During this rough economic period, the third annual Money Smart Week could help.
Over 600 activities, classes and events are being offered throughout the state this week during this year's Financial Literacy Campaign, offering a great opportunity to gain money skills at a time when many of us are concerned about our money.
"Money Smart Week is actually a public awareness campaign that aims to build financial knowledge for Wisconsin citizens so that they can become more financially fit."
Department of Financial Institutions Secretary Lorrie Keating Heinemann says the goal of the campaign is to help improve financial literacy for families, students, homeowners, business-people, employees and other community members, allowing us to expand our opportunities. Heinemann says most of us could potentially benefit from the information available on various topics.
"One is family financial fitness; another one is understanding your credit score; another one would be regarding senior citizens and understanding what your portfolio is like. So there are really all sorts of topics for every single age group."
With the stock market going down, Heinemann says it's important to know your strategy and stick with it for the long term. Financial experts can help you to establish your portfolio, and help plan for the level of risk you're willing to take. Visit MoneySmartWi.org to find events in your area. Guidelines prohibit the promotion of products, services or sales pitches at events.
The statewide initiative runs October 12-18.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:32 MP3)
