Two popular events are returning to Fort Dodge during Money Smart Week, March 30-April 6. Money Smart Week is sponsored annually by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to remind Americans that we’re never done learning and improving financial well-being. Local events in the Fort Dodge area include:

“Ready, Set, Retire” will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Citizens Central, 617 Central Ave. This free workshop targets those who plan to retire in the next 10 years, with information to prepare them for the critical decisions that occur around retirement. Topics include Social Security, investing and making withdrawals, choosing financial professionals, and more. Participants will also hear from the Veterans Affairs office and Elderbridge about available resources. Preregister by calling 574-1293.

Community Shred Event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at United Bank of Iowa, 1608 First Ave. S. Now is the time to gather up personal documents you no longer need, so you can bring them to be shredded in and industrial shredder. Destroying old documents completely is a key step to protecting your privacy and preventing identity theft.

As part of Money Smart Week, many area service clubs will have programs provided during the week on financial topics, provided by Money Smart Week partners. Partners involved in planning for Money Smart Week this year include Webster County ISU Extension, United Bank of Iowa, Foster Grandparents, Iowa Central Community College, Ameriprise Financial Services, Availa Bank, Fort Dodge Housing and Elderbridge Agency on Aging.