In recognition of Credit Education Month, FVSBank and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) are encouraging consumers to strengthen their financial well-being by building healthy credit habits and establishing long-term savings strategies.
“Financial confidence starts with education and intentional planning,” said Kirsten Quam, Chief Marketing Officer at FVSBank. “Whether someone is saving for an emergency, planning for a major purchase, or working to improve their credit profile, our role is to provide the tools, guidance, and support that help them move forward with confidence.”
To support consumers during Credit Education Month, FVSBank and ICBA encourage individuals to consider the following steps:
- Pay yourself first. Automate savings contributions to build consistency and momentum.
- Track spending and plan ahead. Create a budget to find opportunities to save and avoid debt.
- Build an emergency fund. Aim to set aside three to six months to cover essential expenses.
- Use credit responsibly. Make payments on time, keep balances manageable, and avoid opening or closing accounts unnecessarily.
- Monitor credit regularly. Review credit reports to spot errors, detect fraud early, and understand how financial behaviors impact credit standing.
“Strong credit and smart saving go hand in hand,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “Understaning how to manage credit, build savings, and plan ahead is essential to long-term financial security. “Community banks are uniquely positioned to provide personalized guidance and trusted financial solutions that help individuals build resilience, plan for the future, and achieve lasting financial success.”
To learn more about improving your financial health or to speak with a local banker, visit FVSBank.com or stop by a nearby branch during Credit Education Month.