Money Smart Week at the Reading Public Library

MONEY SMART WEEK @ The Reading Public Library

April 23-27, 2012

 Did you know that shoppers saved $4.6 billion with coupons in 2011 ($500 million more than the previous year)?  In Hawaii, there is a state law that coins are not allowed to be placed in one’s ears.   According to NFCC (National Foundation for Credit Counseling), one-third of U.S. adults, or more than 77 million Americans, do not pay all of their bills on time.

 Learn even more mind-boggling facts during Money Smart Week at the Reading Public Library from April 22 – 27.  Mark your calendar!  The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago has partnered with the American Library Association (ALA) to offer a public awareness campaign designed to promote personal financial literacy.  This is achieved through the collaboration and coordinated effort of hundreds of organizations across the country including businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, not-for-profits, government agencies and the media. These groups come together once a year to stress the importance of financial literacy, inform consumers about where they can get help and provide free educational seminars and activities throughout the week.  The Reading Public Library has partnered with the Reading Co-operative Bank and the Friends of the Reading Public Library to bring you the Money Smart Week programs and resources. 

CHILDREN’S ROOM

 Be a Smart Saver

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 @ 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room

Learn how to be a smart saver at this Money Smart Week program! Kids in grades 4-6 are encouraged to come learn about why we spend money and get some great strategies about how to save it.

 Thanks to the Reading Co-operative Bank for co-sponsoring this program. They will also have a few freebies for program participants. Free. No registration necessary.

Money is Funny

Thursday, April 26, 2012 @ 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room

Is the biggest coin worth the most? Learn the answer to that and more funny things about money from the staff at the Reading Cooperative Bank.  For children aged 5-7.  Free.  No registration necessary.

TEEN SERVICES

 Check out the Teen Page (http://www.readingpl.org/teens/) for informative websites and games to help tweens and teens become more money savvy. 

ADULT SERVICES

 Money Smart Week: Meet Jamie Chase author of The Lazy Couponer

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 @ 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room

Get some great tips on how to save money by couponing!  Jamie Chase, author of The Lazy Couponer: How to Save $25,000 Per Year in Just 45 Minutes Per Week with No Stockpiling, No Item Tracking, and No Sales Chasing! will present information sure to help you.  Sponsored by the Friends of the RPL.

 Jamie Chase is a family economics expert with a degree in business management and a background in retail management for companies such as Brooks Brothers, JJill, and Filene’s Basement. She is also a wife, mother, and author who understands the value of both the minute and the dollar.

 The Lazy Couponer, reveals her thrifty secrets and shows readers how to save money -- and time -- shopping. Jamie’s techniques address everything from groceries, to gifts, to household items, to clothing, and virtually anything else the American family consumes including healthy foods and eco-friendly shopping.

Personal Money Management with Financial Planner Gino P. Molettieri

Thursday, April 26, 2012 @ 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room

Learn tips on handling your personal finances from managing current cash flow and debts to saving for future goals and a successful retirement.

 Gino P. Moletteri is a registered representative and financial planner with New England Securities and Baystate Financial Services as well as a registered investment adviser.  He holds a degree in economics from Northeastern University and has earned his Charter Mutual Fund Consultant (CMFC) designation. Gino has also formed an alliance with the Reading Co-operative Bank to offer investment, insurance and financial planning needs. Everything from soup to nuts! 

Throughout the week, the Library will offer an itemized list of the average cost for each item you borrow. Learn how much money you save by using the Library.

There will also be displays and a webpage (www.readingpl.org/hottopics/money-smart) with helpful hints to make you a money smart consumer.  Please join us.