Virtual Money Smart Week 2021 will be held Saturday, April 10 – Saturday, April 17 . This week-long free virtual campaign aims to help people better manage their personal finances with a focus on those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
View more details at www.moneysmartweek.org. Events are free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Questions for the panelists can be submitted during the registration process.
View more details at www.moneysmartweek.org. Events are free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Questions for the panelists can be submitted during the registration process.
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Talking CentsSaturday, April 10 | 10:00 AM
How do you talk to your children, aging parents, or life partner about money? It can be challenging to know where to start and what topics to bring up. Join us to discover some easy strategies and simple tools you can use to start these important conversations in a fun and comfortable manner. During this presentation, The University of Chicago Financial Education Initiative will provide tips for starting the often-challenging conversation about money with friends or family. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Submit your questions during the registration process. Register here: https://www.moneysmartweek.org/2021/talking-cents |
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Savings: A Little Can Make a Big DifferenceSunday, April 11 | 10:00 AM
Have you heard that saving three months’ living expenses is necessary to cover emergency expenses? Many financial education programs equate this amount with adequate emergency savings. While this guidance may work for some people, it isn’t a realistic goal for many. Learn how and why a much smaller amount of savings (hint: in the low hundreds) can help keep your rent/mortgage protected and utilities on. Additionally, learn just how little you might need to save per paycheck to reach these realizable goals. As a bonus, achieving these recommended amounts will allow you to be more financially satisfied and less likely to have to resort to high cost borrowing options like pawn shops or payday loans. During this presentation, the FINRA Investor Education Foundation will review how even a very modest savings cushion can be associated with major life improvements. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Submit your questions during the registration process. Register here: https://www.moneysmartweek.org/2021/saving |
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Bank On It: Finding Safe + Affordable Bank AccountsMonday, April 12 | 12:00 PM
Wary of opening a bank account due to hidden fees and charges? Worried that you need every dollar that you earn, and want to avoid being charged due to a minimum balance requirement? All valid concerns given that many bank account terms contain long, confusing language on fees and high minimum balance requirements. You might have considered skipping a bank to avoid this confusion in managing your money. But – did you know that unbanked families are estimated to spend over $40,000 in their lifetimes on financial fees? Join us to learn how to find accounts that remove the risk of overdraft, low balance charges and other high fees so that you can manage your money to spend on what you choose. During this presentation, the Economic Awareness Council will review the many ways in which selecting a high-quality, safe and affordable bank account can improve your life. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Submit your questions during the registration process. Register here: https://www.moneysmartweek.org/2021/banking |
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Understanding the Basics of Federal Student LoansTuesday, April 13 | 12:30 PM
Calling all borrowers, students and parents to join us in learning how U.S. Federal Student Aid (FSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Education, can help you – and how the division has adjusted their offerings to consider the impacts of Covid-19 on borrowers. Get a basic overview on federal student loan programs and learn tips to utilize federal student programs to help pay for education beyond high school. Learn how to create a FSA ID, and how to use new and redeveloped tools from the FSA. Gain insights on loan servicers, private student loans, debt relief scam prevention, monitoring your credit and default prevention. During this presentation, The U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid will share their core mission of ensuring that all eligible Americans benefit from federal financial assistance – including grants, loans and work-study programs – for education beyond high school. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Submit your questions during the registration process. Register here: https://www.moneysmartweek.org/2021/student-loans |
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Tax-Related Fraud + Identity TheftWednesday, April 14 | 1:00 PM
Identity theft and tax scams have increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. Find out what to do if you are an identity theft victim. Learn how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can help. Discover how to protect your records and stay aware of Covid-19 tax scams and phishing schemes. During this presentation, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will share information on how to recognize signs that your identity has been stolen for tax-related issues. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Submit your questions during the registration process. Register here: https://www.moneysmartweek.org/2021/tax-fraud-identity-theft |
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Managing Personal Finances During Covid-19Thursday, April 15 | 1:00 PM
Learn suggestions for managing your money in a time of crisis. Topics covered include budgeting, emergency savings and managing debt. While some factors affecting financial security are beyond individual control, financial know-how can help all of us better manage our finances – especially during the sudden and drastic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. During this presentation, The Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (GFLEC) will aim to share the financial knowledge individuals need to fully participate in the economy and build secure futures. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Submit your questions during the registration process. Register here: https://www.moneysmartweek.org/2021/personal-finances |
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Housing Protections + ResourcesFriday, April 16 | 12:00 PM
The session will help people understand where to turn if they are having trouble making rent payments. Homeowners will learn how they are protected under federal law from foreclosure and can temporarily pause or reduce their mortgage payments if they’re struggling financially. During this presentation, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will highlight resources that can help homeowners and renters during the Covid-19 pandemic. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Submit your questions during the registration process. Register here: https://www.moneysmartweek.org/2021/housing |
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Tips for Managing Money Ups & DownsSaturday, April 17 | 10:30 AM
The Covid-19 pandemic has dealt a financial blow to many U.S. individuals and families. Join this session to learn how to do your best with what you have available. Learn budgeting tips and tricks to help you plan ahead and meet your monthly financial obligations. During this presentation, The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension will focus on easy steps you can take to get control of your money even when it doesn’t seem like enough. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Submit your questions during the registration process. Register here: https://www.moneysmartweek.org/2021/budgeting |