First organized in July 2001 by a collaboration of Chicago-area organizations and directed by the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank, Money Smart Week has grown and become an annual public awareness campaign promoting personal financial literacy across the nation. During the six days of Money Smart Week, participating organizations from community groups, financial institutions, and government agencies will host events to educate the general public on smart money practices. This year, Money Smart Week will be from Monday, April 24^th to Saturday, April 29^th.There are several opportunities to attend events in Indiana with hosts including the Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson, AARP Indiana, The Social Security Administration, The Indy Star, Indiana Legal Services, and more. Below are some events that will be held throughout the state, but please use the Official Money Smart Week Event Page to find an event near you.

Tippecanoe County: Events will be held on Purdue University’s campus beginning on Monday, April 24^th.The Indiana Assets & Opportunity Network joined HomesteadCS and Purdue Federal Credit Union to present to Purdue University staff members, students, and interested community members about the predatory nature of Payday lending. The presentation took place at Purdue University’s Horticulture Building room 117 at 12pm and at 5pm. A recording of the presentation will be made available to the public. On April 28^th, a seminar on Homebuyer Education will be held in the Horticulture Building room 117 at Purdue University from 12pm-1pm. This event is open for students, faculty, and staff.

Marion County: Events will be held throughout Indianapolis including an Indy Star Call for Action event on Tuesday, April 25^th from 4:30pm-8pm. The event will take place at the John Boner Community Center at 2236 E. 10^th St. and will provide consumer advice through free attorney consultations available in both Spanish and English.

On Wednesday, April 26^th from 9:30am-12pm there will be a viewing of $CAMMED: Investment Fraud Revealed—a thirty-minute documentary about investor fraud in Indiana. Afterwards, investigative reporter for RTV6 Rafael Sanchez will M.C. the event with a panel of experts including Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Deputy Attorney General Steve Frank, Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Cindy Oetjen, and Dr. Mary Guerriero Austrom from the Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Center, among others.  The event will be held at North United Methodist Church on 3808 N. Meridian St.

On Saturday, April 29^th the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and the Indianapolis Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority will present Women Building Our Financial Legacy: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Social Security & Investments. The event will begin at 8:30am at the New Direction Church located on 5330 E. 38^th St. Breakfast will be provided, but please RSVP by Thursday, April 27^th through the eventbrite page or 317-748-3195.

Johnson County: Kelly Griese, an Investor Education Coordinator from the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office will provide a free fraud prevention presentation on Tuesday, April 25^th, from 6:30-8:00pm. The presentation will be held at Prince of Peace United Church of Christ on 3050 West Smokey Row Road, Bargersville and will cover the latest scams and techniques used by fraudsters, how to request and review your credit report, how to freeze your credit, and how to report fraud. Seating is limited so please register online at center.com/register or by calling Pastor Joan Dell at 317-535-7712.

Webinar: On Tuesday, April 25^th from 11am-12pm, the Social Security Administration will host a Social Security Retirement Planning webinar. Register to attend the webinar at attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6272735108852379650 in order to learn more about the many factors to consider when deciding when to start receiving your Social Security benefits.

Through the joint efforts of dedicated individuals, agencies, community organizations, and financial institutions, Money Smart Week will empower Americans in all fifty states with the knowledge and tools to become financially stable. Please join us by finding an event near you through the Official Money Smart Week Event Page.