Money Smart Week coming

Free classes aimed at promoting financial literacy for all age groups will be offered at various Peoria-area locations throughout next week, part of the annual Money Smart Week event.

It all starts Saturday and continues through April 12.

Money Smart Week, which was started in 2002 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, is a public awareness company intended to improve money management skills throughout the region, relies on the collaborative efforts of hundreds of organizations, from private businesses to government agencies, financial institutions, schools, libraries and not-for-profit organizations.

Classes are offered to all demographics and income levels and covers all facets of personal finance, from establishing a personal budget to buying a home to estate planning.

Class titles include:

·         Solving the Mystery of Credit Reports

·         Wealth Management Strategies for Women

·         The ABCs of Home Ownership

·         Budgeting for Low Income Individuals

·         Gluten Free on a Budget

·         Getting More Nutrition Bang for Your Buck

·         Pitfalls of Payday Lending, Title Loans & Rent To Own

In addition, there will be Kids and Money reading programs at the Peoria Public Library and free income tax preparation events at METEC Resource Center, 2605 W. Krause Ave. in Peoria during the day April 5, 8 and 12.

Also, there are Money Smart Week competitions for children and financial literacy games as well as links available at www.moneysmartweek.org for teacher guides to financial literacy.

For more information about Money Smart Week classes, locations, and times, log on to www.moneysmartweek.org or visit any branch of the Peoria Public Library for a Money Smart Week Calendar of Events.