National Financial Literacy Month is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of understanding and managing personal finances. Whether you're looking to create a budget, save for the future, or improve your credit score, April serves as a reminder of the essential skills needed to make informed financial decisions.
Here at the BPL, we offer free access to a wealth of financial resources, including books, online courses, workshops, and expert guidance. Libraries provide a supportive space where individuals of all ages can learn how to manage their money wisely. Throughout the month, we’ll explore key topics such as budgeting, online banking, debt management, and financial planning, with the library standing as a trusted partner in helping you take control of your financial well-being. It’s never too late to start learning — let’s make this Financial Literacy Month the beginning of your financial journey!
Featured Workshops
There are many online and in-person workshops offered at the BPL. Here are some featured events, but you can find our entire schedule here.
Health Care Proxy Clinic
Wednesday, April 16, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Signing a health care proxy allows you to choose who you want to be your health care agent. Signing a health care proxy can save time and money if you have a medical emergency in the future!
The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA) and the Boston Public Library are partnering for a two-hour event to help community members understand the importance of a Health Care Proxy (HCP) and potentially sign the form at the event. Everyone that attends the event in person will be able to speak with a volunteer regarding questions that they may have about Health Care Proxies. Those who join online can use the chat function to ask questions, and send in any question that you have later. At the conclusion of the 20-minute presentation, if you are ready, the volunteers will help you sign a standard Massachusetts Health Care Proxy form.
Those who wish to fill out the Health Care Proxy form will have to be onsite. Please being the contact information (name, phone number, address, and optionally e-mail) of the person/people you plan to appoint as your agent under the HCP. If time allows, volunteers will assist people with sending their HCP form to their doctor, so please have the doctor's contact information if you would like help.
This program will take place at the Central Library, the Roxbury, Mattapan, Parker Hill, and Roslindale branches of the Boston Public Library. Please sign up for the location you wish to attend through the corresponding event link:
KBLIC: bit.ly/hcproxyKBLIC
Mattapan: bit.ly/hcproxyMAT, opens a new window
Parker Hill: bit.ly/hcproxyPH
Roslindale: bit.ly/hcproxyROS, opens a new window
Roxbury: bit.ly/hcproxyROX
Please note this is a hybrid event with both online and in-person registration options. A Zoom meeting link will be delivered with registration confirmation.
Online Banking 101
Tuesday, April 29, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
In today’s digital world, online banking is an essential tool for managing finances efficiently and securely. This online workshop is beginner-friendly and designed to help participants understand the basics of digital banking, including how to navigate online banking platforms, keep accounts secure, and take advantage of useful banking features.
Online Resources
Center for Working Families
This organization provides free one-on-one financial coaching for Boston residents with services including assistance in creating an action plan and answers to financial questions on topics such as debt, budgeting, and investing.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has the answers to hundreds of financial questions, along with worksheets and articles to aid in your financial literacy journey.
MassHire
MassHire curates free virtual financial literacy workshops every Thursday.
Balance Financial Education
Sponsored by the City of Boston Credit Union, Balance Financial Education has videos, articles, newsletters, podcasts, toolkits, booklets, worksheets, checklists, and calculators. It also provides the option for one-on-one financial help.
Women's Money Matters
Women's Money Matters hosts financial education and wellness programs that are free and last about 3-4 months. They provide mentoring, a small-group atmosphere, and workshops. The programs include aspects like financial workshops with your personal coach and one-on-one sessions to work on your specific goals.
Booklists
Financial Literacy Month is the perfect time to explore essential reads on managing money. From budgeting to buying your first home, financial decisions can feel overwhelming! These books will help you navigate the what, where, when, and why of personal finance with confidence.
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