‘Smart Women Smart Money’ virtual conference this week

Treasurer of State Dennis Milligan is hosting the third annual Smart Women Smart Money Arkansas conference on Friday, Sept. 24. The free conference will be held virtually this year and is designed to empower women to improve their financial well-being.

“Arkansas ranks third worst in the nation for both women’s unemployment and earnings and poverty and opportunity,” Milligan said, citing the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. “Our message with this conference is that it’s never too early or too late to help oneself improve their financial well-being.”

This year’s conference will feature general sessions presented by content experts as well as smaller breakout sessions tailored for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of understanding. Attendees can choose topics that best meet their needs and comfort level.

The keynote speaker this year is Rachel Marie Martin, author of the Brave Art of Motherhood and FindingJoy.net. Martin’s honest story of how she achieved financial independence starting from rock bottom with seven children will resonate with women of all ages, Milligan said.

“Rachel has a unique story of resilience amid dealing with bill collectors, being in quite a bit of debt, all while trying to juggle being a mother and cope with a failing marriage,” Milligan said. “Her story is so inspiring and I think attendees will walk away from the conference energized and encouraged.”

Smart Women Smart Money conferences began more than 20 years ago in Idaho. When Milligan brought the conference to Arkansas in 2019, it began the nationwide expansion of the program.

To register for the Smart Women Smart Money conference, interested persons may visit smartwomensmartmoney.com/arkansas.