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WVU Extension encourages West Virginians to take advantage of financial literacy opportunities during Money Smart Week

White background with text that reads "Money Smart Week. April 15-21, 2023."

Research shows that money is one of our biggest stressors. However, according to West Virginia University Extension’s Financial Literacy Education Team, if you learn how to manage your money and make confident financial decisions, you’re more likely to feel secure and satisfied in life.

To help jumpstart your financial literacy journey, all West Virginians are invited to participate in Money Smart Week, April 15-21.

This free weeklong virtual initiative aims to help people in all stages of life learn to better manage their personal finances. This year’s program is focused on helping those who live in low- and moderate-income communities.

“Everyone can benefit from financial literacy education, even those of us who have been teaching personal finance classes for years. We can always learn something new,” Lauren Weatherford, WVU Extension agent in Fayette and Nicholas counties, said. “The short, easy to follow lessons available throughout Money Smart Week are rich in content and bring attention to a variety of important topics.”

Throughout the week, various topics will be presented during quick, 15- to 20-minute webinars, which means participants can increase their financial literacy without giving up much of their time.

The schedule and topics include:

  • Monday, April 17 at 2 p.m. (1 p.m. CT) – Family Budgeting
  • Tuesday, April 18 at 2 p.m. (1 p.m. CT) – Instituciones Financieras (Financial Institutions), conducted in Spanish with English captions
  • Wednesday, April 19 at 2 p.m. (1 p.m. CT) – Debt Relief
  • Thursday, April 20 at 2 p.m. (1 p.m. CT) – Employer Retirement Plans 

Registration and more details are available at moneysmartweek.org. Events are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is encouraged. Questions for the presenters can be submitted during the registration process.

“Participating in Money Smart Week is the perfect way to test and expand your financial knowledge. At WVU Extension, we want to help every West Virginian become more financially literate,” Jennifer Friend, WVU Extension agent in Harrison County, said. “Spending just 15 minutes learning more about a topic, like saving for retirement or budgeting, can help you live a less stressful, more comfortable life.”

Encouraging participation in Money Smart Week and other financial literacy education opportunities is just one small part of the Financial Literacy Education Team’s role. The goal of this team is to create statewide programming that addresses finances at every life stage, from basic money skills for kids to end-of-life planning for adults.

To learn more about WVU Extension programs, visit extension.wvu.edu, or contact your local WVU Extension office. Keep up with the latest in WVU Extension news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by following @WVUExtension.  
 
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hb/04/13/23
 
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CONTACT: Hannah Booth
Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications
WVU Extension
304-293-8701; hannah.booth@mail.wvu.edu