Members of the First National Financial Literacy Committee spent time visiting with Mrs. Pietrantonio’s Civics and Economic classes at Iron Mountain High School.
Matthew Lutz, CPA, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Mindey Fayas, South Branch Manager at First National Bank & Trust, spoke with the students about the ins and outs of personal banking. The pair, including IMHS alumni Lutz (Class of ‘03), taught the importance of balancing a checkbook, taking precautions to avoid fraudulent activity on accounts, and ways to raise (and lower) credit scores. Real world examples were given to help the students fully grasp the topics and Matthew and Mindey had a great time explaining and engaging with the students.
“It was really enjoyable to have the kids engage and ask questions that showed they were interested and soaking it in,” said Fayas.
Trust & Wealth Management Director Mike Morgan also presented on the topics financial investing and planning for the future.
This was followed by Senior Commercial Lender Dale Cook, Retail Lender Lisa Bosley and Credit Analyst Joseph Linn teaching on the subjects of installment lending, credit reporting, and working with business owners and their commercial lending needs.
“The three classes we presented all went very well,” said Cook. “It was quite amazing this year how many kids now have debit cards when we asked them, in comparison to years past. Previously, there were only a couple; nearly all kids have them now, with an average class of 15-20 students. The experience was a good exchange of real-life questions and examples on personal finance and banking.”
“As accounting, banking and investment professionals, our team has a wide range of experience to offer,” said CFO Matthew Lutz. “We are pleased to give back to our area schools by providing financial literacy to our high school students.”
Pictured (clockwise): First National CFO Matthew Lutz and South Branch Manager Mindey Fayas; Senior Commercial Lender Dale Cook and Credit Analyst Joseph Linn; Retail Lender Lisa Bosley