University Libraries is holding Money Smart Week again this year in order to help Nevada students become properly educated and comfortable with managing their personal finances. University Libraries in partnership with Greater Nevada Credit Union will offer a variety of free lunchtime seminars inside the Knowledge Nook (MIKC 221) at the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center for interested students during the week of April 1st.

Money Smart Week topics include: Financial Football; Donuts, Dollars and Documentary; and Geocache for College Cash.

On April 1st from 12:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. students can participate in Financial Football, students enjoy free pizza, soft drinks, and other treats, while putting financial literacy skills to the test on the gridiron. Financial Football is a fast-paced, interactive game with 3D graphics and real football gameplay.

On April 2nd from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. students can participate in Donuts, Dollars and Documentary where they can drop by and enjoy free donuts, coffee, and refreshments and watch "Starving the Beast: The Battle to Disrupt and Reform America's Public Universities." A discussion of the film will follow the viewing.

On April 5th from 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m. students can participate in Geocache for College Cash where cash and prizes are on the line during this fun-filled poster scavenger hunt. Students enjoy food and refreshments while searching the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center for posters on various financial literacy topics. The grand prize for this event is $500.

Why should students come to Money Smart Week?

Money Smart Week sessions were designed to teach students about proper money management.

"It's really common for students to lack financial management," University Libraries' Business and Economics Librarian and Money Smart Week organizer Mitch Winterman said. "This event will help students gain a better understanding on things like saving money, investing, and retirement."

University Libraries' Business and Economics Librarian and Money Smart Week organizer Mitch Winterman

University Libraries offers a variety of resources to help students and members of the Nevada community become financially literate. From databases and tools, to the expertise of our team of librarians, students are encouraged to take advantage of what's available in order to make informed financial decisions.

"The earlier you learn personal financial management the better off you're going to be," Winterman added. "College is one of the most expensive things students will encounter. We want to help students to have a better understanding on where their money is going and how to best manage it."

Money Smart Week teaches students about proper money management

Students should become aware of personal spending habits. Temptations to spend are everywhere. From one-click Amazon to using Alexa to buy supplies, to eating out and coffee on-the-go students are being coaxed into spending money all the time in different ways across different channels. Understanding personal spending habits is one of the biggest factors needed to evaluate and determine just how much money can be saved.

"We make money decisions daily, some big, some small. Yet we don't always feel confident in those decisions," Money Smart Week partner and Nevada Money Mentors financial advisor Amy Nelson said. "Money Smart Week and Financial Capability Month are initiatives to help students learn more about all facets of personal finance, start conversations about those big and small financial choices, and overall build confidence in the way we manage money."

Nevada Money Mentors financial advisor and Money Smart Week partner Amy Nelson

Nelson added, "From starting a savings plan, to establishing good credit, or paying down debts we crafted fun events to motivate students to get on a pathway to learn more, and ultimately achieve financial success."

Created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Money Smart Week brings together financial institutions, nonprofits, libraries, universities and government agencies to offer thousands of free financial education classes across the country. Classes cover topics ranging from budgeting to homebuying to estate planning and more.

Erika Mendoza, Greater Nevada Credit Union Branch Manager and Money Smart Week partner is also looking forward to sharing healthy financial habits with Nevada students.

"In its history, giving back to the communities in which it serves has been a staple of Greater Nevada Credit Union's culture, and because of that, we are so excited to be sponsoring Money Smart Week again this year!" said Mendoza. "We want to ensure college students have the tools and resources to build healthy financial habits. Money Smart Week activities are a great way to get the students involved and do just that."

Greater Nevada Credit Union Branch Manager and Money Smart Week partner Erika Mendoza

The goal for Money Smart Week is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and resources to make more confident financial decisions while they are in college and to have the good decisions carry over after graduation and beyond.

For more information contact Business and Economics Librarian and Money Smart Week organizer Mitch Winterman at mwinterman@unr.edu or 775-682-5510

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