Governor Evers Proclaims Money Smart Wisconsin Week

The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) today announced Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed April 5 – 12, 2025, as Money Smart Wisconsin Week to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy education and financial wellness.

“Financial education empowers folks by equipping them with the knowledge to make informed financial choices and achieve their personal goals and aspirations,” said Gov. Evers. “Understanding financial principles can significantly improve both personal well-being and overall financial stability, and it is crucial in fostering inclusivity within our financial system, ensuring that everyone can participate fully. I encourage all Wisconsinites to take proactive steps in enhancing their own financial literacy and to also lend a hand to others on their personal finance journeys as well.”

Money Smart Wisconsin is a financial literacy awareness and education campaign. It is the highlight of April being National Financial Literacy Awareness Month, a collaborative effort by state and federal agencies and private-sector groups working to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy. In Wisconsin, the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability, in partnership with the DFI, is spearheading the Money Smart Wisconsin campaign along with many volunteers and organizations throughout the state.

“The Money Smart Wisconsin campaign promotes personal financial literacy and awareness through financial education classes, activities, and opportunities for Wisconsinites by bringing together different organizations and facilitating the sharing of expertise, leveraging limited resources, and expanding community participation in financial education efforts,” said Governor’s Council Chair and SecureFutures President Brenda Campbell.

The Governor’s Council convened on April 2 in Milwaukee to kick off the Money Smart Wisconsin campaign. Following the meeting, DFI Secretary-designee Wendy K. Baumann read children’s books with essential financial concepts to young students at Bay View Montessori in Milwaukee. The book reading was part of “The Big Read,” a statewide effort where adults at dozens of locations will read books with personal finance lessons to children in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade throughout the month of April as part of the Money Smart Wisconsin campaign. Through these stories, children will be introduced to the fundamental principles of managing money, saving, and budgeting in an accessible and relatable manner.

““The Big Read” nurtures a foundational understanding of financial responsibility and fosters an early appreciation for lifelong financial well-being. We have distributed more than 1,000 children’s books with personal finance lessons across the state to help local libraries, museums, and community organizations host special activities and events that are geared toward financial literacy and planning for the future,” said Baumann. “Start taking charge of your finances today by reflecting on your current situation and envisioning your future. Simple actions like creating a monthly budget or setting up automatic transfers to save part of your paycheck can lay a solid foundation for your financial well-being and that of your family. Review our financial wellness checklist for resources to help create a budget, build savings, plan for unforeseen health issues, car accidents, and other property damage with emergency savings and insurance coverage, manage debt, develop saving and investing strategies, and plan for retirement.”

Wisconsinites are also encouraged to start or continue saving for college and career training with the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program and its college savings plans – Edvest 529, a direct-sold plan, and Tomorrow’s Scholar, available through financial advisors and fee-only planners. Taxpayers have until April 15, 2025, to contribute to an existing 529 college savings account, or open and contribute to a new account, to be eligible for the 2024 state income tax deduction. To learn more, register to attend a free Edvest 529 webinar on April 23 at 11 a.m. Central Time.

“The Money Smart Wisconsin campaign was first launched in 2006 as an initiative of the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability to encourage organizations across Wisconsin to get involved in financial literacy education efforts,” said DFI Office of Financial Literacy Director David Mancl. “Each year, we have partner organizations representing community groups, financial institutions, and government agencies educate Wisconsinites at events throughout the state and online, too.”

To become a Money Smart Wisconsin partner organization, please contact David Mancl by email at: David.Mancl@dfi.wisconsin.gov, or visit the Money Smart Wisconsin webpage.