Financial Literacy: Our Passion at First National Bank and Trust Company

Financial Literacy Program

In 2017, First National Bank and Trust made the decision to invest time and resources into financial literacy in its local community and surrounding areas. Our desire is to impact both students and adults. Through the hiring of full time staff, it’s been one of our great joys to see the many lives impacted through this program.

Mission: Financial Literacy

In the United States today, families are faced with critical financial decisions now more than ever. We serve as a resource to help families handle decisions concerning the economy, education and most importantly, personal finance with expertise. We are taking a long-term approach to solve financial pain while helping create a more financially savvy future generation.

Our mission: To transform our community by offering financial, economical and entrepreneurial education to local schools, non-profits and community organizations.

Connie Unruh, CPA - Financial Literacy Coordinator Connie Unruh, CPA joined First National as Financial Literacy Coordinator in November, 2017. As a former financial advisor and accountant, Connie saw many families struggling to live within their means and make wise financial decisions.  Providing financial education and financial coaching is her passion. Seeing a family go from struggling to thriving financially is why she comes to work each day.  Along with providing financial literacy training and coaching for adults, she works with local schools and non-profits to provide financial literacy education, in-school banking and internship opportunities for local youth.  Connie holds a BS in Finance from Northern Illinois University and has recently completed her Masters in Personal Financial Planning with an emphasis in Financial Therapy from Kansas State University. Connie lives in Bloomington and has three young adult children.  When she is not at a sporting event for one of her children, she’s volunteering at one of her favorite non-profits. 217.935.7464

Connie Unruh currently serves as Financial Literacy Coordinator with First National Bank and Trust Company. Below are some of the ways we are involved in our community: 

Financial Coaching Services

First National Bank and Trust Company is committed to providing personalized services for our community members and businesses so that they will flourish financially. Our hope it to aid in the creation of a strong local economy with opportunities for residents to work, live and play in Central Illinois.  

Our coaching services are completely free of charge and available to anyone in the community. Sessions are provided in-person at our Clinton, IL office or via Zoom. Our financial coach, Connie Unruh, is a licensed Certified Public Accountant with over 10 years of coaching experience. All sessions are one-on-one and all information shared is confidential.

What to Expect:

In your first session Connie will spend time getting to know you and your unique situation. You will discuss your personal goals, where you are currently with your goals, and work on prioritizing your goals. Many clients desire several sessions after putting their action plan together and Connie is happy to help you with this. Resources and encouragement will be provided along the way. 

Next Steps/Questions?

Please feel to contact Connie Unruh at 217-935-7464 or via email with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Adult Financial Literacy Workshops

Free adult financial literacy workshops are offered in the community in cooperation with the Warner Wellness Center, the Neighborhood Care Center and local churches throughout the Central Illinois area. If your organization would like to host a free workshop, please contact Connie Unruh at 217-935-7464 or connie.unruh@tsinstitute.org.

Money Smart Week

First National Bank and Trust Company partners with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to provide money-related education in De Witt, Piatt and Logan Counties. Programming and classes are offered in the community and at local schools to help consumers better manage their personal finances. All programs are free of charge. For more information about this program click here: https://www.moneysmartweek.org/. 

K-12 Schools

Money Mammals

De Witt, Piatt and Logan County kindergarten classes are learning from the Money Mammals how to save, share and spend smart. This class includes a lesson and a piggy bank for the students to save at home.

Piggy Bank Pageant

De Witt, Piatt and Logan County elementary classes participate in an annual Piggy Bank Pageant that teaches the students the power of saving. Students get to design their own personal piggy bank and compete for the best design. The winning designs will get a cash prize and start their savings.

Essay Contest

De Witt, Piatt and Logan County high school students participated in the 2020 essay contest in conjunction with Money Smart Week. Students wrote a short essay on this year's national topic, "If an investor gave you $25,000 to solve an economic issue in your community, what would you create to help solve the problem?” The essay winners were Justyn West, 1^st place - $100, Peyton Moore, 2^nd place - $75 and Phoenix Bieber, 3^rd place - $50. 

Meme Contest

First National Bank & Trust Company is sponsoring the Illinois Money $mart Meme Contest. Students in grades 6-8 may enter the contest by submitting their best original money meme about one of these topics: wants vs. needs or saving money. One student will be named Money $mart Meme Teen and will receive $75. The second place winner will be awarded $50 and the third place winner will receive $25. 

Economics Everywhere Poster Challenge

De Witt, Piatt and Logan County elementary and middle school students participate in a Poster Challenge every fall. The students are given an economic concept and accompanying financial lesson. Then they illustrate a poster with an example of the economic concept. The winning designs are put into a wall calendar for their school.

Choices

The Choices program is designed to help students make positive choices that will increase their career and life opportunities. This interactive decision-making workshop for middle schoolers is focused on keeping teens in school, motivating them toward their education and future and introducing them to practical life skills to help them succeed.

Junior Achievement

Students in kindergarten to 8th grade in Clinton, DeLand Weldon and Blue Ridge Schools are experiencing Junior Achievement thanks to FNBT and its commitment to providing financial literacy education to all area students. Junior Achievement is the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures and make smart academic and economic choices. All lessons align with Illinois state standards for Economics and Financial Literacy.

Future Smart

Middle school students in Bloomington are learning how to make wise financial choices for themselves and their friends in this interactive class.

Entrepreneur Camps

Camp for middle school students is planned for June 1 - 5 this summer in conjunction with the Vault Community Center and 4-H. This popular camp teaches incoming 5th through 9th grade students how to work in teams to take an ideas and turn it into a thriving business! Due to current stay-at-home restrictions, this camp may be rescheduled for later in the summer or postponed until a later date.

For more information about these financial activities and how to get them implemented at your school or organization contact Connie Unruh, The First National Bank and Trust Company at connie.unruh@firstnbtc.com or (217) 935-7464.