Treasurer Oaks invites Utah women to attend financial empowerment conference on Sept. 26-27

SALT LAKE CITY—September 23, 2024—Utah Treasurer Marlo M. Oaks invites Utah women to attend the sixth annual, hybrid Utah Women in the Money Conference. The conference will be held in person at the Sheraton Salt Lake Hotel and virtually on Thursday, September 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, September 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The hybrid conference features expert speakers and exhibitors who will provide valuable information and resources to assist Utah women on their pathway to financial security and success. Personal and family finance experts will offer more tailored information and training during smaller workshops. Prizes will be awarded to the attendees with the greatest levels of participation during the conference. Attendees can view session recordings on the virtual platform for a year after the event.

Conference attendees will learn how to improve their personal and family finances, reduce their debt, build their credit, start a business, save for retirement, and develop a financial support network. In-person and virtual exhibitors from financial services, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies will provide resources and answer attendee questions in person and through a live chat function on the virtual platform.

“As chair of the Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education, I am grateful for the opportunity to bring together some of the state’s top financial leaders to share their knowledge and skills with Utah women,” Treasurer Oaks said. “This is an excellent opportunity for women of all ages, cultures, and financial situations to learn and grow their financial capability together.”

The conference is tailored to women because they face unique financial situations. Women statistically live longer than men and are more likely to outlive their assets. Women are also more likely to assume caretaker responsibilities, teach their children about money, and help elderly or disabled loved ones manage their finances. Additionally, women are increasingly playing a greater role in the workforce and market. More than 40% of American women are the primary breadwinners in their households, and women account for 70-80% of overall consumer spending, with heavy influence in most areas ranging from healthcare decisions to new home and car purchases.

“Women fill many important roles in our state. It is critical to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to make sound financial decisions for themselves and their families, especially during these challenging economic times,” said Susan Speirs, CEO of the Utah Association of CPAs and chair of the Utah Financial Empowerment Coalition, the nonprofit organization responsible for organizing the conference.
The previous five conferences provided valuable financial information, tools, resources, and networking opportunities to hundreds of Utah women, including nearly 900 women last year.

“We adopted a hybrid model during the pandemic, which has enabled us to serve women from across the state live online, while also offering the invaluable in-person experience for those who are able to join us in Salt Lake,” Speirs said. “We’ve taken the feedback and lessons from past conferences and are eager to offer an even better event this year.”

Previous conference attendee, Alex from Salt Lake City said, “The resources and tools I’ve gained from attending this conference have been monumental. It’s so great to come together with other women in a collaborative atmosphere, and I’m more motivated than ever to achieve financial success.”

Another past conference attendee, Yvonne Cunahan, said, “The fear of not knowing how money works and not knowing where to look for help/resources is my worst enemy! This has been a whirlwind day full of great presenters, information, and resources. So much appreciate being able to participate today.”

Registration for the in-person conference is $15 for Thursday and $25 for Friday, or $35 for both Thursday and Friday. Scholarships are available for those in need. There is no cost to attend the conference virtually, but registration is still required. For more information and to register for the conference, visit: womeninthemoney.org.

Media Contact:
Ania McGrath
Utah Office of State Treasurer
(801) 538-1473
[email protected]

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