Money Smart Week Classes Offered in St. Charles

Delia Domingo Davis of 's got into banking to help people manage their finances. She thinks money decisions produce financial security more than high income levels.

So the membership banking officer knew she had to be a part of the upcoming Money Smart Week St. Louis. The week, which runs from April 21-28, will feature a series of 200 free or low-cost classes throughout the area aimed at raising awareness about personal finance.

It is the first time the event has happened in St. Louis. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago organized the first Money Smart Week in 2002 as a coalition of government agencies, nonprofits and others. Missouri is the 13th state to host the event.

Fifth Third in Clayton is one of the many entities that will hold classes during the week. Topics offered by the bank will include savings and budgeting, credit and identity theft. As with other participants, the bank will cover the cost of its classes.

The week is aimed at boosting people's financial literacy. To Domingo Davis, that term means three things—knowledge of money tools such as 529s and IRAs; perspective and planning for long-term financial needs such as college and retirement; and an understanding of the time value of money.

After the week ends, a variety of financial resources will remain available to St. Louisans, Domingo Davis said. The event has heightened the partnership among the region's banks, and it should serve to raise awareness of the resources banks offer. Regional organizations such as Beyond Housing also provide valuable resources, she said.

Those interested in participating in Money Smart Week can identify classes of interest by:

• Calling 211 for a full directory
• Going to moneysmartstl.org
• Picking up a calendar from a St. Louis library
• Grabbing Thursday's St. Louis American, which has an 8-page financial information insert

Companies or organizations interested in leading classes this year or next can register by going to moneysmartstl.org.

St. Charles Events

• Money Smart Kids Read: Read the Berenstain Bears Dollars and Sense book and discuss smart money habits and participate in a money activity at Branch. Geared toward kids in kindergarten through 6th grade. Event is 10-11 a.m. April 21.
• How to Obtain and Read Your Credit Report: Learn how to understand and get a copy of your credit report in a one-on-one confidential meeting. Offered at ClearPoint Credit Counseling, 1600 Heritage Landing, Suite 104, from 4-7 p.m. April 24. Contact Duane Youngman at duane.youngman@clearpointccs.org for more information.
• Home Buying Basics: Learn about the things you need to know when buying a new home. Event is from 2-3:30 p.m. April 26 at Pulaski Bank, 1700 O'Fallon Road, St. Charles, 63304.