CHICAGO- (February 24, 2017) – Hundreds of free financial education classes and seminars for consumers will be held throughout the Chicago metropolitan area April 22-29 during the 16th-annual Chicago Money Smart Week.

Classes are open to people of all ages at businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, community organizations and government agencies throughout the Chicago area. The classes are designed to help consumers make informed decisions about their personal finances and are being put on by a broad coalition of local and regional partnering organizations.

The educational events will cover a wide variety of money-management topics including saving money and building wealth, using credit wisely, and financial education for children. Print calendars listing the complete list of classes in the Chicago area will be available at Chicago public libraries and various suburban libraries. These will help consumers find a class in their area. An online calendar of classes in the Chicago area is also available at www.moneysmartweek.org.

“Money Smart Week is a great opportunity for consumers to learn more about managing their personal finances,” said Heather Greenwell, Outreach Program Lead, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, which coordinates the campaign. “There are all types of free classes being carried out by partners throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.”

Chicago Money Smart Week was started in 2002 in Chicago with just 40 programs. It has expanded significantly since then. According to participants who filled out exit surveys in recent years, most indicate they’re likely to change the way they manage their money after attending a Money Smart Week class.

Created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002, Money Smart Week® is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. This is achieved through the collaboration and coordinated effort of thousands of organizations across the country including businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, not-for-profits, government agencies and the media. Programming is offered to all demographics and income levels and covers all facets of personal finance. Partnering organizations will host their events April 22 - 29, 2017. For more information about events or becoming a partner, visit www.moneysmartweek.org.

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