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Become a Financial Scholar with EverFi »
Mon, May 20, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
EverFi@Work-Financial Literacy for Adults »
Tue, May 14, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
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Quick Search
Related Databases
Use these resources on any Chicago Public Library computer or on non-Library computers with your Chicago Public Library card.
Chicago Sun-Times/SouthtownStar »
Search for articles from the Chicago Sun-Times and SouthtownStar on personal budgeting and finance, or read Terry Savage’s personal finance column and other articles in the Sun-Times.
EBSCO Magazines & Journals »
Read articles on personal budgets, debt management, personal credit and other topics related to personal finance from a variety of popular magazines.
Gale Virtual Reference Library »
Learn about bankruptcy, credit/truth-in-lending, consumer debt collection and other consumer issues in the Gale Encyclopedia of Everyday Law and personal finance calculations in Real-Life Math.
Illinois Legal Aid »
Ayuda Legal Illinois » en español
Find information on legal issues relating to debt and credit, including “What to Do if You Are in Debt: A Guide for Illinois Residents” and a video of a presentation on “Cleaning Up Your Credit.”
Illinois Newsstand »
Find articles from local news sources including the Chicago Defender, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, Extra and La Raza.
Search in the Library
Featured CPL Collections and Programs
- Business, Science and Technology Division »
The Business, Science and Technology Division at the Harold Washington Library Center has resources for making household budgets and getting out of debt. - Chicago Financial Scholars Program
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EverFi’s online financial literacy resources include self-paced lessons on topics such as mortgages, taxes, overdraft protection and identity protection. - Money Smart »
In partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Chicago Public Library offers financial literacy programs year-round to help Chicagoans understand the business of money, gain control of their finances and learn overall wealth management.
Helpful Websites
- Annual Credit Report »
Annual Credit Report is the official site set up by the three major credit reporting agencies to help consumers obtain free credit reports.
- Budgeting 101 »
The Chicago City Treasurer offers tips for creating a family budget, including printable forms.
- Financial Literacy 101 »
Learn about getting credit, managing a household budget, and protecting your credit and finances from scams and predators on this site from the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation.
- Money Matters »
This site from the Federal Trade Commission offers advice on managing your money wisely and avoiding common consumer scams. Learn about choosing and using credit cards; budgeting, saving and spending wisely; dealing with debt and more. Also available in Spanish.
- MyMoney.gov »
MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government’s website dedicated to teaching basic financial literacy, with information from more than 20 federal agencies. Managing Debt and Credit has links to information and tools on topics such as establishing credit, getting free credit reports and avoiding credit scams.



