GARY | Hard economic times brought Art and Theresa Vasquez, of Portage, to Saturday's Money Fair at Indiana University Northwest.

The couple sought ways to avoid foreclosure on the family home and to better manage money.

"The workshop on foreclosure saved us a lot of money," Theresa Vasquez said. "We met with one of the loan officers and took down information."

Recently laid off from his job, Art Vasquez said the seminars they attended Saturday "showed us how to manage our money and monthly bills."

Bringing their 10-year old daughter Bianca to the Money Fair was also important, the couple said.

"These are tough times," Art Vasquez said. "This is teaching her how to handle money.

Sponsored by Money Smart Indiana, the financial expo brought together financial institutions, governmental agencies, businesses and other organizations to present workshops and host displays. Among those participating in the expo were Northwest Indiana Community Action, Consumer Credit Counseling Services of NW Indiana, Homeownership Opportunities Network, Centier Bank and Harris Bank.

Other sponsors included IUN, The City of Gary, the FDIC, Lakeshore Public Television, AKA Sorority and The United Way.

Hundreds of area residents attended the 24 workshops.