By Michael J. Saporito, II, Chairman, TBA Young Bankers Division Senior Vice President, Mountain Commerce Bank, Knoxville
When it comes to helping our community and neighbors, bankers have a “super power” at our disposal—our knowledge of financial literacy.
And today, our skills are needed more than ever. Various industry research finds that two in three families lack any type of emergency savings; 78% of adults live paycheck to paycheck; and 3 in 5 adults do not maintain a monthly budget. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more crucial than ever that we use our “super power” to help. Just as Uncle Ben told his nephew Peter Parker—better known as Spider-Man—”with great power comes great responsibility.”
That’s why I’m calling on you and your bank to take part in TBA’s Tennessee Financial Literacy Week, which will be held April 4-8, 2022. We encourage every bank across the state to hold a financial literacy event for their community. The Association will promote our good work through the press and social media using #TNFinLit, and engage elected officials.
What kinds of financial literacy events qualify?
Tennessee Financial Literacy Week events are not limited to any age group or setting; we just ask that the presentation or event is focused on financial literacy. Topics include: how school-aged children can save or use credit wisely; how seniors can safeguard funds or avoid scams; a Rotary Club presentation on banking; or a promotional event in-bank with customers to highlight a certain product or service.
How will I know what to talk about at a presentation?
At TNBankers.org/finlitweek, there are several tool-kit presentations, worksheets, promotional flyers, and resources that bankers can access regardless of the audience or the presentation. If you don’t see something that fits your activity, please reach out to the TBA, and they’ll help develop or find a resource that works with your event.
Do I need to register my bank’s participation?
Yes, TBA asks that every member bank register their plans by submitting a simple registration form at TNBankers.org/finlitweek. This can be done before or after the event. This way we can quantify the impact to promote the collective good by Tennessee’s banks, and know which counties and legislative districts have banks that are engaged in the week.
How do I promote my bank’s activities?
Using the social media hashtag, #TNFinLit, banks across the state can promote their financial literacy efforts in the community during Tennessee Financial Literacy Week. The hashtag can also be used when banks promote financial literacy tips and tools for their customers and followers. If all banks use the same hashtag, the collective good and impact from all banks’ efforts in Tennessee can be easily recognized.
