For a sixth year in a row, the Utah treasurer is hosting a “financial empowerment” conference aimed at assisting and teaching women to gain financial security. (Getty Images)
For a sixth year in a row, the Utah treasurer is hosting a “financial empowerment” conference aimed at assisting and teaching women to gain financial security.
The Utah Women in the Money Conference will take place both virtually and in person at the Sheraton Salt Lake Hotel on Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The past five conferences helped provide financial information, tools, resources and networking opportunities to hundreds of Utah women, including about 900 last year.
“The conference is tailored to women because they face unique financial situations,” the Treasurer’s Office said in a news release issued this week. “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.”
Women are also “increasingly playing a greater role in the workforce and market,” the treasurer’s office added.
About 41% of mothers are the sole or primary breadwinner for their families, earning at least half of their total household income, according to the Center for American Progress. Women also drive roughly 70% to 80% of all consumer purchasing decisions, Forbes reported, especially when it comes to health care decisions, or 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 that organized the conference.
The Utah Women in the Money Conference will feature speakers to provide Utahns resources for “their pathway to financial security and success,” the treasurer’s office said. It will also feature personal and family finance experts who can provide more tailored information and training during smaller workshops.
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.
Attendees can also view session recordings online for up to a year after the conference.
“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,” the treasurer’s office said.
Utah Treasurer Marlo Oaks, who also serves as chair of the Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education, lauded the “opportunity to bring together some of the state’s top financial leaders to share their knowledge and skills with Utah women.”
“This is an excellent opportunity for women of all ages, cultures, and financial situations to learn and grow their financial capability together,” Oaks said.
Registration for the in-person conference is $15 for Thursday and $25 for Friday, or $35 for both Thursday and Friday. Scholarships are being offered to those who may not be able to afford the cost if they fill out an application on the conference’s website. Attending the conference virtually is free of cost, but registration is still required.
For more information and to register for the conference, visit: womeninthemoney.org.
SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST.