Libraries across the country will participate in Money Smart Week®, April 9-16. The virtual events will focus on financial matters as diverse as overspending on groceries, building and improving credit, buying a first home, and understanding Social Security benefits.
Created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002, Money Smart Week® is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. The American Library Association is among several participating partner organizations.
The Greater County Library encourages community members to join one of four webinars offered starting April 11. If you miss the webinars, always check MoneySmartWeek.org for resources and video clips.
Tired of going to the grocery store and coming away with a few bags of groceries and a bill over $100? Presenters from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will provide attendees with recommended grocery spending guidelines, user-friendly tools to help you make informed decisions, and ideas for supporting your food budget that’s right for your household. .
Do you know what a credit score is and how it changes? The Tuesday noon webinar is about credit: build it and improve it! Not only will attendees learn about credit, but also how to monitor and resolve common issues in your credit report, as well as free publications and resources to help you understand your rights.
For those of you who were unable to attend the first-time buyer course given by Yolanda Jurgensen at the Granby Library in February, you might be interested in Buying or refinancing a house: options and tools. This webinar will help you find a reputable lender and identify low-risk loans, as well as explain predatory lending and avoid predatory lenders. You’ll be ready to sign new home loan documents with confidence!
And the final webinar on Thursday, April 14 is presented by the Social Security Administration. Gain a better understanding of Social Security and entitlement factors as well as options for starting benefits at different ages and the effect of wages on them. This session will review the Social Security Administration’s online tools and resources, including applying for benefits.
Libraries are forums for information and ideas. If you can’t attend one of the webinars above, contact a librarian who can help you locate other resources, physical or digital. Many courses, books, tax forms and videos are available through the Grand County Library District.
For more information, please visit the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Money Smart Week page or view the program schedule on GCLD.org.
