

Also during Money Smart Week, the Securities Department will be hosting seminars in schools and workplaces throughout Illinois.  Any company or organization interested in having a free fraud presentation at their site can contact the department at 800-628-7937.

In Springfield, on Monday, April 23, the office will provide an investment fraud presentation during a program at the United Way headquarters at 1999 West Wabash Ave. from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  The program is free to the public.

On Thursday April 26, the Securities Department will be on hand to discuss scams and how to avoid them at the Money Smart Week financial seminar at the Maryville Community Center in Maryville from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Additional information and a calendar of events for this year’s Money Smart Week are now available at http://www.moneysmart.org.