As the economy begins to recover, many people are beginning to look for ways to bolster their savings accounts and prepare for the future including retirement, college and investing. However, many Coloradans don’t know where to begin or may not feel confident about their financial know-how after the recent economic crisis.
Now, consumers of any age have an opportunity to participate in the fifth annual Money Smart Colorado, a week-long public awareness campaign around personal finances. From April 20 to 27, financial institutions, businesses, schools, libraries and other organizations around the state will team together to offer a variety of activities to help consumers increase their knowledge and confidence about their personal finances. Topics include:
- Budgeting and Financial Planning
- College Financing
- Credit and Debit Management
- Health Insurance and Medical Planning
- Saving and Investing
- Tax Education
“There are many organizations and individuals out there who understand that we really need to jump start our financial education in the United States” says Stacee Montague, public affairs director for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Denver Branch, which is a fifth year Money Smart Colorado partner. “By starting at home and highlighting all of our efforts in one week we hope to let the people of Colorado know that resources are available to help them learn more about their personal financial any time during the year.”
The goal of Money Smart Colorado is to provide workshops, seminars, programs, events and resources to help families, students, homeowners, businesspersons, employees and other community members expand their opportunities through improved financial understanding. Most events are free, offer unbiased financial education and are offered across the state of Colorado. Already, 73 partners have agreed to offer over 170 events statewide, as well as information and promotional resources to raise awareness of the importance of financial literacy education and the tools and resources available. Events and partners are listed at www.moneysmartcolorado.org.
“Money Smart Colorado offers learning opportunities and resources for everyone, regardless of geography, age or financial situation,” says CJ Juleff, executive director of the Colorado Jump$tart Coalition. “Most of us could benefit from a better understanding of our own financial situation.”
Money Smart Colorado is coordinated by the Colorado Jump$tart Coalition for personal financial literacy, a nonprofit coalition created to help Coloradans of all ages improve their level of financial literacy. Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc. is a founding member of the Colorado Jump$tart Coalition and a Money Smart Colorado Week partner. For more about Money Smart Colorado, including a complete listing of state-wide events, visit www.MoneySmartColorado.org.
