Smart Women Smart Money Conference goes virtual

The Idaho Department of Finance announced the return of the Smart Women Smart Money Conference on Friday, Feb. 19, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This free event will be held online and advanced registration is required at www.smartwomensmartmoney.com/Idaho.

“The importance of investing in female financial literacy cannot be overstated,” said Patricia Perkins, Director of the Department of Finance. “Empowering women to achieve financial success not only benefits individuals and families but strengthens the economy overall.”

The Smart Women Smart Money conference, sponsored by the State Financial Officers Foundation, provides women of diverse ages and circumstances with the necessary information and tools to take control of their financial lives.

Founded by former Idaho State Treasurer Ron Crane in 1999, Smart Women Smart Money is now in its 21st year bringing financial awareness to over 35,000 women across multiple states.

The message of these one-day conferences is that it is never too early, or too late, to learn about finances.

This year’s conference keynote speaker will be Tammie Jo Shults, author of Nerves of Steel. She was one of the first female fighter pilots in the U.S. Navy, where she attained the rank of lieutenant commander. In her civilian career as a pilot for Southwest Airlines, she is revered for saving the lives of 149 passengers during an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport.

The conference will also feature breakout sessions where women can learn about budgeting, debt reduction, investing, and more.

'The Department of Finance will be presenting the breakout session titled “Know your credit score? Tips to improve your FICO score before making a major purchase” with Consumer Affairs Officer Celia Kinney.