FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 14, 2025) – Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America 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.
Twenty-seven percent 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 advisors for help, even though 68% indicated a personalized financial plan based on their goals is important.
“For Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, community support is the foundation of who we are,” said Kyle DeCicco, president and CEO of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. “In just the first quarter of this year, our team has logged over 100 hours of financial literacy education—just one example of how we’re investing in the long-term well-being of our neighbors. Through efforts like educational outreach, community giving, and smart banking and lending services, we’re committed to making a lasting, positive impact.”
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 track income and expenses and build a plan to manage finances, reach financial goals and save for the future.
- Saving and investing to help assess savings and investment goals and options.
- Using credit to establish and maintain good credit to 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,” said Rebeca Romero Rainey, president and CEO of ICBA. “Community banks like Sanibel Captiva Community Bank are trusted advisors, offering the local expertise and personal connections that help individuals achieve financial independence.”
ICBA also offers financial literacy programs through community bank partners including Visa’s Practical Money Skills, the FDIC’s Money Smart initiatives and the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA powers 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.org.
