News Releases

Harris Supports Money Smart Week Illinois

CHICAGO, April 19, 2010 –Harris today announced its support of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's annual Money Smart Week, a series of free classes and activities designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. From April 17 to 24, Money Smart Week events take place locally in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

Last year, Harris helped increase the number of Money Smart Week events in the Chicago suburbs. This year, Harris is participating in more than 65 events, and with the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit expiring soon, many of Harris' sponsored sessions offer tips for prospective homebuyers. Other classes will help consumers understand credit and credit scores, avoid identity theft, prevent foreclosure, and increase their knowledge of money matters.

"This economy proves the importance of sharing our expertise as bankers to help strengthen the financial literacy of individuals we serve," said Judy Ri ce, senior vice president of Community Affairs and Economic Development. "Informed, empowered consumers make our communities healthier and more successful, and that's a goal we can all support."

For a full list of workshops and activities during Money Smart Week, visit the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's Web site at chicagofed.org.

About Harris
Harris is an integrated financial service organization providing more than 1.2 million personal, business and corporate clients with banking, lending, investing and wealth management solutions. The organization is a member of the BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), which also provides corporate and investment banking services in the U.S. under the BMO Capital Markets name.

Harris^®is a trade name used by various financial service subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp.  Banking products and services are provided by Harris N.A., The Harris Bank, N.A. and their bank affiliates, Members FDIC.  Brokerage products are offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. (HIS), a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC-registered investment adviser.  Insurance and annuities are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. (HBIS). Investment banking services are provided by BMO Capital Markets Corp. (BMOCM), a registered broker dealer and member NYSE, FINRA and SIPC.  HIS, HBIS and BMOCM are affiliated companies and are wholly owned subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp.  Products offered by HIS, HBIS and BMOCM are Not Insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by Any Bank or Bank Affiliate, May Lose Value.  The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition to any bank loan or service.  Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser.  F amily Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc.