Department of Commerce to lead a month-long series of financial education and empowerment activities

SAINT PAUL – Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed April as Financial Capability Month in Minnesota, a time to highlight the importance of financial education and empowerment to the state’s upward trajectory and the success of its residents.

Financial capability refers to people’s knowledge, skills and access to products and services that enable them to manage their finances, make informed choices for their financial security and future and to avoid scams and fraud.

The Governor’s proclamation states that “empowering and educating Minnesotans to be financially capable is beneficial for all Minnesotans, by increasing opportunities and creating a more inclusive economy.”

“When Minnesotans have the knowledge, skills and opportunities to make good financial decisions, the entire state prospers,” said Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley. “As Minnesota’s consumer protection agency and the state’s financial industry regulator, the Minnesota Commerce Department strives to be a valuable resource to help Minnesotans build their financial capability.”

Throughout the month, the Minnesota Commerce Department is partnering with businesses and organizations across the state to highlight financial capability services available to Minnesotans. Through social media and its website, the Department will also feature financial capability tips from its partner organizations. This year, the Department is putting a special emphasis on reaching out to members of underserved and vulnerable communities in Minnesota.

The Commerce Department will also host the 9th annual Minnesota Financial Capability Roundtable on Tuesday, April 30 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Wellstone Center in Saint Paul, Minn. The event will be a collaborative working session with organizations, learning institutions and agencies that work in financial education and advising to share their experiences, ideas and resources to better serve the financial wellbeing of Minnesotans, particularly those in underserved and vulnerable communities. More information on this event will be available on the Department of Commerce’s website. 

If you are interested in partnering with the Commerce Department in tip-sharing, having your organization participate in the Roundtable or partnering in another capacity during Financial Capability Month, please contact Emma Bauer at emma.bauer@state.mn.us, 651-539-1463.