Flagstar Bank’s Post

There is power in bringing financial literacy directly into the community💡🫶🏾 In far too many neighborhoods, access to affordable banking, credit, savings, and investment opportunities is often limited. This creates a cycle of financial insecurity that is difficult to break. By establishing place-based financial centers, we can provide the guidance and resources these communities need. Through one-on-one counseling, workshops, and connections to local resources, we can help residents: • Understand budgeting, debt management, and responsible credit use • Access safe banking options and build savings • Learn about investment vehicles and plan for retirement • Navigate complex financial systems and avoid predatory lenders The impact of this work extends far beyond the individual. When families achieve financial stability, it strengthens the entire community. Children grow up seeing the benefits of financial literacy, and neighbors support one another on the path to prosperity. Financial empowerment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires an understanding of local needs and cultures. But when implemented thoughtfully, it has the power to uplift communities, create generational change, and build a more equitable society. The L.I.F.E. Group will continue to champion financial literacy as a vital component of our community development and outreach programs. 📸 Shakeema Grier working with residents in West Charlotte, NC #Lakeview #Charlotte #Community

Crain's Chicago Business asked a handful of civic leaders and business experts to offer their own perspectives on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first term. Belle Haven's Director of Research, Dora Lee shared her thoughts on how he can keep the momentum going: To the surprise of many, Chicago emerged from the pandemic with several upgrades and a promising financial outlook. These improvements, however, are fragile. Here’s how to keep the momentum going: 🔸Be realistic: Resist the temptation to balance the budget on hopes that a strong economy can delay tough spending decisions. Just a few bad revenue assumptions or an inability to rein in spending can derail years of hard work. Unexpected midyear cuts can also be highly disruptive and erode trust with Chicagoans. 🔸Stand on your own: Pandemic aid supercharged Chicago’s financial recovery, but now is the time for the city to prove that it is able to maintain financial stability on its own. With the current dysfunction in Washington and the state’s own deficits, additional help will be unlikely. 🔸Build a coalition: Mayor Johnson may have won by being an outsider, but now he must build a coalition within the system to govern effectively. Finding solutions to the city’s fiscal problems will require cooperation from all stakeholders regardless of who they voted for. Every politician wants to leave a legacy. We hope Mayor Johnson’s will be one of fiscal stewardship during a time of uncertainty. Read more here: https://hubs.la/Q02xyt480

This is a informative piece about our impact on a state by state basis! Click on the link and choose a state to see the facts! I knew that Iowa was a leader in the insurance sector, we have 32 insurance company members which demonstrates that strength! #insurance #leader #fhlb

🎉 Did you know April is Financial Literacy Month! Our local teams have been out in our community providing Financial Seminars & Workshops all over Western KY! In addition, to kick it off, Regions Bank announced the 15th annual Share The Good campaign helping students build financial confidence across the Southeast, the Midwest and Texas. Looking to Share The Good in your community? Check out the link below! #finacialliteracy #financialconfidence

Today, the Webb County Commissioners Court officially declared April as Financial Literacy Awareness Month. This month serves as a reminder of the pressing need to prioritize financial education, particularly as nearly half of Americans struggle with financial literacy, with the number increasing within the Hispanic community. Let's come together to spread awareness and educate others to create financial well-being for everyone. Financial stress can lead to mental health issues, much of which could be avoided. Shockingly, 50% of Americans have never seen a financial adviser, and another 25% haven't seen one in over a year. Our Laredo Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial office is committed to giving back and promoting initiatives that help spread financial education to the community. We're thrilled to facilitate a seminar on any topic. Let's make financial literacy a priority this April and beyond. We extend our gratitude to Commissioner Ricky Jaime for sponsoring the item and Raul Reyes, MPA, CT, CIO for supporting financial literacy. Let's all work together towards a financially literate community. #FinancialLiteracyAwarenessMonth #FinancialEducation #FinancialWellBeing #FinancialStress #MentalHealthAwareness #FinancialAdviser #FinancialProfessionals #FinancialLiteracy #Community #SpreadAwareness #Education #WebbCounty #HispanicCommunity

"Starting at such a young age is key, as it is one of the most effective ways to combat the growing problem of financial illiteracy in adulthood..." 👏 For the full article, click here: https://bit.ly/3UahKdU #FinancialLiteracy #CSBLovesOurCommunity #WorcesterBusinessJournal #SavingsJarJourney

We are excited to share Impact for Equity’s 2023 Annual Impact Report! This year was transformative for us, including a bold name change after more than 50 years as BPI. Our new identity reflects our ongoing commitment to racial, economic, and social justice.   This year’s report highlights some key in initiatives in each of our program areas: criminal legal systems and housing. • Our Traffic Stops Data Report, which various media outlets have frequently cited, demonstrates the harmful racial disparity in non-public-safety traffic stops perpetrated on Black and Latine drivers by the Chicago. Police Department. The data doesn’t lie. Our city can and must do better. • Our Housing program recently issued a report titled Building on Opportunity, which highlights six of twelve properties owned by CHA that have yet to be developed as promised for mixed-income housing. These are vital resources in the midst of a housing shortage across the city. Together, we’ll push for meaningful and lasting change that addresses the root causes of systemic oppression.   Read 2023 Annual Impact Report Here: https://lnkd.in/gbUgqmNQ

When something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Proposition U, on this year’s Dallas ballot, might seem like a no-brainer: hire more officers, reduce crime, and create a safer city. But there’s more beneath the surface. Dallas has already been investing heavily in public safety. Despite a historic $78 million increase in the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget, police staffing is only expected to rise from 3,102 to 3,222 officers by 2026. This is due to hiring limitations and anticipated attrition. The city is working hard to grow the force sustainably, but it takes time and resources to find, train, and retain quality officers. Prop U, however, demands an immediate and unrealistic jump of 800 more officers beyond current projections. This unfunded mandate doesn’t account for real-world recruitment and training limitations. More concerning, the budget shortfall would force the city to cut vital services like code enforcement, homelessness services, parks, libraries, and community programs—all essential for preventing crime in the first place. Essentially, Proposition U risks turning Dallas into a city that prioritizes enforcement over community well-being, creating the potential for more significant long-term problems. And if cuts aren’t made, higher taxes are almost inevitable, placing an even greater burden on homeowners and businesses. As a significant property owner in Dallas, I voted NO on Proposition U, and I urge others to consider its consequences carefully. The promise of 1,000 more officers overnight sounds appealing, but not when it threatens the very fabric of what keeps our community strong and safe.

Financial literacy is crucial for everyone, including veterans. Understanding how to manage finances, make informed decisions about savings and investments, and navigate benefits and resources available to them can greatly impact their overall well-being and quality of life post-service. It can help veterans make sound financial decisions, avoid debt, and plan for their future.

📣 Huge News 📣 This groundbreaking agreement between First Financial Bank and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition - NCRC will continue our successful focus on investing and uplifting LMI communities. Very proud of our team and senior leadership for getting this done! This is incredible news for the communities we serve. The commitment includes: * $700 million for mortgage lending, focusing on low- and moderate-income communities, including rural areas, and offering small-dollar mortgages and home improvement loans. * $600 million in small business lending, supporting business development corporations, incubators, and issuing microloans. * $1.075 billion in community development lending and investments, targeting affordable housing, community services, and job-creating projects in low-income areas. * $18 million in philanthropy, aimed at organizations supporting affordable housing, workforce development, housing counseling, and financial inclusion. * $9 million for enhancing branch access in low-income communities, including three new financial centers. * Committing to a 25% spend with minority, women, disability, and veteran-owned businesses by 2028. * $1.2 million in marketing and communications to support clients and communities in low-income and majority-minority census tracts. CC: Roddell McCullough - Jesse Van Tol #affordablehousing #smallbusinesslending #communitydevelopment #communityimpact #communitybanking #servantleadership #committedtoexcellence