March 15 deadline for Money Smart Kid Essay Contest

• First place gets $1,000, second and third $500, and fourth $250

Online Staff Report

As part of Money Smart Week 2013 Illinois, taking place April 20-27, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and its partner organizations are presenting the Money Smart Kid Essay Contest.

Students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to answer the Money Smart 2013 question: What is the difference between an investment and an expense? What would be a good investment in your community and why? Please discuss who would benefit from this investment with an essay of 300 words or fewer.

For the northern Illinois area, prizes will be awarded for first ($1,000), second ($500), third ($500) and fourth ($250) places. Prizes are sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, First National Bank and Trust, Rockford Bank and Trust, and MembersAlliance Credit Union.

Candidates must be a student of middle-school age (sixth through eighth grades) during the 2012-2013 year and reside in Winnebago, Ogle, Stephenson, DeKalb or Boone counties. Deadline for all entries is Friday, March 15. Winners will read their essays at the Northern Illinois Money Smart Week Kick-Off Breakfast April 19.

For application form and details, visit moneysmartweek.org or the Northern Illinois Money Smart Week Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/MoneySmartWeekNorthernIllinois.

Money Smart Week, a coordinated effort of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances.

Posted March 6, 2013