Release: 5324-07

For Release: April 26, 2007

U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission to Participate in Annual Money Smart Week in Chicago

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) will participate in Chicago's sixth annual Money Smart Week, a week-long event scheduled during the week of April 30 through May 5 and featuring more than 300 free seminars on personal finance topics.

The CFTC's staff will join the staffs of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Office of Thrift Supervision, Illinois Office of the Secretary of State Securities Department's Midwest Regional Office, National Futures Association, and the NASD on Wednesday, May 2, 2007, from 10 am to 2 pm, in the Atrium of the State of Illinois Building, 100 W. Randolph St., Chicago, Illinois 60601. At that time, the agencies and associations will offer the public information and materials about safe investing and will answer questions on investing and consumer fraud.

CFTC Commissioner Michael Dunn, who heads the CFTC's Forex Task Force, commented:

The first line of defense against financial fraudsters is education, and that is why financial literacy is increasingly important for all Americans. Well-informed investors can protect their investing dollars from scams, and contribute to the integrity of the futures markets by making informed investing decisions. Money Smart Week provides the CFTC with an opportunity to meet investors, and to provide them with access to the rich source of educational materials produced by the federal regulatory agencies.

The mission of the CFTC's Forex Task Force is to educate the public about the dangers of foreign currency (forex) fraud.

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's President, Michael Moskow, commented:

Money Smart Week continues to provide many different opportunities for people to learn about managing their personal finances. This year's calendar features diverse and numerous events for a broad range of consumers. During this week, attendees will have many chances to learn where good personal finance information is available.

Money Smart Week, now in its sixth year, was created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and members of the Money Smart Advisory Council. It is designed to educate consumers about money management and to create awareness of financial education programs on topics such as budgeting, saving, and using credit wisely.

A complete calendar of events for this year's Money Smart Week is available on its Web Site.

For additional information, please contact the Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department at (800) 628-7937. Media inquiries should be directed to Dan Wassman, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, at (312) 322-2374.

Media Contacts
Ianthe Zabel
202-418-5080

Dennis Holden
202-418-5088

Last Updated: April 14, 2011