Two economists to offer advice on money matters
March 28, 2019
Perhaps the toughest task anyone faces in life is managing money – how much to save, how much to invest and how much to spend on “fun stuff.”
Now, two economists will give advice on money matters during two events Tuesday, April 2, in observance of national Money Smart Week.
Chris Farrell, senior economics contributor to “Marketplace,” American Public Media's nationally syndicated public radio program and the author of the book “Purpose and a Paycheck,” and Louis Johnston, professor of economics at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, will speak on finding meaning, money and happiness at any age.
The first discussion, “Money Smart for the Second Half of Life” runs from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Brother Willie’s Pub, SJU. This discussion focuses on finding purpose and a paycheck in the second half of life (roughly those over the age of 40, although all are welcome to attend).
The conversation will highlight Farrell’s third and latest book, “Purpose and a Paycheck,” which tells the story of how a growing movement of older entrepreneurs and part-time workers are creating a stronger and more vibrant economy.
Attendees are asked to bring their own lunch. Coffee and cookies will be provided.
The afternoon event begins with a stand-up reception with appetizers and lemonade at 3:30 p.m. in the upper level of Alcuin Library, SJU. At 4 p.m., Farrell and Johnston will discuss “Money Smart for Students.” The focus of this event is on personal finance and savings strategies for the college-age student, although the event is open to anyone. A book signing will immediately follow the discussion.
Farrell is an economics commentator for Minnesota Public Radio. An award-winning journalist, he is a regular contributor to PBS’ “Next Avenue” and the Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper. He has written for Bloomberg Businessweek, the New York Times, Kiplinger's and other publications. Farrell is a graduate of Stanford University and the London School of Economics.
Johnston earned his B.S. in economics at the University of Minnesota and his M.A. and Ph.D. in economics at the University of California, Berkeley. He specializes in macroeconomics, economic history and the connections between economic policy and economic history. His most recent projects focus on analyzing the evolution of Minnesota’s economy and how Minnesota became “above average” over the past 60 years.
The two events are sponsored by the CSB/SJU Libraries, and are co-sponsored by the John and Elizabeth Myers Chair in Management; the Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship at CSB/SJU; and CSB/SJU Experience and Professional Development.
Money Smart Week, which runs from March 30-April 6, began as a coordinated effort of the Money Smart Advisory Council, a diverse group of more than 40 Chicago-area organizations working together to promote personal financial literacy. The Chicago Fed convened the Council's first meeting in July 2001, during which members agreed to share resources and ideas to achieve greater public awareness of the programs and services available in the city of Chicago.
The result was Money Smart Week 2002 — six days of focused presentations by community groups, financial institutions, government agencies, educational organizations, and financial experts, all designed to help consumers learn to better manage their personal finances.