My parents taught me very early that you have to work for what you want in life. So since I was a little girl, I was interested in money and savings. My dad let me accompany him to the bank, and I was fascinated with how he deposited money so it would grow.
It’s no surprise that I became a banker. I love my profession because it allows me to build relationships with customers, learn about their needs, and introduce them to services that will help them reach their goals. For example, if a couple tells me they’re expecting, I give them a coupon for $10 so they can start a savings account for their baby. I also let them know about accounts that will help them save for their child’s college education.
My passion for financial education extends to the community. Like many community banks, ours often invites youth organizations to our branches to see how money is deposited and processed.
My colleagues and I also take part in the American Bankers Association’s annual “Teach Children To Save” initiative, which encourages bankers to visit schools to talk about money management. A co-worker and I have an annual “Teach Children to Save” session at a Berks County elementary school every spring. We look forward to planning exercises that will make saving more real to the kids. For example, one year we did a case study about a girl who wanted a scooter. We looked up the cost, and then had the entire class figure out how long it would take her to save for the item. We’re always gratified to see how much the kids enjoy these activities and hope that they’ll continue to practice them as they grow older.
At home, I practice what I preach with my own children. When we have loose change around, I show my 3-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son the difference between pennies, quarters and dimes, and encourage them to put them in their piggy banks. As young as they are, I try to teach them the difference between wanting and needing something. They know that my husband and I go to work each day to earn a living, and this allows us to have the things we need.
Children watch what their parents do, so I believe we are their first role models when it comes to money management. Like my parents did for me, I try to do that for my children. And as a good community banker, I continue that tradition with my customers.
