Executive Letter: Strengthening Financial Literacy in Our Communities
By Rose Oswald Poels
For banks, promoting financial literacy has always been a focus and a year-round responsibility. Every April, during Financial Literacy Month, these efforts take center stage as our industry highlights its role in supporting the financial well-being of individuals and businesses in our communities.
Promoting financial literacy and capability to the public is the mission of the Wisconsin Bankers Foundation (WBF), and WBF proudly partners with banks statewide to expand financial education to people of all ages and increase consumer empowerment in the financial services industry. WBF’s annual scholarships for Wisconsin students and the valuable research on Banconomics.com are just a few of WBF’s impactful programs.
To underscore WBF’s commitment to education and equipping individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions, a curated collection of digital financial education resources are available on the WBF website for bankers to leverage in their efforts to assist customers and community members. These digital resources are available for use not only in April, but year-round.
Another key financial education resource, produced as a collaboration by WBF and WBA, is the extensive library of downloadable consumer content PDFs with engaging infographics and timely tips. Member banks are encouraged to share this content with customers on topics ranging from smart shopping ideas to avoiding mail-related check fraud.
WBF also provides banks with complimentary Reading Raises Interest Kits, which include a book along with supporting documents and a reference to additional resources available online to use as part of Teach Children to Save Day (April 24). This year’s book, “Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock” written by former FDIC Chair Sheila Barr, is geared toward elementary school classrooms.
Both ABA and ICBA also offer online resources to support your bank’s financial literacy efforts.
As your team engages in financial literacy initiatives—whether through classroom visits, community outreach, or participation in WBA’s Power of Community Week (April 21–26)—I encourage you to document these efforts by completing the 2024–2025 Financial Education Summary Forms (due May 31, 2025). While many bankers contribute their time and expertise without seeking recognition, compiling this information helps WBA and WBF advocate on behalf of the industry, demonstrating to policymakers and the public the essential role banks play in financial education.
