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This program is an opportunity for FNBT to plug into a national effort to equip students with ways to ensure a financially fit future.
Beloit, Wisconsin (PRWEB) October 01, 2014
First National Bank and Trust (FNBT) is teaming up with the American Bankers Association’s Get Smart About Credit program as part of an ongoing effort to teach the local community how to effectively use credit.
The program, now in its 12th year, is a national campaign of volunteer bankers who help young people develop responsible credit habits. FNBT’s volunteer bankers will utilize the program’s awareness day – Get Smart About Credit Day – held Thursday, October 16 as an opportunity to visit local area schools. FNBT’s program focuses on the following important financial obstacles facing teens; paying for college, building good credit habits, and protecting their identity.
“Unfortunately, few young people have access to financial education through their school,” said Margaret Palubinski, FNBT assistant vice president and branch manager. “This program is an opportunity for our bank to plug into a national effort to equip students with ways to ensure a financially fit future.”
FNBT offers these top seven Sound Advice tips designed to give students an edge on mastering personal finance:
1. You are in charge. You are responsible for your finances and you should act accordingly by creating a realistic budget or plan and sticking to it.
2. Watch Spending. You control your money, determining how you spend or save it. Pace spending and increase saving by cutting unnecessary expenses like eating out or shopping so that your money can last throughout the semester.
3. Use Credit Wisely. Understand the responsibilities and benefits of credit. How you handle your credit in college could affect you well after graduation. Shop around for a card that best suits your needs.
4. Utilize Your Bank Account. Banks are more than money in a vault. They offer valuable services that students can benefit from like check cashing, debit cards, online banking, balance alerts, personal loans, direct deposit, financial education and some offer identity theft protection.
5. Be particular when it comes to money. Don't just trust anyone with your money. Be skeptical of classmates, friends or salespeople that have ideas for your money.
6. Save. Things happen, and it's important that you are financially prepared when your car or computer breaks down or when you have to buy that unexpected bus ticket home. No matter how small the amount you should start putting some money away immediately.
7. Ask. This is a learning experience, so if you need help, ask. Your parents or your banker are a good place to start and remember the sooner the better.
First National Bank and Trust Company is a family-owned, community bank headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin. Chartered in 1882, First National Bank and Trust Company now serves more than 27,000 households in 9 communities and 12 locations in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois with assets of approximately $850 million. Commitment to full service banking, investments, asset management, exceptional service and Sound Advice has positioned First National Bank and Trust Company as a Stateline leader in the industry. For additional information, visit http://www.bankatfirstnational.com.