Schaumburg library hosting Money Smart Week events
Oh that Ben Franklin - he really had a handle on the issue of money, and certainly worked hard to earn his income. In honor of the upcoming Money Smart Week, here's one of my favorite Franklin quotes - short, simple and to the point: "If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting." He makes it sound so easy; yet putting that sentiment into practice seems to elude many of us.
Unfortunately, old Ben isn't around to provide his expertise with saving, investing or planning for retirement, but the Schaumburg Township District Library and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago are ready and willing to step in. Money Smart Week is a free series of workshops and seminars that begins Monday, April 19 with "Informed Investing" at 7:30 p.m. in the Adult Classroom. Presented by Karen Chan of the University of Illinois Extension, this seminar will provide information on choosing investments in your retirement plan or IRA and help participants understand key investment concepts.
The following night, Tuesday, April 20, we will present "Ready, Set, Retire" at 7:30 p.m. in the Rasmussen North Room. Attendees within 20 years of retirement will learn about wealth management, long term care insurance and estate preservation and planning. Topics will also include saving for retirement, figuring out if you can comfortably retire, and determining the best time to start receiving Social Security. This program will be presented by Bill Kmiecik of Wisdom Investments.
Those who are already retired or within a year of retirement may want to attend "Smart Choices in Retirement" at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 21 in the Rasmussen North Room. This program will help you work toward achieving a stable, steady income and present 10 key principles to keep you on the right track. Presented by Erik Schmidt of Edward Jones Investments.
Money Smart Week will conclude with "Credit Scoring and Your FICO Score" from 7-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 21 at the Hoffman Estates Branch Library. Sheila Schwartz of the Hoffman Estates Community Bank will lead an informative seminar on credit scoring. Knowledge of your credit score number can help you better manage your personal finances.
"We are excited, as always, to be part of Money Smart Week," said STDL Director Stephanie Sarnoff. "Our free workshops and seminars will provide a wealth of information that can certainly be used in these tough economic times and even in good times. We invite the community to come and take advantage of the knowledge provided by these financial experts."
Money Smart Programs are free and open to all. Simply call (847) 923-3347 to register.