Join us for the 11th annual Money Smart Day!
Choose from a dozen free educational sessions covering a variety of money-related topics, and receive a copy of your credit report for free! Participants will receive a voucher worth up to $100 off of your Kansas City Public Library fines and fees. See our Money Smart Voucher FAQs for more info. The event is open to the public and registration is not necessary. Free parking validation is available for the Library garage.
Brought to you by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
Schedule at a Glance
| Time | Vault Level | Film Vault | Vault Level | Conference Room | 2nd Floor | Mezzanine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 - 11:50 a.m. | Money messages & you Onward Financial |
Understanding the |
Understanding credit CHES, Inc. |
| 12 - 12:50 p.m. | Best new money apps for 2019 Central Bank of Kansas City |
Breaking debt cycles Habitat for Humanity |
How to improve bad credit Center for Jobs & Freedom |
| 1 - 1:50 p.m. |
Saving for your future starts now! |
Your guide to buying a home Central Bank of the Midwest |
Avoiding frauds & scams Federal Reserve Bank of KC |
| 2 - 2:50 p.m. | Recognizing your money emotions Mattie Rhodes Center |
Budgeting basics UMB Bank |
Credit fundamentals FDIC |
11 a.m. Sessions
Money Message and You
Mezzanine, 2nd floor
Presented by Onward Financial
Money messages are often learned from family and friends and affect the way you feel about having, saving, or spending money. Recognizing and understanding your money messages is an important step in setting and reaching your financial goals.
Understanding the Homebuying Process
Conference room (lower level)
This session will cover topics relevant to first time homebuyers, including: financing options and special programs for first time homebuyers; mortgage terminology; and the typical steps taken between making an offer to moving into a new home.
Presented by Commerce Bank
Understanding Credit
Mezzanine, 2nd floor
Presented by CHES, Inc.
Ever wonder what factors go into your credit score, or how to build credit? This session will cover credit scoring, the concepts and terms related to credit scores, the major factors that contribute to your credit score and tips on how to improve it
12 p.m. Sessions
Best New Money Apps for 2019
Durwood Film Vault (lower level)
Presented by Central Bank of Kansas City
Learn about the top personal finance apps for 2019 that can help streamline your money management. Discover apps that will help you save, invest, budget and more.
Breaking Debt Cycles
Durwood Film Vault (lower level)
Presented by Habitat for Humanity
Pathways out of debt can be hard to find. Learn how to spot when you’re headed into too much debt, how to determine which debt to pay off first, and how your debt-to-income ratio affects your ability to pay bills. This session will also cover when you should, and shouldn’t, consider bankruptcy.
How to Improve Bad Credit
Mezzanine, 2nd floor
Presented by Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom
Is your credit score lower than you’d like? If so, you’re not alone, as nearly a third of Americans have subprime credit. Learn how to take action to improve your score and how to fix mistakes on your credit report.
1 p.m. Sessions
Saving for Your Future Starts Now!
Durwood Film vault (lower level)
Presented by Financial Planning Association of Greater Kansas City
It is never too late to begin saving for retirement and you don’t need much money to begin. This session provides invaluable information about Roth IRA accounts, general investing basics and helpful financial tools. Tips for choosing a financial adviser are also covered.
Your Guide to Buying a Home
Conference room (lower level)
Presented by Central Bank of the Midwest
You’re done with the world of renting and ready to move on to the adventure of buying your home. With this new step comes a large financial commitment and even more decisions to make. This session will provide tips about the home buying process.
Avoiding Financial Frauds and Scams
Mezzanine, 2nd floor
Presented by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft and scams? Presenters will share information about how to identify and protect yourself from common frauds and scams including those aimed at compromising your financial or personal online identity. They will also discuss how to keep your children and teens safe online.
2 p.m. Sessions
Recognizing Your Money Emotions
Durwood Film Vault (lower level)
Presented by Mattie Rhodes Center
Whether you’re happy, sad, angry, or scared, emotions have the power to affect your financial decisions. Everyone wants to handle their finances smartly, and recognizing and reducing emotional spending is key.
Budgeting Basics
Conference room (lower level)
Presented by UMB Bank
It’s impossible to map a route to your destination if you don’t know where to start. This session will provide you with easy ways to track the money coming in and going out each month, providing you with a foundation for setting and achieving your financial goals.
Credit Fundamentals
Mezzanine, 2nd floor
Presented by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Your credit history can affect your access to credit, loans, jobs, housing, insurance, and other important services. Learn how to take steps to improve and manage your credit scores. Understanding your rights helps you know how to protect your credit history.
Money Smart Voucher FAQs
How do I earn a Money Smart voucher?
Attend Money Smart Day on April 13, 2019 at the Central Library.
How much is the voucher worth?
Vouchers are good for up to $100 off existing fines and fees at any Kansas City Public Library location.
Can I use the voucher to pay for printing in Library computer labs?
No. Vouchers only cover existing fees and fines; they cannot be applied to accounts for printing.
Do the vouchers expire?
Yes. Vouchers are good through Thursday, May 31, 2019.
Will the voucher work for old overdue fines?
Yes. Vouchers can be applied to current or old fines, fees, or charges for lost items.
How many vouchers can I earn?
You may only earn one voucher, but you can apply the $100 value to multiple Library accounts in your family.
How many times can I use my voucher?
Vouchers are good for one-time use only, and they can only apply to existing fees or fines. Vouchers cannot be applied toward future fines or fees. For instance, if you currently have $30 in fines, you may use the voucher to cover this amount, but you will not have a credit for the difference or be able to “hold” that leftover amount for future use.
Can I use the voucher for my kids’ accounts or for multiple members of my family?
Yes, but there are limits. The voucher is worth total of $100; as an example, you can pay $50 on your account, $20 on your child’s account, $20 for your spouse’s, and $10 for your grandparent’s account. However, you must pay all those fees using the voucher during one visit. Be sure to bring account information for all appropriate family members when you redeem your voucher at your local Library location.
Are fines and fees forgiven for items I borrowed through interlibrary loan or materials I obtained through the Kansas City Public catalog that belong to other area libraries?
Yes. Your voucher can be applied towards late fees, replacement costs for damaged materials, or lost-item charges.
Will the yearly Food for Fines program still happen in October?
Yes, we currently plan to continue our relationship with Harvesters and have a Food for Fines program this fall.