Today begins America Saves Week 2008! Our local affiliate, Champaign County Saves, offers numerous opportunities for you to learn more about financial management during the week. Here are the America Saves Week activities that are free and open to the public.

Monday, February 25

• America Saves Week Kickoff and Financial Education Summit is at 10 a.m. at the new Champaign Public Library at 200 W. Green Street. We will have mayoral proclamations and remarks by Representative Naomi Jacobsson, Kristen Zueck of the Illinois State Treasurer's office, and Donna Greene of Busey Wealth Management. We will then showcase over one dozen area organizations that offer financial education for consumers. Financial education is available from the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, Edward J. Jones Investments, AIG Retirement, National City Bank, BankChampaign, Central Illinois Debt Management & Education, Community Plus Federal Credit Union, Illinois State Treasurer, Salt & Light, Parkland, and U of I Extension.
• "Raising Money Smart Children" seminar is at 6:30 p.m. at the Champaign Public Library. Mike Kessel of Edward D. Jones Investments will present. Please pre-register at 352-0117.
• "Your Money, Your Life" program is 6-8 p.m. at Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation at 302. N. First Street, C. This is the first session in a series that will be held Feb. 25, 26, March 3, 4, 10, & 11. Contact Jessie Connell at 356-1351 for more information.

Tuesday, February 26

• Financial Management Hotline will provide answers to your questions on all phases of money management from 8 – 9 a.m. at 333-7672 on Feb. 26, 27 & 28.
• Small Business Hotline will provide answers to your questions on starting and operating a small business from 8 – 9 a.m. at 378-8535 on Feb. 26, 27, & 28.
• "Building a Strong Financial Foundation" seminar is at 6:30 p.m. at the Champaign Public Library. Mike Kessel of Edward D. Jones Investments will present. Please pre-register at 352-0117.

Wednesday, February 27

• "Money Smart Women" seminar at noon at the Champaign Public Library. Kristen Zueck of Illinois State Treasurer's office will present. Please pre-register at 333-7672.

Thursday, February 28

• "Credit Scores" seminar at 6:30 p.m. at 801 N. Country Fair Drive. Teri Selin of BankChampaign will present. Please pre-register at 333-7672.

Friday, February 29

• "Prevent Identity Theft" seminar at noon at Champaign Public Library. Jason Winnett of the State Treasurer's office will present. Please pre-register at 333-7672.
• 4-H Piggy Bank Pageant entries due to the U of I Extension office by noon.
• Youth Coloring Sheet entries due to the U of I Extension office by noon. Sheets available at Rantoul and Urbana Libraries.

For more information on America Saves Week, phone 333-7672 or visit www.ace.uiuc.edu/cfe/money.saves.html. Build Wealth, Not Debt!