Money Smart Wisconsin
Join us for Money Smart Wisconsin Week during the week of
April 6-12, 2026!
Sessions available for in-person and virtual learning are listed below. Sign up for a reminder email for event by noon the day before, but not required.
Attend a local event during Money Smart Week for a chance to win a gift card!
Visit our Facebook page for current programming info!
2026 Money Smart Week Topics
KIDS, SCREENS, & SAFETY:
What Every Parent Should Know
MONDAY, APRIL 6
5:00 PM
125 S Wacouta Ave, Prairie du Chien
Prairie du Chien Memorial Library
Understanding online risks, building safer digital habits, and strengthening family communication.
HOSTED BY: DATCP, PRAIRIE DU CHIEN POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND UW-EXTENSION
CREATE A SPENDING PLAN:
Shifting Away from the Traditional Budget Mindset
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
10:30 AM
1007 E Wisconsin St, Prairie du Chien
Rivercrest Village
Learn a more flexible, realistic way to manage your money without the stress of traditional budgets. This session focuses on creating a spending plan that works for your life.
HOSTED BY: COULEECAP INC.
UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL TRAUMA
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
1:00 PM (LUNCH SESSION)
225 N Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien
Crawford County Administration Building
Learn how past experiences can shape how we think, feel, and act around money. This session helps participants recognize financial stress and respond with understanding and compassion.
HOSTED BY: COULEECAP INC.
CREDIT & DEBT MANAGEMENT
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
5:00 PM
225 N Beaumont Rd, Prairie du Chien
Crawford County Administration Building
Get a clearer understanding of credit and debt in a supportive, judgment‑free space. Learn practical steps to reduce stress and move forward financially.
HOSTED BY: COULEECAP INC.
RETIREMENT BASICS
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
5:00 PM
211 S Main St, Prairie du Chien
Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce Community Room
Get a clearer understanding of credit and debt in a supportive, judgment‑free space. Learn practical steps to reduce stress and move forward financially.
HOSTED BY: PEOPLES STATE BANK
FINANCIAL SCAMS & AI DEMONSTRATION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
12:00 PM
16381 WI Highway 131, Gays Mills
Community Commerce Center
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
12:15 pm
1600 S Wacouta Ave, Prairie du Chien
Hoffman Hall
Learn about current fraud trends, how to spot warning signs, and what steps to take if you or someone you know is targeted. The session also includes a brief AI demonstration showing how scams are evolving.
HOSTED BY: ROYAL BANK
DUCT TAPE WALLET & MONEY FUN!
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
4:30 PM
125 S Wacouta Ave, Prairie du Chien
Prairie du Chien Memorial Library
Participants will create their own duct tape wallet while learning about money-saving tips.
HOSTED BY: CRAWFORD COUNTY 4-H
COMMUNITY SEED SWAP
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
1:00-6:00 PM
102 Passive Sun Dr, Soldiers Grove
Soldiers Grove Public Library
Celebrate spring by joining your community for a seed swap and hands‑on seed‑starting workshop led by local garden experts and Crawford County Master Gardeners. Learn about the Soldiers Grove Library’s Seed Library, start a seedling to take home, and discover how gardening can save money, promote healthy eating, and be fun for all ages.
HOSTED BY: SOLDIERS GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY, CRAWFORD COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS, UW-EXTENSION
State Events for Money Smart Wisconsin Week
Note: The registration links for these virtual events are separate from the Crawford County registration process. Please use the provided links to register for each virtual event.
STRATEGIZE YOUR SAVINGS
MONDAY, APRIL 7 | 1-2PM
In this session we will discuss strategies for prioritizing savings when building your budget and planning spending. We will also talk about different savings tools and products that can help you reach your financial goals.
FACILITATED BY: NATALIE MENDEZ PONCE & MELISSA SANCHEZ BETANZOS
FINANCIAL CRIME: AWARENESS & PREVENTION
TUESDAY, APRIL 8 | 1-2PM
Learn about current and common scams from one of UWCU’s Fraud Specialists. We’ll help you identify red flags to look out for, provide tips on how to keep your finances safe, and steps to take if you think you’ve been targeted by a scam.
FACILITATED BY: VERONICA GUTIERREZ
First Time Homebuyers Seminar
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 | 1-2PM
If you’re thinking about buying a home or are simply wondering about the process, you’ve come to the right place!
Attend our popular seminar to learn from our homebuying experts and get answers to all your questions. We’ll cover important topics and common issues such as:
- Preparing for your home search
- Getting preapproved
- Exploring different loan options
- Managing your budget and costs
- Understanding the mortgage process
- Reviewing the roles of everyone involved
- Navigating current market conditions and trends
We’ll help you take the first step toward homeownership and develop a unique plan for your homebuying journey.
FACILITATED BY: CHRIS BLAJESKI & TODD MEROW
PAY IT DOWN: HOW TO SAVE BY CREATING AND STICKING TO A DEBT REPAYMENT PLAN
THURSDAY, APRIL 10 | 11AM-2PM
Looking to take control of your debt and maybe save some money in the process? During this session we will share insights on how credit can impact savings when paying down debt, how to create a realistic debt repayment plan, and how to stick to your plan.
FACILITATED BY: COURTNEY O’BRIEN-MANDERS & ANTHONY DRETZKA
RETIREMENT: BUILDING A COMFORTABLE LIFESTYLE FOR TOMORROW
FRIDAY, APRIL 11 | 11AM-2PM
Learn about the keys that seek to fund a comfortable retirement and the actions you can take now and in the future to pursue the type of retirement lifestyle you envision. Presented by Wealth Management at UW Credit Union.
FACILITATED BY: KEVIN HOEFT
