Elizabeth Pulanco / Winonan

Money is everywhere. Having the knowledge of how to save and spend money wisely is important for all people, especially college students making their way into the professional world.

Winona State University’s College of Business and the Darrell W. Krueger Library have partnered up for “Money Smart Week,” a national event used to promote financial literacy and raise awareness about the different ways individuals can manage their finances.

Carol Dual-Elhindi, assistant professor librarian, and the library liaison for the College of Business, is involved with the Winona State’s celebration of “Money Smart Week.”

“The dean of the College of Business and I had heard about [‘Money Smart Week’] last year, so we partnered up to bring our first ‘Money Smart Week,’ to Winona last year,” Dual-Elhindi said. “I am a part of the planning committee and have been coordinating things and getting rooms booked and making sure information gets over to marketing.”

“Money Smart Week” started on April 23. Last week, different kick-off events were hosted across campus that included yard games and barbecues.

Different speakers were invited in preparation of “Money Smart Week,” as well. On Wednesday, April 20, business owner Farissa Knox stopped by campus to talk about how she developed her businesses, and to also meet students and sign copies of her book, “Love, Sex & Friendship: In No Particular Order.”

Knox relocated to Chicago from New York with her husband in 2007, and started her first business, RLM, a media-advertising agency. Before starting her business, Knox worked in ad sales for local radio and TV stations.

In 2012, Knox developed a phone app, “WhatRUWearing.” The app allows users to see what stylish people around the world are wearing.

Knox also emphasized the importance of creating an internet presence. She discussed important skills that can help an individual show their value to a potential employer or customer.

“If someone asks you about a problem, it is better to say ‘let me find out,’ than ‘I don’t know,’” Knox said. “This shows that you have already started thinking of possible solutions.”

The people you tell your ideas to can make or break you, “pick people with positive energy that will encourage you, not people who will bring you down,” Knox said.

Students found Knox’s advice and anecdotes helpful, and they enjoyed the incorporation of fashion into a business event.

“She gave us a different perspective; I had never heard anyone talk about fashion in business,” sophomore Ashlyn Ruhberg said.

Throughout the week, several banks in the Winona area will host different discussions about finance.

“We have some really great programs this year,” Dual-Elhindi said.

Other events include discussions about identity theft, money and life after college, saving money for college and saving money for retirement.

“[Money Smart Week] opens your eyes to a variety of financial topics,” Dual-Elhindi said. “It is a nice way to consult with financial experts on different topics.”