Money Smart Week, March 30-April 6, is bringing back some popular events in Hamilton County and introducing some new events as well. Money Smart Week is sponsored annually by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to remind Americans that we’re never done learning and improving financial well-being. Local events in the Webster City area include:

• Where’s Ben Scavenger Hunt, Monday-Friday April 1-5. Listen to KQWC each morning or search the hashtag #WheresBenWC for clues. Each day one Webster City business will host Ben Franklin, the most notoriously thrifty of our founding fathers, who will provide a money smart fact for the day. Those who find Ben can enter in a prize drawing. Win a gift card or other valuable prize while learning and having fun.

• Obtain Your Free Credit Report, selected hours Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Kendall Young Library. Checking your credit report each year is essential to protecting your privacy and building a solid credit history. Helpers will be available at the library on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon and 5:30-7 p.m.

• Ready, Set, Retire, Tuesday April 2, 6-8:30 p.m. at Citizens Central, 617 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge. This freeregional workshop targets those who plan to retire in the next ten years, with information to prepare them for the critical decisions that occur around retirement. Topics include Social Security, investing and making withdrawals, choosing financial professionals, and more. Participants will also hear from the Veterans Affairs office and Elderbridge about available resources. Pre-register by calling 515-574-1293.

• Money Smart Kids Read, Thursday April 4, 6:30 p.m., Kendall Young Library. Event designed for grade school children with their parents or grandparents. Kids receive a money smart book and enjoy money smart activities, while adults learn about AvailaKares and Iowa 529 College Savings accounts.

As part of Money Smart Week, several area service clubs will have programs provided during the week on financial topics, provided by Money Smart Week partners. Partners involved in planning for Money Smart Week this year include: Hamilton County ISU Extension, Availa Bank, First State Bank, Peoples Credit Union, and Kendall Young Library.