6 Money Smart things to do this weekend

Money Smart Week starts this weekend, giving families plenty of things to do that are a whole lot more fun than balancing a checkbook.

A collaborative effort launched by the Federal Reserve System, Money Smart Week involves more 400 organizations in Michigan, offering more than 600 non-commercial financial education programs in more than 50 counties. 

Individual events throughout the week, which runs through April 28, can be found at www.moneysmartweek.org. Plug in your Zip code to find an event near you.

Here's a look at six cool ideas: 

1. Money Smart Kids Magic Show

The fun, free event is aimed at children ages 4 through 10. Participating families will receive a copy of the book "Planet Zeee and the Money Tree" — compliments of the sponsor, Ally Financial.

The show will be performed by Michigan's Family Funnyman, Joel Tacey. 

The magic show will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Road.

2. Community Wealth Building Day

Young consumers and families looking to buy a home can learn more about building a better credit score, budgeting and taking the other steps toward home ownership.

The free event is from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Focus: HOPE, 1400 Oakman Blvd., Detroit. 

Sponsors are: ​​​​​​MB Financial Bank, Wells Fargo, Quicken Loans, Fifth Third Mortgage, Parks Title, CIBC  and Greater Detroit Realtist Association.

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3. Mad City Money 

Students in the eighth grade and up get a chance to test their knowledge about juggling the bills and a job during a two-hour simulation challenge called "Mad City Money." 

Participants visit different stations to better understand how to select housing, transportation, food, clothing and daycare based on their budgets. Participants can learn to make mistakes — and suffer the consequences of their decisions. 

The teens and money program will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Michigan State University Extension office at the Thompson Community Center, 11370 Hupp Avenue in Warren. 

Registration for this event is required by calling 586-469-7614. Or register online at https://events.anr.msu.edu/MACOMBMCM. Registration closes at midnight Friday. 

4. Fix it at the 'Repair Cafe' 

Maybe you've got a broken vase or necklace? Or even a dull knife? Or computer troubles? 

The idea here is to get free help from others and save money fixing some broken items that you don't want to throw away. The sponsors are: Waterfall Jewelers, Home Depot and Gorilla Glue. 

People with expertise are invited to visit to help out as well.

The Repair Cafe will be open from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the White Lake Township Library, 7527 E. Highland Road. 

5. Mr. Clifford AP Economics Review Day

OK, only some highly motivated teens might call this Money Smart Week event fun. But it might be useful.

Jacob Clifford, Council for Economic Education teacher of the year, will spend a day helping prepare Michigan AP Economics high school students for the upcoming AP Micro and AP Macro exams in May. See information about registration and fees at http://michiganecon.org/clifford.

The review day is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Eisenhower High School Performing Arts Center, 6500 Twentyfive Mile Road in Shelby Township. 

6. Story Time and other library activities

Several events are being held at local libraries on Saturday, including playing a coin game and viewing a DVD called "Money Mammals: Saving Money is Fun" from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Detroit Public Library Chaney Branch, 16101 Grand River in Detroit. 

On Sunday, events include making a bank from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Detroit Public Library Wilder Branch at 7140 E. Seven Mile Road; and an interactive story time sponsored by the Michigan Credit Union Foundation from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Baldwin Public Library at 300 W. Merrill St. in Birmingham. Participating families will receive a copy of this year's Money Smart Kids Read book, "Lots and Lots of Coins," compliments of Michigan Credit Unions.

Contact Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com or 313-222-8876. Follow Susan on Twitter @Tompor.