Reinvesting in Our Communities: A 10-Part Financial Literacy Series

Town and Country Bank and Peoples Prosperity Bank is pleased to announce a new initiative aimed at reinvesting in our communities. Mike Crews, Universal Banker III, is providing financial literacy seminars to residents in the Springfield area as part of the bank’s commitment to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The goal of CRA is to support local communities by providing access to credit and other services and drive economic growth by creating authentic customer relationships. By investing in our communities, we’re fully able to understand the economic issues that impact our residents and the needs of local small businesses.

Crews is spearheading a 10-part financial literacy series with the Springfield Housing Authority to give residents the financial tools and knowledge needed to achieve their goals. By initially supplying the participants with a menu of topics to choose from, Crews can tailor the content of his seminars around what they asked for, ensuring value to each individual person.

“The ultimate purpose of the SHA seminars is to give participants the necessary financial tools and knowledge required to buy a home,” Crews says. “During the first presentation, we focused on assets and how to use them to gain financial security. We discussed topics including how to save for down payments and closing costs, figuring out a reasonable budget before shopping, and strengthening credit scores. The goal is to help others define their primary financial goal, in this case buying a house, and work with them to gain the tools they need to achieve that goal.”

Crews utilizes information from the FDIC in his presentations and presents with the intention of creating an open dialogue for participants to comfortably ask questions. “During our first presentation, a participant eagerly inquired about best practices for purchasing a home. She felt empowered to ask questions because of our discussion, which was designed to help define financial values. She successfully identified her goal, and I will work with her over the next nine seminars to help her achieve that goal.”

Aside from his work with the SHA, Crews has also given presentations to The Outlet, whose mission is to allow young men to learn and grow from positive, male role models, and to Midwest Technical Institute. “I have three other local organizations on my radar, and I hope to continue these seminars in the future.”

As a bank that values CRA activities, we have also given back to the communities we serve by partnering with several local organizations, such Capital Area Association of Realtors (CAAR), Jefferson Middle School, Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce, the Boys and Girls Club Foundation, and several other non-profits.

Keep Up With Our Financial Literacy Seminars

Topics covered in each of Crews’ monthly seminars can be found on our blog page, Sprig the Word, for anyone interested in learning more. For additional information about Town and Country Bank and Peoples Prosperity Bank’s commitment to the Community Reinvestment Act, please contact us today at (866) 770-3100.