February 22, 2019
FOX CITIES, Wis. – Business leaders from the Fox Cities will offer a variety of financial education opportunities for adults and children during Money Smart Week (March 30 – April 6, 2019). Local events include family-friendly, hands-on activities at Building for Kids, and informative seminars on credit, social security and budgeting. Local graduating high school seniors also have an opportunity to apply for a $2,000 scholarship through the Money Smart Essay Contest.
“Money Smart Week is a great time to learn how you can take steps to improve your financial security,” said Travis Streck, Agency Manager at COUNTRY Financial, and Chair of the Fox Cities Money Smart Week committee. “There is a great line-up of activities from our local businesses who are just there to provide education for the community.”
Money Smart Kickoff Event (for kids and their parents): Sunday, March 31 - Building for Kids
Kids learn the value of money and have a fun time along the way! After receiving their “paycheck,” they will go to each fun station and will learn as they go! Included is The Big Read story time, reading Count on Pablo, and receiving a copy of the book free! Story times are 1 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:15 PM. Intended age range is 6 – 12 years old and is from Noon to 5 PM.
“Let’s Talk Credit,” Details of Credit and how it works: Tuesday, April 2
A presentation on an understandable approach to credit. This overview will include managing debt, establishing credit, and improving credit. This presentation will start at 6 pm at the Kaukauna Public Library.
“Social Security,” by Tim Gierke: Wednesday, April 3
Tim Gierke has 37 years of experience within the Social Security Administration, with 26 of those years managing the Appleton Social Security Administration Office. Is there anyone who can better help you understand Social Security? Come learn all you need to know about Social Security! This presentation will start at 6 pm at the Menasha Public Library.
“Budget Correction or Complete Overhaul,” by Becky Smith: Thursday April 4
Becky Smith of FISC is a professional who helps families with financial issues. She is ready to give you a few immediately applicable pointers to help you right your ship! These will include systems for setting up a budget, making it work, finding ways to save, and solutions to kick debt to the curb! This presentation will start at 6 pm at the Appleton Public Library.
Graduating high school seniors from Northeastern Wisconsin can submit their essay for the Money Smart Week Essay Contest. The winner, chosen by the Money Smart Week committee, will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
The 2019 topic is: In 2018, the average debt for a student graduating with a bachelor’s degree was approximately $39,400.
Realizing that you will likely have some degree of debt when you graduate, how do you plan on repaying your debts?
Estimate the total cost of your education (room, board, tuition, etc.) and explain how you plan to pay for it.
Download the application (PDF). Deadline for submission is March 1, 2019.
Money Smart Week began as a coordinated effort of the Money Smart Advisory Council, a diverse group of more than 40 Chicago-area organizations working together to promote personal financial literacy. The Chicago Fed convened the Council's first meeting in July 2001, during which members agreed to share resources and ideas to achieve greater public awareness of the programs and services available in the city of Chicago.
The result was Money Smart Week 2002 — six days of focused presentations by community groups, financial institutions, government agencies, educational organizations, and financial experts, all designed to help consumers learn to better manage their personal finances.
For more information visit www.moneysmartweek.com.
COUNTRY Financial® is a family of affiliated companies (collectively, COUNTRY) located in Bloomington, IL. Learn more about who we are.
About COUNTRY Financial
The COUNTRY Financial® group (www.countryfinancial.com) serves about one million households and businesses throughout the United States. It offers a wide range of financial products and services from auto, home, business and life insurance to retirement planning services, investment management and annuities.
Visit COUNTRY Financial on Twitter @HelloCountry, on Facebook @COUNTRYFinancial and on Instagram @countryfinancial.