Library has programs during Money Smart Week

Mentor Public Library announced it will be hosting a series of programs designed to help people with their taxes, couponing, saving for retirement and, in general, making smart financial decisions. It’s called Money Smart Week and it runs April 22-28.

It also gives everyone a chance to learn about different financial topics in a nonthreatening, impartial environment, according to a press release. The programs include:

• Couponing 101 with Rachel Krych at 10 a.m., April 22, at the Main Branch, 8215 Mentor Ave. in Mentor. Krych is a stayat-home mom turned couponer and weekly columnist. She will share her expertise during a two-part class where people can learn the basics and start saving right away.

• Retirement savings and tax tips with financial adviser Stan Lipinski. The Lake Branch, 5642 Andrews Road in Mentor-onthe-Lake, will host two sessions with Lipinski. The first will be 6:30 p.m. on April 24. The second will be 1 p.m. on April 28.

• Money smarts for kids at 7 p.m. on April 24, at the Main Branch. Kids from 4 to 8 years old can learn about spending and saving, while decorating their own bank that they’ll take home with them.

• The special tax edition of Mythbusters at 6:30 p.m., April 25, at the Main Branch. Certified Public Accountant Andrea Lograsso will discuss common tax issues that many face and some ways to save money next year.

• Estate planning basics at 6:30 p.m. on April 26 at the Main Branch. Joseph L. Motta from The Society For Financial Awareness will talk about wills and trusts, protecting inheritances from creditors, and how to avoid probate court.

• Managing student loan debt at 6:30 p.m. on April 27 at the Main Branch. Financial adviser Michael Kostelnik will offer advice to those struggling with student loans. He’ll suggest different payment strategies, as well as tips and goals to help someone manage their debt and get out from under it faster.

All of the library’s Money Smart Week programs are free and open to the public. However, the library does ask that people register for them beforehand at www.mentorpl.org or by calling the library at 440255-8811.