For the crypto- and money-curious, Financial Literacy Month stacks events for everybody this April

April is Financial Literacy Month, and the WWU program dedicated to sharing financial literacy resources has a slate of happenings ready to help the entire community achieve financial success.

The Merriman Financial Literacy Program is putting on events all through the month of April. Each week presents a theme that corresponds to a pillar of financial literacy: budgeting, understanding your career, credit, and investing. Here is a look at some of the program's offerings for April:

Excel for Personal Finance

April 2, 4-5 p.m. (Online)

This webinar hosted by MFLP Peer Mentor Jeremy Case will give you tips and tricks to harness the power of Excel for your own personal finance goals. Registration is required to receive a link, which you can do here.

TransAct: A conversation about finances

April 6, 4-5 p.m. (VU 735)

This event, co-sponsored by LGBTQ+ Western, will feature a community-focused and empathetic discussion about understanding and planning for costs associated with transitioning. Experienced Peer Mentor Effie Brickell will lead this popular session. Allies are encouraged to attend.

Your Money Story

April 9, 4-6 p.m. (Communications Facility 227)

Join special presenter Montana Houston as she leads a workshop to help us understand and unpack our "money stories," such as the ones we may have learned early from family and friends. Participants will work toward reflecting on and reframing their personal money narrative to help achieve financial mindfulness. This event has limited space and registration is strongly encouraged, which you can do at this link.

Understanding Job Offers

April 16, 4-5 p.m. (Parks Hall 228)

Those on the cusp of graduation (or on their way to it) are probably thinking about the first job post-graduation: but how do you know if the offer you just received is "good"? Facilitator Peter Wagner, who has years of experience as a hiring manager, will share some insights into job offers (from equity to bonuses and more) and tips for negotiation. All students, not just those graduating in Spring, are encouraged to attend.

"This Is Not Financial Advice" Film Screening

April 23, 4-7 p.m. (Fraser Hall 101):

This event is presented by the College of Business & Economics and the Merriman Financial Literacy Program

Join CBE and MFLP for an exclusive film screening of the award-winning documentary, "This Is Not Financial Advice," followed by a discussion with filmmaker Zach Ingrasci and a representative of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA. The discussion will be moderated by Finance Professor & Director of MFLP Dr. Eric Wehrly.

Investing 101

April 28, 4:30-6 p.m. (Parks Hall 228)

If you've found yourself wondering how to dip your toe into the complex world of investing, let our trained Peer Mentors guide you through the introductory process! From understanding types of investments to battling common misconceptions about investing, our team will help get you ready to buy your first stock!

Paul Merriman Talk

April 30, time and location TBD

Join legendary investor, WWU alum and namesake of our program Paul Merriman for a conversation about personal finance and how to maximize your money. Location and time will be provided later this month at financialliteracy.wwu.edu.

More event registration details are available on the Merriman Financial Literacy Program website. If you have any questions or require assistance with accessibility, please contact Peter Wagner at [email protected].

The Merriman Financial Literacy Program at WWU was founded thanks to the generous donation of Paul and Zan Merriman. The program provides students, faculty, staff, and the larger community with free financial literacy resources through 1-1 peer mentoring, online courses through iGrad, and workshops.