Press Release: Beecher, IL. (April 1, 2025)—First Community Bank and Trust (FCBT) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are celebrating Financial Literacy Month in April by encouraging Americans to take control of their financial future and learn fiscally responsible habits that can benefit them at every age and stage of their financial journey. 27% of Americans report that “just getting by financially or finding it hard to get by” describes them completely or very well. Meanwhile 59% want financial advice, but only a third (32%) turn to registered financial advisers for help, despite the fact that 68% indicated a personalized financial plan based on their goals is important.

"Financial literacy is a lifelong journey, and at First Community Bank and Trust, we're committed to being a trusted partner every step of the way," said Steve Koehn, Senior Vice President, at FCBT. "Count on us for personalized guidance and support to help you make informed decisions about your financial well-being whether you’re just starting to save, looking to invest, or planning for retirement."

Often referred to as America’s favorite lenders, community banks are financial experts with a wealth of knowledge and local expertise to help consumers with:

• Budgeting to help you track income and expenses and build a plan to manage your finances, and reach your financial goals.
• Saving and investing to help you assess savings and investment goals and means of reaching them.
• Using credit to establish and maintain good credit so you can reap the benefits from this convenient and flexible form of payment without the consequences of mismanagement.
• Understanding debt load and available options like debt consolidation before taking out a loan.

“Understanding key financial principles, like budgeting and managing credit wisely, is essential for achieving long-term financial security," ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. "Community banks like First Community Bank and Trust are trusted advisers, offering the local expertise and personal connections that help individuals achieve financial independence."

FCBT offers a free financial literacy tool through Zogo, an app designed to make learning about money easy and engaging. Zogo provides short, interactive lessons on topics like budgeting, saving, credit, and investing, helping users of all ages build strong financial habits. As lessons are completed, points can be redeemed for small rewards. This partnership reflects FCBT’s commitment to financial education, giving customers and community members access to practical knowledge that can help them make informed financial decisions.

About First Community Bank and Trust
First Community Bank and Trust is a privately-owned bank. Established in 1916 First Community Bank and Trust has been serving Beecher, IL, Peotone, IL and the surrounding communities for over 109 years. Our commitment to providing the best banking products and services is matched only by our outstanding customer service. We offer traditional community banking services, including mortgage, consumer, and commercial lending, as well as state of the art electronic banking services.

Press Contact:
Steve Koehn, Senior Vice President
First Community Bank and Trust
(708) 946-2246

About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.

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