Everyone has been hit financially by the pandemic. This year, we are dedicated to providing resources to help you and your family save and manage your finances. Created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002, Money Smart Week® is a national public education program. For more information, visit moneysmartweek.org.
Programs
Children’s Take-It, Make-It: DIY Piggy Bank
Monday, April 12
Decorate your very own piggy bank! Pick up a craft kit at the Children’s Services Desk, while supplies last.
Unique Money Lessons for Kids & Parents
Monday, April 12, 1 p.m.
Help your children learn smart money habits with Antonio Lugo as he discusses principles from Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees by Dr. Neale S Godfrey. Register now.
Rules of the Road to Investing
Tuesday, April 13, 2 p.m.
Explore how you can move toward your financial goals with Edward Jones’ 10 Rules of the Road to investing. These rules help you learn the fundamental concepts of investing to help you build wealth. Register now.
Home Improvement with Habitat for Humanity
Wednesday, April 14, 2 p.m.
Join Heidi Serena and Blake Stepien of the Joliet Habitat for Humanity Restore as they share some fun and affordable ideas to renovate your home. Register now.
Making the Most of Your Food and Funds
Thursday, April 15, 2 p.m.
Join Jez Layman to learn how to buy the best produce, how to store your food properly, how to lower your grocery bills and where to find help if you need it. Register now.
Learning Tools for a Volatile Economy
Saturday, April 17, 2 p.m.
Join Lesley Peters as she discusses digital tools and tips you can use to manage your finances. Register now.
Videos
VMJC Budgeting – The heart of any financial plan is budgeting. Check out one of our previous videos on building a personal budget with a bunch of tools to help total the cost of your commute to planning your savings goals.
Books
The library has a great selection of books on Personal Finance, Investing and Retirement. We also have a display on the 3rd floor showcasing the best we have to offer.
Need help with budgeting? Check out five books to help you budget and save.
eResources
Whether you’re thinking about investing or trying to find the right price for a washing machine, the library offers several resources to help you make the right financial decision.
Consumer Reports – Take advantage of premium consumer information including expert product reviews, current ratings, buying guides and news articles for thousands of products and services such as cars and electronics.
Morningstar – Make informed investment decisions with real-time access to comprehensive data and independent analysis on thousands of investments, spanning mutual funds, stocks, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, college savings plans and more.
Valueline – Access the most accurate and independently created research information available to help you effectively meet their financial objectives.
Wallstreet Journal – Access comprehensive coverage dating back to 1984 from the world’s leading financial newspaper.
As always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to email or call the reference desk at 630.685.4176.