CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 18, 2017 -- More than 180 free financial education classes and seminars for consumers will be held in North Carolina during Money Smart Week, April 22-29. 

Created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the annual Money Smart Week® (MSW) public awareness program will launch in North Carolina for the second consecutive year, led by a planning team of businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, community organizations and government agencies throughout North Carolina. Co-chairing the planning team in the state are the North Carolina Council on Economic Education (NCCEE) and Ally.

Money Smart Week began as a one-city program in Chicago and has grown to 48 states including North Carolina, with more than 5,400 events and 174,000 participants annually. Over 60 organizations will host a variety of events and programs across North Carolina this year. A sampling of the offerings include financial education programs for children at Charlotte-Mecklenburg libraries, Big Brothers Big Sisters, First Purse, Young Black Male Alliance and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, professional development for more than 140 teachers in Cary and Charlotte, and GeoCache for College Cash, an outdoor scavenger-hunt contest held at local colleges.

Money Smart Week kicks off on April 18 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Charlotte branch with a partner lunch and NCCEE personal finance challenge for high school students featuring keynote speaker Dr. Matthew Martin, Senior Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

"Ally is proud to once again bring Money Smart Week to North Carolina, and join with other organizations in the common goal of bringing free financial education to the community," said Sherrii Webb, associate manager of corporate citizenship at Ally and MSW co-chairperson. "This year Ally is not only serving as co-chair, but we are also donating 5,000 copies of our new financial literacy book 'Planet Zeee and the Money Tree' and will have our employees read the book throughout Money Smart Week."

"With so many important personal finance choices facing consumers today –including things like saving for college, investing and planning for retirement – it's important to provide people with education, tools and strategies to help them navigate money challenges and make informed decisions," said Sandy Wheat, executive director of the North Carolina Council on Economic Education and MSW co-chairperson. "Money Smart Week is a great way for consumers to take advantage of free educational programs and resources."

Organizations participating in Money Smart Week in North Carolina include:

Consumers who are interested in finding out about classes in their area during Money Smart Week can visit www.moneysmartweek.org.

About Money Smart Week

Created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002, Money Smart Week® is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. This is achieved through the collaboration and coordinated effort of hundreds of organizations across the country. Programming is offered to all demographics and income levels and covers all facets of personal finance. Partnering Organizations will host their events April 22-29, 2017. More information at www.moneysmartweek.org

Contact:

Sari Jensen
Ally Communications (Media)
646-781-2539
sari.jensen@ally.com