​​​​​​​​​​​​Governor Tony Evers proclaimed​ April 5 – 12, 2025, as Money Smart Wisconsin Week​ to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy education and financial wellness. It is the highlight of April being National Financial Literacy Awareness Month, a collaborative effort by state and federal agencies and private-sector groups working to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy. 

In Wisconsin, the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), is spearheading the Money Smart Wisconsin campaign along with many volunteers and organizations throughout the state. The Money Smart Wisconsin campaign promotes financial literacy and awareness through financial education classes, activities, and opportunities for Wisconsinites by bringing together different organizations and facilitating the sharing of expertise, leveraging limited resources, and expanding community participation in financial education efforts.

This year’s Money Smart Wisconsin campaign includes “The Big Read,” a statewide effort where adults at dozens of locations will read books with personal finance lessons to children in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, and the Money S​​mart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest, where 15 graduating Wisconsin high school seniors will be recognized with a scholarship, in the form of a $1,000 contribution to a new or existing Edvest 529 account, for their winning essay submissions outlining how they plan to pay for the cost of college or career training. Wisconsinites are also encouraged to start saving for higher education with the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program. The program offers two savings plans, Edvest 529 (direct-sold) and Tomorrow’s Scholar​ (advisor-sold), both administered by the DFI.

The Money Smart Wisconsin campaign was first launched in 2006 as an initiative of the Governor’s Council o​n Financial Literacy and Capability to encourage organizations across the state to get involved in financial literacy education efforts. Each year, partner organizations representing community groups, financial institutions, and government agencies educate Wisconsinites at events throughout the state and online, too.

Money Smart Wisconsin 2025 Highlighted Events:

Baraboo

• Saturday, April 12:
• Free Event: “Saving for the Future” at the Baraboo Children’s Museum from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Central Time
• Location: 1212 8th Street, Baraboo
• Description: Everyone can enjoy free admission to the museum and special children’s activities geared toward financial literacy and planning for the future.

Black Earth

• Saturday, April 19:
• Free Event: “Saving for the Future” at the Black Earth Children’s Museum from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Central Time
• Location: 1131 Mills Street, Black Earth
• Description: Everyone can enjoy free admission to the museum and special children’s activities geared toward financial literacy and planning for the future.

Chippewa Falls

• Thursday, April 10:
  
• Free Event: “Penny-Palooza” at the Chippewa Falls Public Library from 3 – 5 p.m. Central Time
  
• Location: 105 W Central St, Chippewa Falls
  
• Description: Families can take part in penny-centric financial literacy games, crafts, and activities, plus a free book for every attendee! 
• Contact: Chippewa Falls Public Library at infoservice@mycfpl.org or UW-Madison, Division of Extension, Chippewa County at Jeanne.Walsh@wisc.edu

Chippewa Valley

• Thursday, April 10:
• Free Event: “Financial Wellness Workshop” at the Evolving Wellness Safe Haven Teens Center. Doors open at 3 p.m. Workshop begins at 4 p.m. with a taco bar starting at 5 p.m.
• Location: 2711 Pleasant St, Eau Claire
• Description: Marine Credit Union has partnered with Evolving Wellness Safe Haven Teens Center. This is open for all teens in the Chippewa Valley area to join at no cost. We will be covering budgeting, understanding credit scores, earning money, and how to be financially prepared for adulthood.
• ​Contact: Marie Jacobsen at Marie.Jacobsen@marinecu.com

Crawford County

• Free Events: Crawford County Money Smart Wisconsin Week 2025 Activities

Eau Claire

• Friday, April 11:
• Free Event: “The Big Read” at the Eau Claire Children's Museum at 10 a.m. Central Time
• Location: 126 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire
• Description: Marine Credit Union and Royal Credit Union are teaming up for “The Big Read” for kids. Following “The Big Read,” there will be painting of piggy banks for the kids to take home!
• Contact: Marie Jacobsen at Marie.Jacobsen@marinecu.com

Fox Cities

• Free Events: Fox Cities Money Smart Wisconsin Week 2025 Activities
• Description: Fox Cities Events Flyer

Racine

• Tuesday, April 29:
• Free Event: “Chart Your Course: Practical Steps to Financial Wellness” at the Racine Public Library from 4 – 6 p.m. Central Time
• Location: Racine Public Library, 75 7th Street, Racine
• Description: This workshop is free, open to the public, and family friendly. Food and drinks will be provided.
• Contact: Aaron McCollum at Aaron.McCollum@marinecu.com

Waupaca

• Wednesday, April 9:
• Free Event: Money Smart Wisconsin Week Event at the Waupaca Public Library from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Central Time
• Location: 107 S Main St, Waupaca
• Description: UW-Extension and the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program will provide resource tables, offer children's activities, and have a snack.
• Contact: Alicia Utke at utkebecher@wisc.edu

NGPF Virtual Conference: Educate. Engage. Empower.

• Saturday, April 5:
• Free Event: Virtual Conference for Educators from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central Time
• Registration: NGPF Virtual Conference: Educate. Engage. Empower.
• Description: Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with NGPF! Join us for sessions designed to expand your financial knowledge, explore engaging classroom activities, and discover strategies to empower your students with essential money skills.

UW Credit Union Money Smart Wisconsin Week Webinars:

UW Credit Union, in conjunction with America Saves, has compiled a week of learning sessions open to the public.

• Monday, April 7:
• Free Event: “Strategize Your Savings” Webinar from 1 – 2 p.m. Central Time
• Registration: Microsoft Teams Webinar
• Description: During this session, UW Credit Union professionals will discuss strategies for prioritizing savings when building your budget and planning spending. We will also talk about different savings tools and products that can help you reach your financial goals.
• Tuesday, April 8:
• Free Event: “Financial Crimes Awareness & Prevention” Webinar from 1 – 2 p.m. Central Time
• Registration: Microsoft Teams Webinar
• Description: Learn about current and common scams from one of UWCU's Senior Fraud Specialists. We will help you identify red flags to look out for, provide tips on how to keep your finances safe, and steps to take if you think you have been targeted by a scam.
• Wednesday, April 9:
• Free Event: “First Time Homebuyers” Webinar from 1 – 2 p.m. Central Time
• Registration: Microsoft Teams Webinar
• Description: If you are thinking about buying a home or are simply wondering about the process, you have come to the right place! Attend our popular seminar to learn from our homebuying experts and get answers to all your questions. We will cover important topics and common issues such as: preparing for your home search, getting preapproved, exploring different loan options, managing your budget and costs, understanding the mortgage process, reviewing the roles of everyone involved, and navigating current market conditions and trends. We will help you take the first step toward homeownership and develop a unique plan for your homebuying journey. This seminar is completely free, there is no obligation, and everyone is welcome to attend. Registration is required, so sign up today to reserve your place.
• Thursday, April 10:
• Free Event: “Pay It Down: How to Save by Creating and Sticking To a Debt Repayment Plan” from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Central Time
• Registration: Microsoft Teams Webinar
• Description: Looking to take control of your debt and maybe save some money in the process? During this session UW Credit Union experts will share insights on how credit can impact savings when paying down debt, how to create a realistic debt repayment plan, and how to stick to your plan.
• Friday, April 11:
• Free Event: “Retirement: Building a Comfortable Lifestyle for Tomorrow” Webinar from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Central Time
• Registration: Microsoft Teams Webinar
• Description: Learn about the keys that seek to fund a comfortable retirement and the actions you can take now and in the future to pursue the type of retirement lifestyle you envision. Presented by Wealth Management at UW Credit Union.