Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan once stated, “Financial education is a process that should begin at an early age and continue throughout life. This cumulative process builds the skills necessary for making critical financial decisions.”

At First Security we understand the importance of helping our community’s youth build a strong financial foundation so that they better understand basic concepts like budgeting, simple interest, and establishing and maintaining good credit.

According to the Council for Economic Education’s 2020 Survey of the States only 21 states in the U.S. require high school students to take a course in personal finance. While this denotes a marked improvement since CEE’s first survey in 1998, there remains a sizeable financial education knowledge gap.

First Security believes that financial education improves the financial health outlook for our youth and better prepares them to tackle unexpected financial situations or prepare for significant life milestones like paying for college, purchasing a home, opening a business, or building a nest egg.

In fact, through a partnership with education technology company Everfi, First Security has provided engaging courses that align with state and national financial education standards to schools across North Iowa. Over several years, the sponsorship has contributed to the financial education of thousands of students. It is a web-based program that uses the latest in new media technologies, so students even have the ability to learn remotely.

“By providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to make smart financial decisions, we are investing in the future economic well-being of the communities we serve in Iowa,” commented Matt Bradley, Vice President/Marketing Manager.

Additionally, First Securityoffers the following tips for Gen Z and their parents to shore up money management skills and prepare for the post-graduate workforce:

• Set Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Trackable goals. Choose your priorities—whether it’s saving for a computer or building an emergency fund—and make sure they are achievable. Create a plan of action and measure your progress over time.   
• Start a savings account (if you don’t have one already). First Security offers automatic transfer services to move a set amount from your checking account to savings monthly.
• For working-age students, consider part-time or seasonal employment. You will learn more about personal responsibility and have an opportunity to manage expenses.
• Track your spending and avoid making impulse purchases. Create a budget and review it periodically to make necessary adjustments.
• Gain perspective about risk and reward. Knowing how stocks, bonds and mutual funds can affect an investment portfolio shows you how financial decisions can grow—or shrink—your savings. Some high school classes and financial literacy-based websites, provide simulations of how these investments work in the real world.
• Learn about credit scores—a representation of your financial past, present, and future. First Security can offer tips to help you establish and maintain good credit.

Having the knowledge about how to best manage your money is just the start. When young adults practice proper money management techniques early, they’re more inclined to make effective financial decisions throughout life. The sooner your children start to grasp these concepts, the more apt they’ll be for a better financial future. 

First Security Bank & Trust has locations across North Central Iowa and headquarters in Charles City.