Beecher, IL (May 10, 2023) — As college graduates enter the workforce, First Community Bank and Trust and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are providing tips to help graduates start planning now for their financial future.

“Transitioning to the workforce can be challenging for new graduates assuming more financial responsibilities while coping with current economic realities,” said Steve Koehn, Senior Vice President. “As your trusted financial advisor, First Community Bank and Trust can help you assess your financial condition and create a financial game plan based on your unique circumstances to help you establish financial independence.”

First Community Bank and Trust and ICBA offer the following tips to help graduates take control of their finances during their wealth-building years to set them up for success through their major financial lifecycle events:

• Start a budget. Learn about our online services designed to help track and manage your finances.
• Pay off student loans. Creating a more aggressive repayment plan can save you thousands in the long run. Ask about programs to help pay off student debt when negotiating benefits with prospective employers.
• Plan for retirement. Automate your savings so that a portion of each paycheck goes directly into a savings account. Take advantage of your employers’ 401(k) plan and any matching contributions, if offered.
• Spend responsibly. Shopping and weekend getaways are a great way to recharge from the work week but can eat away at your budget. Do your research and comparison shop before making major purchases.
• Establish an emergency fund to cover life’s unexpected events. You can start small or with a lump sum and build from there. A good goal is three to six months of net pay.

“It’s never too early to take stock of your financial situation, develop and maintain good financial habits, and create a framework to help meet your financial goals and weather unexpected life events,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey. “ICBA and First Community Bank and Trust congratulate this year’s graduating class and encourage them to reach out to their local community banker to create a plan that helps ensure a prosperous financial future.” 

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 106 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® creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services.

With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute roughly 99 percent of all banks, employ nearly 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding more than $5.8 trillion in assets, over $4.9 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.5 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.

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