Get Smart About Your Money

By Amy Holzworth, Librarian at Old Town Library

A recent Motley Fool article described the finances of an “average American.” Their research suggests improvements in Americans’ financial literacy and management including a 5-point higher average FICO credit score of 700 and an increase in the average personal savings rate from 1.9% in 2005 to 5.5% today. (However, experts still recommend saving at least 10% each month.)

But the report also pointed to areas for improvement and reminded readers that the majority of us don’t fall into the “average American” category, and there is still plenty for us to learn.

So what can you do you improve your financial literacy and success?

Join us for workshops and activities during National Money Smart Week, April 22-29.

Poudre River Public Library District will host focused presentations by financial experts, institutions, and community agencies designed to help you learn to better manage your personal finances. (See list of programs below.) There will also be interactive displays at each location for children because it’s never too early to start learning about money. Other fun children’s activities include special-themed storytimes at Old Town Library and a kids-only contest to guess the number of pennies in a jar. The winner gets to take home the entire penny jar along with a new piggy bank.

The Library District participates each year in #MoneySmartWeek to bring awareness to the importance of strong financial literacy and personal money management skills. Any lack in financial knowledge has broad implications for budgeting and saving, purchasing a home, planning for retirement, and other critical financial choices.

The Library District also offers many year-round financial education resources. We hope you take advantage of the variety of classes and activities available to you next week, from understanding credit scores to basic budgeting, but don’t overlook these additional great resources.

Money Matters Program Series

Each month the award-winning Money Matters Series, presented by local financial planning professionals, examines financial topics like estate planning, student loan strategies, understanding social security options, and others. Each presentation is free and does not require registration.

eResources for Financial Education

• Search for articles on any number of financial topics using the Library’s “Article Search” option on the website. You can also do a “Catalog Search” for books, eBooks, and more.
• Read full-text articles from Consumer Reports through EBSCO about everything from marketplace economics to consumer product reviews.
• Jump$tart is a coalition of diverse financial education organizations working together to offer financial smarts for kids. This resource offers educational materials, activities, and initiatives for lifelong financial success.
• The FDIC Money Smart financial education program is a curriculum available in both English and Spanish for consumers of all ages.
• The comprehensive Lynda.com resource includes access to free courses on QuickBooks, Quicken, personal finance tips, investment basics, and much more.
• Morningstar Mutual Funds database provides fast and easy access to Morningstar’s investment research, mutual fund information, and more.
• Information about more than 1,700 stocks, the economy, and the stock market is available through Value Line, an in-library eResource for new and veteran investors. (In-library use only)
• Zinio offers access to 55 popular magazines including Economist, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

2017 Money Smart Week Activities

Storytimes at Old Town Library

 Workshops & Classes