“Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their financial resources,” said Sarina Strack, co-chair of Money Smart Week, at its kick-off event Friday morning in the basement of Central Library, 1301 Olive St.
Strack is senior VP and director of compliance for Midwest BankCentre, one of dozens of financial, governmental and non-profit institutions partnering to produce Money Smart Week in St. Louis, April 5-12. Her co-chair is Debbie Irwin, community economic development director for the United Way of Greater St. Louis, which Irwin described as the “convener” of the partnership.
Strack said Money Smart Week includes events and programs to interest all demographics and income levels, providing information on everything from opening a bank account to investing wisely and planning your estate. But the lead government partner, St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones, pointed out a demographic of urgent need.
“St. Louis tops the nation in the percentage of unbanked and under-banked minorities,” Jones said. “It’s an epidemic. There is an urgent need for financial literacy.”
Money Smart Week continues with hundreds of free events across the metropolitan area. Organizers were especially excited about their first-ever event to reach small children, “Money Smart Kids Safari at the Zoo,” which meets at the Living World Entrance of the St. Louis Zoo at 9 a.m. on Saturday and continues until noon.
For more information about Money Smart Week and full calendar of events. MoneySmartStLOuis.com or refer to the insert included in the March 27 edition of The American.
