Money Smart Week 2022

 

April 9-16, 2022

Money Smart Week is 100% free and open to the public!

Find the schedule of events below. All webinars will be held virtually in Mountain Time (MT).

Register Now

 

Schedule of Events

• Monday, April 11 @ 12:00pm: Spend Smart. Eat Smart.

  Do you find that you are overspending on food and groceries? Or, do you want to adjust your food budget to cover other necessary bills? In this session, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will:

  • Assess recommended guidelines for spending on groceries.
  • Walk through user-friendly tools to help you make informed decisions on grocery purchases.
  • Review planning ideas that can let you take charge of your food budget in a way that works best for your household.

   
  Leave the session with access to Spend Smart. Eat Smart. resources that make it easy to eat well on a budget.

  Presented by: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

  • Suzanne Bartholomae, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist, Financial Health and Wellbeing, Department of Human Development and Family Studies
  • Christine Hradek, MPH, Coordinator, SNAP-Ed and EFNEP Programs, Human Sciences Extension and Outreach

   
  Register Now

  
  About the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach:
  Iowa State University Extension and Outreach builds a strong Iowa through research, education, and technology to address current and emerging challenges. ISU’s Human Sciences Extension and Outreach empowers people to live their best lives by providing research-based education focusing on financial health and well-being, food and nutrition, family well-being, and more. More information can be found at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/.

• Tuesday, April 12 @ 12:00pm: Credit: Build It and Improve It

  Is your credit keeping you from the home, car, or job of your choice? In this session, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will:

  • Explain what a credit score is and how it changes.
  • Introduce key steps you can take to boost your credit score.

   
  Leave the session with tools to help you monitor and address common issues in your credit report that could be unfairly impacting your score. This session will include links to the CFPB’s free publications and resources so you understand your rights.

  Presented by: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

  • Heather Brown, Ed.D, CFPB FinEx Program Lead
  • Eileen Marutiak, CFPB, Community Affairs Outreach Specialist

   
  Register Now

  
  About the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:
  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a 21st-century agency that implements and enforces federal consumer financial law and ensures that markets for consumer financial products are fair, transparent, and competitive.

• Wednesday, April 13 @ 12:00pm: Buying or Refinancing a New Home: Options and Tools

  Are you thinking about buying a new home or refinancing a current home? Are you unsure how to find a reputable lender and low-risk loan? In this session, North West Housing Partnership will:

  • Outline the home buying (or refinancing) process, including lending considerations.
  • Explain predatory lending.
  • Cover common characteristics of housing discrimination and predatory lending.
  • Provide tips and tools to avoid predatory lenders.

   
  Leave the session with an understanding of the steps involved in buying or refinancing a home, including what a reputable lender and credible loan should look like. Leave the session prepared to sign new home loan documents with confidence!

  Presented by: North West Housing Partnership

  • Paula Bush, ECHM, Associate Director, HUD Certified Housing Counselor, North West Housing Partnership
  • Michelle S. Hill, ECHM, Program Manager, HUD Certified Housing Counselor, North West Housing Partnership

   
  Register Now

  
  About the North West Housing Partnership:
  North West Housing Partnership was incorporated in 1990 as a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and implementing programs that promote economically diverse housing. These programs include education and counseling as well as the construction of new housing and rehabilitation of existing housing. Homeownership is a priority as well as maintaining and increasing the supply of rental housing attainable to populations with limited income.

• Thursday, April 14 @ 12:00pm: Social Security: Understanding Retirement, Spouse and Survivor Benefits

  Social Security touches the lives of every American and is a vital part of any financial plan. Securing today and tomorrow starts with being informed. In this session with the Social Security Administration:

  • Learn the entitlement factors for retirement, spouse, ex-spouse, and survivor benefits.
  • Gain an understanding of the options to start benefits at various ages and the effect of wages on them.
  • Expand your knowledge of Social Security’s online tools and resources at www.ssa.gov, including applying for benefits.

   
  To enhance your experience, have your Social Security statement with you by going to www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

  Presented by: Social Security Administration

  • Doug Nguyen, Social Security Administration Regional Communications Director
  • Charo Boyd, Social Security Administration, Public Affairs Specialist

   
  Register Now

  
  About the Social Security Administration:
  Social Security has provided financial protection for our nation's people for over 80 years. Chances are, you either receive Social Security benefits or know someone who does. With retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, Social Security is one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in our nation's history. We are passionate about supporting our customers by delivering financial support, providing superior customer service, and ensuring the safety and security of your information — helping you secure today and tomorrow.