Waterloo – The Cedar Valley is hosting several education events during Money Smart Week (April 2 – 9, 2011), designed to help consumers learn how to manage their personal finances. This outreach program of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is being coordinated by a local partnership committee that includes financial institutions, nonprofit groups, government agencies, schools and businesses. April is National Financial Literacy month.
Partnership activities are described below:
April 1 is the official start of Money Smart Week Kick-off event in the Cedar Valley. Valley Lutheran, 4520 Rownd Street in Cedar Falls, is hosting this event.
Registration begins at noon, with the program commencing at 12:15 pm. It is free and open to the public.
Olivia Melon, of Melon and Associates, a money therapist, is the keynoter. Her remarks are titled, “Moving Toward Money Harmony in Turbulent Times.” She has been a groundbreaker in the field of money psychology, couples therapy, and money conflict resolution since 1982. Author of five books, including Overcoming Overspending, Mellan is an expert in gender difference and money. An Economic Forecast will also be given by Cindy Ivanac-Lillig, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. She joined the Chicago Fed in 2008 as an Economic Outreach Specialist. She frequently speaks on the role of the Fed and monetary policy, and is currently an adjunct economic instructor at Robert Morris University in Chicago.
Ben Franklin, Statesman, will make a special event appearance. Ben has been hailed by many as the “first American” and is noted for his diverse interests. Born in Boston in 1706, he’s been widely recognized as a leading author, politician, printer, scientist, philosopher, publisher, inventor, activist, diplomat, and Money Smart Week advocate.
Closing remarks will be given by Joanne Kuster, Chair, Money Smart Week Iowa. Dave Braton, publisher of the Waterloo Courier, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.
April 5 – The Boy Scouts of America, Winnebago Council and Girls Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois are joining efforts to help scouts be money smart. From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.at MidWestOne Bank, 4510 Prairie Parkway, Cedar Falls, organizing partners will set up 14 stations to help scouts work on money management badges. Girl Scout Brownies and Juniors, grades 2nd - 5th, and Cub Scouts, grades 1st - 5th will be attending with their troop or family. 60 scouts are expected to attend. For more information, contact Roxanne Fuller at Consumer Credit Counseling Services at waterloocr@cccsia.org or 319-234-0661.
Fifth graders throughout the metro area are participating in a coloring contest titled, “What Are You Saving For?” Each school will select a winning entry, with results announced during Money Smart Week. Prizes from Money Smart Week partnering businesses will be awarded. These savings tips were shared with each student:
1) Pay Yourself First. Every time you receive money as a gift or get paid for a job, set aside some of that money before you spend.
2) Focus on a goal. Keep your reasons for saving money top of mind. Post a savings goal on a mirror so you see it daily.
3) Comparison shop. Compare prices on the same or similar items at several stores to make sure you’re getting the best price.
4) Track your spending habits. Keep a listing of everything you purchase, from bubble gum to shoes and CDs. Knowing where you spend your money will help you save for the future.
For more information on the essay contest, contact Crystal Buzza, at the Waterloo Community Schools at buzzac@waterloo.k12.ia.us or 319.433.1842.
A complete list of the week’s activities can be found at www.moneysmartweek.org/iowa.
For more information, contact: Sheila Baird at 319.235.6211, Ext. 21 or sheila.baird@cvuw.org.
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