A father and his daughter count channge

About Us

Money Smart Week is a national public education program coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago that empowers people with the knowledge and skills to make better-informed personal financial decisions.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago coordinates Money Smart Week as part of its outreach efforts to support effective policy-making and the economic development of all 7th District communities through promoting and contributing to economic and financial education.

History

Money Smart Week began in 2002 as a coordinated effort of more than 40 Chicago-area organizations working together to promote financial literacy. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago convened these members to share resources and ideas to achieve greater public awareness of the programs and services available in the city of Chicago.

Charles Evans, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

“Money Smart Week helps people from all backgrounds build financial capability. When consumers learn how to best save, spend, plan, and invest, they can take steps toward securing their financial futures. A community of well-informed consumers helps support a healthy economy.”

— Charles L. Evans, President & CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Carol and Phil Battaglia

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve attended events that have brought us through retirement planning to estate planning. We’ve implemented knowledge gained from these engaging events to help make the best financial decisions for our family."

— Carol and Phil Battaglia, Money Smart Week attendees

Michael Dowling, wearing a grey sweater.

“Financial education is critical to keeping a community’s economy healthy, and that is why libraries are joining-in to help. Money Smart Week has been critical in getting both large and small libraries to contribute and transform their communities. The American Library Association’s motto is ‘Libraries Transform’ and participating in Money Smart Week is one of the ways we do this.”

Michael Dowling, Director, International and Chapter Relations Offices, American Library Association

2022 Annual Report

7,315

Registrations

49

States

4

Events

2.6

Average Sessions Per Registrant

Report Archive

Learn about past Money Smart Week campaigns by reading the highlights and stories found in our previous years’ annual reports.

Read 2021 Annual Report