Are You Money Smart?

The week of April 20-26, 2008, is "Money Smart Week." Simply put, Money Smart Week is 7 days of free programs and services designed to make you a smarter consumer, entrepreneur and investor. Hundreds of free classes and workshops will be taking place in the Chicago area, under the general sponsorship of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The Des Plaines Public Library is proud to be hosting two free Money Smart events next week.

The first, on Tuesday, April 22, at 4:00 p.m., is a unique program for teens: What Students Need to Know About Credit! It's easier than ever for a young person to receive a line of credit - that can be a good thing, if the student knows how to properly manage it. University of Illinois extension educator on consumer and family economics Kathy Reuter will teach teens how to use credit wisely, how to obtain and maintain good credit and what to do before things go terribly wrong. This program will be particularly useful to college students and those planning on attending college, when students are often bombarded with credit offers. This program is free - you may register online through this link or call (847) 376-2787 for more information/registration.

The second Money Smart program at the library next week is called "Financing Your Small Business." This program will take place on Wednesday, April 23, at 7 p.m. Presenter Kate Johnson of ACCION Chicago will offer a workshop to assist would-be entrepreneurs and established business owners. Topics will include:

• How to approach lenders for financing;
  
• How to become familiar with available loan programs and the criteria lenders use when evaluating applications;
• When not to borrow money.
  
• Johnson will also discuss in detail various loan programs available to the borrower, including bank loans, SBA guarantees, equity providers and not-for-profit loan funds.

Register for this program by clicking on this link, or call (847) 376-2787 for more details and to register by phone.

In today's economic turmoil, you can never be too "money smart," so take advantage of these free educational opportunities, right here at your local public library.

Learn more about Money Smart Week Chicago at this link.
Learn more about ACCION Chicago.
Visit our complete Events calendar.