Are you confident you have made all the right financial decisions? If you haven’t, do you want to get some good advice from the experts—for free? If so, you have an opportunity to attend any of the financial classes that will be offered throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area during the month of April.

Money Smart Month is an annual campaign coordinated by financial institutions, non-profit organizations, schools, libraries and government agencies. In its fourth year, the campaign is designed to advance financial education through public awareness and the sponsorship of a series of events. The main goal of the campaign is to provide workshops, seminars, programs, events and financial resources for all demographics and income levels. There is no cost to attend any of the events throughout the month.

The kick-off event for this campaign will be April 6th, 2013, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Sporting Kansas City’s stadium in Wyandotte County. This event is $core Your Goals: $occer Challenge 2013. Enjoy a workshop with financial pro Andres Gutierrez from the Dave Ramsey team and MLS soccer pros who will lead clinics and games, along with a Sporting KC Player who will be available for autographs and photos. Sign up to play Financial Soccer online for prizes, and students can sign up their school as a team. Additional activities include games and resources related to making smart money decisions. Register to attend this event here: http://svy.mk/YslV1A

Besides the kick-off event, another signature event during April is Money Smart Day, sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank. This year, the free financial conference will take place on April 20th at the KC Library downtown from 10 am to 2:30 pm. You will have an opportunity to choose from several financial classes like Comparison Shopping, Mortgage 101, Choosing the Right Insurance for Every Stage of Life, Credit Building and Scores and several others. You will also have an opportunity to request a free credit report with the assistance of KC Cash and to discuss your financial situation with a financial planner from the Financial Planning Association of Greater Kansas City. To register for this event, go to http://moneysmartday.kcfed.org or contact Paul Wenske at 816-881-2886.

To learn about all of the events throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area during the month of April, go to the Money Smart Month website ( www.moneysmartkc.org) and select the “Events” tab for April to see a list of all the financial classes. There are also printed calendars, which can be picked up at the KC Public Library branches, Central Bank of Kansas City, select Community America branches or call 211 (United Way) and ask for a printed version of Money Smart Month Calendar of Events.

If you attend a financial class or event, be sure to fill out the evaluation form for a chance to win some major prizes that will include an iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tablet or a Kindle Fire HD. There is no purchase necessary, and winners will be notified in May. Money Smart Month is also on Facebook www.facebook.com /Money SmartKC and if you “LIKE” the page, you will also have an opportunity to win one of the prizes listed above.

Financial decisions can be very difficult. And if you do not have the expertise, it is hard to find a trusted resource to assist you. By attending a session during Money Smart Month, you will gain the financial knowledge and resources to help you make smarter financial decisions and give you the ability to improve your financial well-being.