Release: 5487-08
For Release: April 17, 2008

CFTC to Participate in the Seventh Annual Money Smart Week

Chicago, IL – The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) will participate with more than 200 local organizations in Chicago’s seventh annual Money Smart Week. The week-long event is scheduled during the week of April 20 through April 26 and features 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, Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, National Futures Association, and the FINRA on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the Atrium of the State of Illinois Building, 100 West Randolph Street, 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:

We are pleased to be joining with other financial regulators at Money Smart Week to ensure the investing public has the information necessary to protect themselves and their wallets. The best weapon in the fight against commodities fraud and other abusive financial practices is an educated customer.

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, Charles Evans, 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 seventh 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 in the Related Links section. For additional information, please contact the Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department at 800-628-7937.

Media Contacts
Ianthe Zabel
202-418-5080

R. David Gary
202-418-5085

Last Updated: April 17, 2008