Money Smart Week (R) 2013

This year, Ruidoso Public Library hosts Money Smart Week (R) April 2nd through 5th.  The slate of presenters has some of last year's most popular events and a few new faces, too.

Tuesday, April 2, from 10-11 am, Vera from First National Bank will speak on How to Apply for a Mortgage.  If that time does not work for you, or you have more questions, try a different perspective on Wednesday, April 3 at 4pm.

Later on Tuesday, April 2, from 11 am to noon, Debra Hendricks, of New Mexico’s Aging and Long Term Services Department, will present "Extra Help," a program to reduce your Medicare expenses. 

Wednesday, April 3, 10 am, begins with Credit Scores: what they are, what affects them, and how to improve them with Billy Jones of Ruidoso Credit Union. I saw this presentation last year and thought it could be useful for most anyone.  Then at 4pm Wednesday is the second mortgage application explanation by Lorri McKnight of City Bank New Mexico who will present a different perspective.

On Thursday, April 4, at noon, Rachel Weber of New Mexico’s Workforce Solutions offers Frugal Living Tips to Save Money.  Then at 4:30 pm, also on Thursday, April 4, Rutalee Todd-Jernigan of the Farm Bureau Financial Services will help you increase your financial smarts.  Come with any questions you have.

We wrap up Friday at noon with Ismael Camacho one of the state’s Assistant Attorneys General.  Mr Camacho presents “Don’t Get Burned” to help you explore the risks of identity theft and scams, including how to protect yourself.  

If you'd like to see the calendar, it's here.  For more information about Money Smart Week and the Federal Reserve, try this link.

Money Smart Week is an registered service mark of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

We hope to see you!  If your schedule does not allow a visit, comment below or email us ahead of time.  We can check into saving you a set of the handouts to pick up later.  If you think of a friend or acquaintance who might like a class, feel free to share this post's URL with them on Facebook, Twitter, or by email, too.

Tax Time and more Money Smarts and booktalks at the library

The IRS wants your tax return by April 17.

by Images_of_Money at Flickr

If you are unable to make that deadline, you have options.  Here's a bit of explanation about what is due today, and here's some information on how to get an extension on the deadline.  Remember, you can file the extension online, right now.

In preparation for the rest of this year, why not stop by Ruidoso Public Library Thursday for our Money Smart presentation?  From 4-5pm on April 19, Aimee Bennet of Lincoln County's Health Office will explore how your health choices today affect your money needs in the future.

Friday and Saturday mornings have author presentations.  April 20, Jerry Welch shares his book again, Corporacracy, and April 21 sees Gary Cozzens latest book on Capitan.

Budgeting for end of life choices, anorexia discussion, & Rainwater Harvesting @your Library

This week, the Money Smart presentation is by Danny Sisson of La Grone Funeral Chapel.  On Thursday from 4-5 pm he will explore the costs involved in funerals and memorials.  The US Federal Trade Commission and the library being a public/government building puts Mr Sisson in a bit of a tight spot.  The FTC requires any funeral director to provide a list of costs upon request; at the same time, the library cannot look like it is supporting any one company or providing advertising space.  So, this is a great session to learn the general issues of what to ask about and how to plan, but if you have specific questions about La Grone's specific prices, we ask that you contact Danny at a later time and place.  Thank you for understanding.

Another possibility to consider, that may be planet wise as well as financially smart, is Green Funerals. I talked with my mom about several variations and she remains open to (as she puts it) "whatever is easiest for you" (since I'll be there).  I know funerals and death are very difficult topics of conversation, but as a daughter, I am grateful my parents bit the bullet and let me know a few of their feelings.  Sometimes the discussions happened while driving to or from a memorial service, other times just when driving past a cemetery.  Just don't let it get you down for too long.

Friday at 10 am, local author Carol Keys will discuss her books, "Sharing Moments Over Tea" & "Behind Her Smile: A Mother's Walk Through Her Daughter's Anorexia."  


Saturday morning, Jim Miller will share his presentation on Rainwater Harvesting.  This information is often part of a course he teaches at ENMU-Ruidoso, so if you haven't made that yet, this is a great introduction.  Calculate how much rainwater your roof collects. Decide how many gallons your showers or landscape could use in a year.  Bring your questions.

On a lighter note, Spring has sprung at the library!