Press Releases

For Immediate Release

October 08, 2008 Contact: Charles Evenson
608-266-2026

DFI Secretary Heinemann Urges Participation in Third Annual Money Smart Week

2008 Financial Literacy Campaign Offers 100s of Free Events

(Madison) DFI Secretary Lorrie Keating Heinemann today urged Wisconsin citizens to take advantage of the third annual Money Smart Week Wisconsin^SM (MSWW) campaign. The statewide initiative runs October 12-18. It offers over 600 activities, classes and events, nearly all of which are free and open to the public. Secretary Heinemann also singled out planning committees around the state for their exceptional work in preparing for the campaign.

“Money Smart Week 2008 offers a great opportunity to gain money skills at a time when people are concerned about their money,” said Secretary Heinemann. “Planning committees have done an amazing job of preparation this year. They are continuing successful events of the past two years and trying new approaches in 2008. Their efforts to deliver quality financial education make this year’s campaign the best ever. I urge everyone to take advantage of it.”

She cited several examples.

The Milwaukee Area planning committee will offer several popular events at least three times in 2008. The new scheduling arrangement means a participant does not have to choose between two or more events. Instead, the repetition in offerings means several opportunities are available to attend a specific event—ensuring it will not be missed.
The Fox Cities planning committee has organized a major event—Family Night at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center—featuring nationally known author and speaker Glinda Bridgforth, one of Oprah’s Debt Diet Coaches. Details of a four-month Money Smart Financial Makeover Challenge will also be unveiled.
Dane County is again offering its popular “Power of Change” Family Festival. The event that has been a big hit in the past includes booths, prizes and refreshments plus visits by a magician and Bucky Badger.
Manitowoc County (MC) is offering Healthy Women with Healthy Finances: They’re Both Possible featuring Wendy Bauman, president of the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. as keynote speaker. While geared towards women, men are also welcome. Manitowoc County is also partnering with AARP Wisconsin for presentations on avoiding fraud and scams.

The complete calendar of events can be found at: www.moneysmartwi.org.

Thirteen state areas have organized planning committees for the 2008 campaign. The committees include Dane County, Eau Claire Area, Fond du Lac County, Fox Cities Area, Green Bay Area, La Crosse County, Manitowoc County, Menomonee County/Nation, Milwaukee Area, Northwest Wisconsin Area (with sub committees including Spooner area and Northwest WI, Hayward Area, Superior Area and Polk County), Sheboygan County, Washington County and Wausau Area.

Governor Doyle’s Council on Financial Literacy created Money Smart Week WisconsinSM three years ago in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The Council modeled the initiative after similar campaigns run by the Chicago Fed in the cities of Detroit and Chicago. Wisconsin’s campaign has the support of the Federal Reserve Banks of both Chicago and Minneapolis. Secretary Heinemann serves as chair of the Council and First Lady Jessica Doyle serves as its honorary chair.

The campaign’s goal is to help families, students, homeowners, businesspersons, employees and other community members expand their opportunities by improving their financial literacy. MSWW guidelines prohibit promotion of products, services or sales pitches at events. For more information contact David Mancl, Director of DFI’s Office of Financial Literacy at 608-261-9540 or email him at david.mancl@dfi.wisconsin.gov.