First Community Bank of East TN and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are celebrating Financial Literacy Month in April by encouraging Americans to take control of their financial future and learn fiscally responsible habits that can benefit them at every age and stage of their financial journey.
Twenty-seven percent of Americans report that “just getting by financially or finding it hard to get by” describes them completely or very well. Meanwhile 59% want financial advice, but only a third (32 percent) turn to registered financial advisors for help, despite the fact that 68 percent indicated a personalized financial plan based on their goals is important.
“Having strong financial principles and putting money management practices into action can help avoid financial missteps and improve your financial outlook at any age or life stage,” said Ashley Lawson, AVP, Branch Manager & Lender at FCBETN. “As a trusted financial advisor, located in the community and invested in your financial health, reach out and let us help power your financial potential.”
Often referred to as America’s favorite lenders, community banks are financial experts with a wealth of knowledge and local expertise to help consumers with:
- Budgeting to help you track income and expenses and build a plan to manage your finances, reach your financial goals, and create a nest egg.
- Saving and investing to help you assess savings and investment goals and vehicles.
- Using credit to establish and maintain good credit so you can reap the benefits from this convenient and flexible form of payment without the consequences of mismanagement.
- Understanding debt load and available options like debt consolidation before taking out a loan.
“Understanding financial principles is key to achieving your lifetime goals,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “Whether you’re looking to fund educational pursuits, start a business, or plan for retirement, managing debt judiciously with the support of your trusted community banker can pave the way toward financial independence.”
ICBA also offers financial literacy programs through community bank partners including Visa’s Practical Money Skills, the FDIC’s Money Smart initiatives and the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.
In addition, First Community Bank of East TN also offers programs on Financial Education. Give us a call at 423-272-5800 or email us at internetbanking@fcbanktn.com to inquire about available options.
About First Community Bank of East TN
First Community Bank was founded in 1993 in Rogersville, TN. The bank is a locally owned and managed financial institution serving a broad market that encompasses an area up to 325 miles from its headquarters location in Rogersville. The bank was founded on the premise that individuals and small and medium size businesses were under served by large traditional banks. The Bank operates brick and mortar branches in Hawkins and Sullivan Counties in Northeast Tennessee but offers a full range of digital banking services.
At First Community Bank we believe our relationships with our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to a relationship and customer service that is unparalleled. As our customer, shareholder, or friend, you can be sure that the employees of First Community Bank work diligently to earn and keep your business and to instill your confidence in us.
We offer a complete range of financial products and services including checking accounts, money market and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts, business accounts, and more. First Community Bank offers a full range of lending options for individuals and businesses. Our commercial lending specialists or retail banking team can customize the financing to match your specific, unique needs.
Our philosophy of local bank decision-making and personalized service is the driving force of our business. We are proud to be a true Community Bank and thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.
As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.
