Events - 
Money Smart Week 2022 will be held Saturday, April 9 – Saturday, April 16 .
This week-long free virtual campaign aims to help people better manage their personal finances with a focus on those hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spend Smart. Eat Smart.
Monday, April 11, 2022 @ 1pm CTDo you find that you are overspending on food and groceries? Or do you want to adjust your food budget to cover other necessary bills? In this session, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will:
  • Assess recommended guidelines for spending on groceries.
  • ​Walk through user-friendly tools to help you make informed decisions on grocery purchases.
  • Review planning ideas that can let you take charge of your food budget in a way that works best for your household.
Leave the session with access to Spend Smart. Eat Smart. resources that make it easy to eat well on a budget, courtesy of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Submit your questions during the registration process.




Credit: Build & Improve It
Tuesday, April 12, 2022 @ 1pm CTIs your credit keeping you from the home, car, or job of your choice? In this session, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will explain what a credit score is and how it changes as well as introduce key steps you can take to boost your credit score.
During this presentation, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will highlight tools to help you monitor and address common issues in your credit report that could be unfairly impacting your score. This session will include links to the CFPB’s free publications and resources so you understand your rights.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Submit your questions during the registration process.




Buying or Refinancing a Home: Options and Tools
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 @ 1pm CTAre you thinking about buying a new home or refinancing a current home? Are you unsure how to find a reputable lender and low-risk loan? In this session, North West Housing Partnership will: 
  • Outline the home buying (or refinancing) process, including lending considerations. 
  • Explain predatory lending.
  • Cover common characteristics of housing discrimination and predatory lending.
  • Provide tips and tools to avoid predatory lenders.
Leave the session with an understanding of the steps involved in buying or refinancing a home, including what a reputable lender and credible loan should look like. Leave the session prepared to sign new home loan documents with confidence! 
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Submit your questions during the registration process.




Understanding Social Security Retirement, Spouse, and Survivor Benefits
Thursday, April 14, 2022 @ 1pm CTSocial Security touches the lives of every American and is a vital part of any financial plan. Securing today and tomorrow starts with being informed. 
In this session with the Social Security Administration: 
  • Learn the entitlement factors for retirement, spouse, ex-spouse, and survivor benefits. 
  • Gain an understanding of the options to start benefits at various ages and the effect of wages on them. 
  • Expand your knowledge of Social Security’s online tools and resources at www.ssa.gov, including applying for benefits.
To enhance your experience, have your Social Security statement with you by going to www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is advised. Submit your questions during the registration process.