First Metro Bank, headquartered in Muscle Shoals, has continued to grow its financial literacy footprint since its inception in 1988, including in Franklin County.

The bank is a long-time participant of the American Bankers Association’s Teach Children To Save program. Through this program, First Metro Bank provides local fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade classes with banker-led presentations about the importance of saving money.

In five weeks, First Metro Bank presented to multiple classes at 18 schools across northwest Alabama, reaching a total of 1,861 students.

Throughout the presentation, students learn why it is important to start saving for the future now; how they can earn money to begin their savings journey; that small savings add up over time; and additional financial tips that challenge them to think about their spending habits.

According to First Metro, teaching children financial awareness at a young age encourages them to be good stewards of their money and creates a financially strong generation of savers.

“Financial literacy is a pillar of our everyday mission at First Metro Bank, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Jerra Burden, financial literacy coordinator at First Metro Bank. “After a two-year COVID-19 hiatus, our financial literacy team was beyond thrilled to return to classrooms throughout our communities, presenting the Teach Children to Save program.

“Being in the classroom and having conversations about financial literacy is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job,” Burden added. “I am thankful to work for an institution that cares so strongly about sharing this key topic with our younger population.”

First Metro Bank prioritizes financial literacy because the bank is aware of the pivotal outcome sharing such information can have on local students’ futures and the overall financial success of local communities. This is a mission First Metro Bank stands by and will go above and beyond to achieve.