By Rose Oswald Poels
April marks Financial Literacy Month, a time to highlight the importance of money management and to celebrate the vital role banks play in equipping individuals and families with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions all the time (not just in April!).
Wisconsin’s banks are uniquely positioned to advance financial literacy. With deep local roots and personalized service, bankers regularly serve as a first point of contact for questions about budgeting, saving, credit, and homeownership. Whether through one-on-one conversations, classroom visits, or community events, bankers help interpret financial topics and encourage people to take control of their finances.
The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Is Here to Help
The Wisconsin Bankers Foundation supports banks in their mission by empowering financial decisions through education, scholarships, and research. Take a look at some of our current initiatives:
Reading Raises Interest Kits introduce young readers to basic financial concepts through age-appropriate books and activities, helping spark early conversations about money.
The WBA Banconomics reports provide benchmarks and a breakdown of industry data for seven Midwest states. Bankers use this resource to create peer comparisons for their own internal use as well as share benchmarking data with their bank board of directors.
Scholarships are granted that help students pursue higher education while reinforcing the connection between education and long-term financial success.
Together, these programs allow us to educate audiences of all ages.
Consumer Financial Education Resources
In addition to in-person programs, banks can leverage a wide range of consumer-facing financial education content. Articles, videos, handouts, and digital resources make it easier than ever to share timely, relevant information on topics such as fraud prevention, saving strategies, debt management, and financial planning. These tools allow banks to reach customers whether online, in-branch, or in the classroom.
WBA offers a vast library of resources to share with your customers year-round that prepare them for banking on a vacation, staying within their holiday budget, avoiding fraud, and more.
National Support and Resources
Banks also have access to resources provided by national organizations. Independent Community Bankers of America and American Bankers Association offer customizable financial literacy materials and numerous webinars that banks can share with their customers, free of charge. The goal is to help amplify financial education efforts while reinforcing the collective impact of the banking industry.
How Will You Celebrate Power of Community Week?
As Financial Literacy Month unfolds, I encourage banks to think creatively about how they will engage their communities — especially during Power of Community Week (April 20–April 25). This week serves as a designated celebration of bankers’ service and involvement in their neighborhoods. Bankers know their communities best and volunteer accordingly — from financial literacy presentations and fundraisers to food drives, neighborhood revitalization projects, and beyond — all showcasing the meaningful ways banks give back.
We invite you to share your Power of Community Week plans with us so we can help highlight and celebrate the many ways Wisconsin banks are strengthening financial literacy across the state. Together, we may continue to educate, empower, and build financially confident communities.
Happy Financial Literacy Month to all!
