Washington Co., WI – Banks, businesses, schools, libraries and many others are joining together to help support financial literacy awareness and education during Money Smart Week – March 30 through April 6. In Washington County, educational programs are available to the public on all facets of financial education, including:
 
Women’s Financial Conference
The Washington County Money Smart Week Planning Committee is hosting the fourth annual financial conference specifically geared toward the unique financial needs of women. The conference takes place at Moraine Park Technical College in West Bend on Saturday, March 30 from 8 am to 12:30 pm.
Following a brief welcome, participants create their own conference experience by choosing 3 sessions from a variety of topics offered, including Investing 101, Identity Theft Protection, DIY Kitchen Remodel, Trilogy of Health, Starting Your Side Gig, and Paying Off Debt vs. Saving. Continental breakfast and door prizes will be provided…all for only $5! Pre-registration is required by March 25 and can be done online at www.mswwashingtonco.eventbrite.com
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Money Smart Week Kids Read
Young children are welcome to join the financial festivities for Money Smart Week (MSW) Kids Read. Story time at area libraries will focus on a book with a money concept, and participating families each receive one copy of “Count of Pablo” to take home. What a great way to introduce your child to the world of financial literacy!
- The Jack Russell Memorial Library in Hartford hosts MSW Kids Read on April 2 at 10:30 am, April 3 at 1 pm and April 4 at 10:30 am
- The Germantown Community Library offers MSW Kids Read on April 2 at 9:30 am and 10:30 am
- The West Bend Community Library will host MSW Kids Read on April 2 at 10:00 am, April 3 at 10:00 am, and an evening option on April 4 at 6:30 pm.
- The Kewaskum Public Library hosts the MSW Kids Read on April 3 at 10:30 am and an evening option at 6:15 pm
- The Slinger Community Library will host MSW Kids Read on April 3 at 9:30 am and April 4 at 6:30 pm
Casa Guadalupe’s Read to Succeed Programs are also participating in West Bend on April 2 and 4.
Fraud Bingo
Seniors are welcome to join an interactive bingo game focused on awareness of fraud, scams and other forms of identity theft. Of course there will be prizes! Contact the senior center location to register.
- Germantown Senior Center hosts Fraud Bingo on April 1st @ 10:00 am
- Hartford Senior Center hosts Fraud Bingo on April 2nd @ 1:30 pm
- West Bend Senior Center hosts Fraud Bingo on April 2nd @ 1:00 pm
Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign to promote financial education across all age groups. Launched in 2002 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the program is now active in all 50 states through national partnerships with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Cooperative Extension and the American Library Association.
Money Smart Week events are open to the public at businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, nonprofits and government agencies throughout the country on topics including kids and money, unemployment, managing student debt and retirement. To learn more about Money Smart Week® visit, www.moneysmartweek.org
Carol Bralich is the Washington County Extension Family Living Educator. To learn more about Money Smart Week events in Washington County, go to http://washington.uwex.edu or call 262-335-4479.
