Banker Previews First-Ever Money Smart Week St. Louis

Delia Domingo Davis of got into banking to help people manage their finances. She thinks money decisions produce financial security more than high income levels.

So this membership banking officer knew she had to be a part of the upcoming Money Smart Week St. Louis. The week, which runs from April 21-28, will feature a series of 200 free or low-cost classes throughout the area aimed at raising awareness about personal finance.

The closest class to and residents will be at the Fifth Third Ellisville Banking Center, 16062 Manchester Rd., on April 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Topics offered by the bank will include savings and budgeting, credit and identity theft. As with other participants, the bank will cover the cost of its classes.

It is the first time the event has happened in St. Louis. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago organized the first Money Smart Week in 2002 as a coalition of government agencies, nonprofits and others. Missouri is the 13th state to host the event.,

The week is aimed at boosting people's financial literacy. To Domingo Davis, that term means three things—knowledge of money tools such as 529s and IRAs; perspective and planning for long-term financial needs such as college and retirement; and an understanding of the time value of money.

After the week ends, a variety of financial resources will remain available to St. Louisans, Domingo Davis said. The event has heightened the partnership among the region's banks, and it should serve to raise awareness of the resources banks offer. Regional organizations, such as Beyond Housing, also provide valuable resources, she said.

Those interested in participating in Money Smart Week can identify classes of interest by:

• Calling 211 for a full directory

• Going to moneysmartstl.org

• Picking up a calendar from a St. Louis library, such as the

Companies or organizations interested in leading classes this year or next can register by going to moneysmartstl.org.