April is Financial Literacy Month

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, has information to help you make the most of your money no matter who you are – student, young adult, parent, service member on active duty, veteran or grandparent.

“If you want to learn about everyday financial issues, like saving and shopping, credit and debt, buying a home or car, or looking for a job or paying for school, the FTC has information for you,” said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Financial Literacy Month is an ideal time to learn – or teach others – the importance of consumers’ rights, and how to file a complaint if something goes wrong.”

Complaints matter at the FTC. If a business doesn't deliver on its promises, if someone cheats you out of your money, or if you've spotted a scam, tell the FTC. Consumer complaints help drive agency investigations. The FTC’s aggressive law enforcement efforts stop fraudulent and deceptive business practices, and its consumer education campaigns empower people to make well-informed buying decisions and recognize frauds and scams.

All of the FTC's materials are in the public domain. They can be posted, reprinted, or adapted to educate people about their consumer rights.

Visit MoneyMatters for articles, videos and blog posts about financial topics that you can share in your community.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Winter Fun Flier

The APL has a series of activities and workshops during this week. And, the financial series ends on Sunday, Feb. 27, with Sunday Financial Fun Day at the Main Library from 1 to 3 p.m.

All of the Financial Fun Week events, plus the other family and kids' activities planned for winter break, are listed on this flier.

Get Smart About Your Finances with Free Workshops

The Main Library is hosting a series of free half-day workshops this week designed to help people with money troubles get smart about their finances. Participants can choose to attend one or more of the sessions to be held on Wednesday, Oct. 27, and Thursday, Oct. 28. All sessions are free and open to the public. Registration is required by calling the Main Library Reference Department at 427-4303.

Details HERE.

Financial Literacy Training

Financial Literacy Training: Pass the Knowledge on to Your Patrons
Free workshops

Location: Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave, Albany NY
Dates: October 27 & 28
Times: Session 1, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Session 2, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Presenter: Beth LeVine, Certified Financial Educator, United Way of the Greater Capital Region
Participants are asked to attend at least one full session. Lunch is included.

Wednesday, October 27, Session 1, 9:30 am -12:30 pm
• Financial responsibility: Explore your perception of money and how it affects your life. Get tips on the best ways to approach your clients/consumers about money and financial responsibility.
• Identity theft
Wednesday, October 27, Session 2, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
• Credit: 4 types of credit, loans, credit repair
Thursday, October 28, Session 1, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
• Banking and budgeting
Thursday, October 28, Session 2, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
• Saving, establishing an emergency fund, types of investing, home ownership, retirement

Please RSVP with name of organization, number of people participating, and which sessions you will attend, to Meg Maurer via email or phone by October 25: maurerm@albanypubliclibrary.org or 427-4328