The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (“ChicagoFed”) in partnership with the American Library Association is sponsoring the “Money Smart Week® (MSW) from April 21-28, 2012. The event offers a series of free classes and activities designed to help consumers become money smart. ChicagoFed has been sponsoring these events, along with other organizations, for ten years. For their 10th anniversary, they expanded the event to multiple states.

The event is also hosting the 2012 MSW Kid Contests. Students from grades 5-8 can enter an essay to win scholarship money. The 2012 essay question is “Give an example of when it is wise to borrow money and when it is not. What factors do you need to consider to help you make a reasonable choice?” The prizes vary for each participating city. For Chicago, the winner will receive $5,000 scholarship and be designated as Chicago’s financial literacy ambassador.

Money Smart Week® classes and events are available in 30 different States (highlighted in green on the map) and are primarily held in libraries. Visit ChicagoFed.org to learn more about the event and to find classes in your area. Below is a sampling of the classes being offered.

Personal Finance 101: Budgeting
Taxes
Credit and Financing: the Road to Owning Your Own Business
Credit and Debt Management
Healthy Habits of Saving
Housing/ Mortgages/ Foreclosures
Unemployment and Job Transitioning
Planning for Financial Emergencies
Smart Money Savings Tips
Money Management for Women
There’s No Place Like Home: Affordable Help
Estate Planning for Seniors
Aging Gracefully
Financial Security and Retirement Planning
Identity Theft for Mid Age Adults to Seniors