Press Releases

For Immediate Release
January 29, 2004	Contact: Cheryl Weiss (608) 264-7875

Secretary Keating Heinemann Announces DFI Support
of the Financial Literacy theme of the National Consumer Protection Week

(Madison) Secretary Lorrie Keating Heinemann today announced DFI's support of the sixth annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), February 1-7, 2004. The event highlights consumer protection and education efforts around the country and this year's theme is: "Financial Literacy: Earning a Lifetime of Dividends." NCPW focuses on the skills consumers need to make smart decisions in the market place and ensure a solid financial future. The Department of Financial Institution's mission is to protect consumers of financial services and ensure the soundness of Wisconsin's financial institutions. During NCPW, representatives from federal, state, and local agencies and national advocacy groups will help consumers of all ages understand how their marketplace decisions affect their fiscal fitness.

"DFI is proud to be a partner in sharing the message of the National Consumer Protection Week," said Secretary Keating Heinemann. "Whether you're shopping for groceries, applying for a mortgage or deciding on an allowance for your children, every financial decision has an impact on your quality of life. Financially literate citizens greatly benefit themselves and their families as well as our state's economy," added Secretary Keating Heinemann.

The Secretary also urged consumers to take advantage of opportunities to build their own financial literacy. She noted that DFI was one of several organizations helping to sponsor the third annual Beloit/Janesville Money Conference on Saturday, March 6, 2004 at Blackhawk Technical College, an event presented by the nonprofit organization Asset Builders of America, Inc.

The Money Conference offers impartial, unbiased financial education programming in a fun setting for the whole family and no products or services are sold. A brochure describing The Money Conference and a pre-registration form are available for downloading from the Asset Builders of America, Inc. website at: www.assetbuilders.org. For more information about The Beloit/Janesville Money Conference, please call Richard Entenmann of Asset Builders of America, Inc. at 608-663-6332.