WESST PRESS RELEASES

Money Smart Week partner organizations will host a Friday kickoff for Money Smart Week (MSW), featuring a series of events designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances.

The Money Smart Week (MSW) Kick-off event will be held on Friday, April 22, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at WESST, 609 Broadway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. The program will include a press conference, FREE giveaways, and four classes: 

Silver Security Presentation – Our goal is to help Adults and Seniors understand not only the risks that come with using the Internet, but also the importance of practicing safe online behavior. Presented by Patrick P. Stewart, Program Advisor, Office of the Attorney General (held from 9:30-10:30am).

Money Matters – By the end of this course, participants will understand how to manage money by preparing a personal spending plan and identifying ways to decrease spending and increase income. Presented by Heather Johnson, First National Rio Grande Bank (held from 11:30am-1:00pm).

Break Even Analysis – Learn a simple tool for determining break-even for your business. Also learn how to use this tool to give you clues into your pricing strategies. Presented by Kim Bleuher and Clint Reecer, WESST (held from 12:00-1:30pm).

Financial Services Career Exploration – Running Start for Careers Teen Financial Literacy Class. Presented by Jonathan Schaumberg, Nusenda (held from 3:00-4:00pm).

Money Smart Week, a collaborative effort with local nonprofits and financial institutions, is designed to educate consumers about money management and create awareness of financial education programs on topics such as budgeting, saving and using credit wisely.

“My office is working with our partners across the state to empower New Mexico youth, families and senior citizens to be informed consumers and to make smart financial decisions,” said Attorney General Balderas. “As someone who grew up in an impoverished community, I can relate firsthand to the great need and importance of financial literacy to help our children and families succeed. I encourage all New Mexicans to take advantage of these free trainings during Money Smart Week and throughout the year.”

“Managing your money wisely is crucial to planning for the future and making personal and business financial decisions,” said Agnes Noonan, President of WESST. “I’m excited to partner with organizations across Bernalillo County to bring Money Smart Week to Central New Mexico, and encourage everyone to take advantage of these free events. Whether you’re saving to buy a house, have questions about student loans or just want to sharpen your basic budgeting skills, there’s a class that will help you make smart decisions and gain financial independence.”

Money Smart Week runs April 22-29. More information on the events, including personal finance classes in English and Spanish, is available on the Money Smart Week website at www.MoneySmartWeek.org.

Be a part of it. Learn to be Money Smart.