Money Smart Week 2008 will be celebrated throughout central Illinois from April 6-12. Over 100 financial literacy events will be held throughout the week at a wide variety of venues and times throughout Champaign County. These free seminars are sponsored by area financial institutions, businesses, government agencies, schools, and libraries to promote personal financial education for Champaign County residents. For more information on area activities, visit www.moneysmartweek.org/illinois.

Money Smart Week was first celebrated in 2002 in Chicago and is sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The effort provides financial information for consumers by bringing together numerous organizations that share expertise and leverage limited resources. Today Money Smart Week is celebrated throughout the Chicago Federal Reserve district in Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Money Smart Week is celebrated in 2008 in Peoria, Bloomington, and Champaign County.

Three unique contests are focused on youth financial literacy during Money Smart Week.

• National City Bank is sponsoring "A Penny Saved" coloring contest for children age 10 and younger. Coloring sheets are now available at any National City Bank facility in Champaign County. They are due by April 11 and the winner will receive a $50 VISA gift card.
• The Money Smart Kid essay contest is open to Champaign County students in grade 6-8. The 300 word essay answers a question on how to accomplish the dream of attending college when parents have limited resources. Essays are due at the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago by March 27. Four finalists will be selected and one "Money Smart Kid" will be selected. The winner will receive a $500 scholarship from Marine Bank and runner-up will receive a $250 scholarship from Central Illinois Credit Union.
• The University Of Illinois Department of Finance in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago presents a Video Essay Contest for high school and university students. Submissions are due by March 31 and winners will be announced during Money Smart Week. First prize winners for high school and college student categories will receive a $5000 scholarship donated by Jim and Dena Vermette, People's Choice Award winner will receive a $500 scholarship donated by A. G. Edwards, and the Teacher's Award winner will receive a $250 award donated by Felmley-Dickerson Co.

With the recent meltdown on Wall Street, financial literacy has come to the forefront for all Americans. The seminars offer something for everyone and are at convenient times and locations throughout Champaign County. If you would like to receive a Money Smart Week Event calendar, just phone the office at (217) 333-7672 and we will send one to you.