THE TASSEL

As a board member of our local school, I am blessed to have one of the best seats in the house for graduation.  This year was no exception.  As I began walking on the freshly mowed grass still saturated with morning dew, I became an emotional rollercoaster. Was it the fact that between my toes, fresh grass was now stuck, and I was wearing my favorite new shoes?  Was it the familiar music of “Pomp and Circumstance" that was connecting my emotional memories to my own graduation?

While both of these may have contributed, I was simply overwhelmed thinking how blessed I was to have a front row seat and witness these seniors, some of which had been on the Pelham Banking Company’s Youth Advisory Board for four years, graduate.  I thought about the role Pelham Banking Company had played as I watched hundreds of parents, grandparents, friends respectfully stand as their loved ones’ names were called. These young men and women proceeded across the stage to receive their diploma and I literally wept.  The opposite emotional ride came when I recalled a recent article I read that stated some critic of financial education claim that financial behavior ‘rarely changes” as a result of financial education.

Is this true?  I mean these young people and I had recently “cash mobbed” a local restaurant to show community support for goodness sakes.  I had taught some of these students in the 5^th grade how to operate a lemonade stand, balance a budget in high school and while in kindergarten many had their first visit to the bank to learn about Safe Deposit Boxes.  Was all of our efforts in vain? 

Just as these thoughts were running through my mind, it happened. One of my “favorite” seniors, announced “seniors turn your tassels” and it was like a wink from above.  I realize just as each one individually turned their own tassel, each will ultimately make their own financial decisions, every one of them held this prized possession in their hands.  The tassel made of top quality silk and threads placed upon their heads has a historical background of by simply possessing such fine materials indicates you're wealthy and influential and the turning indicates you are ready for what lies ahead.

Yes, Pelham Banking Company, just like everyone else, had guided them to this moment. I left smiling knowing the tassel was now in their hands and the grass under their feet was indeed green and still between my toes.

Respect Shown is Respect Taught

As I spoke to many students during the month of April as part of the National Teach the Children to Save initiative, I witnessed several attempts by faculty and staff to encourage the students to show respect.  One school’s administrator simply “clapped” and asked for a clap response from the elementary school students when she felt they were getting too loud.  This worked so well, I wondered if I could try this with my grandchildren.

The second school was quite different, mainly due to a different age group.  I noticed a teacher carrying hats.  When I questioned the reason for the hats, she stated the school had a policy of “no hats” allowed in the building and when two students continued to disrespect the rule, she confiscated the hats with the intent to later allow them to retrieve the hats from her room at the end of school.

While both of these techniques obviously were means of teaching students respect, I couldn’t help but wonder how these students might act when no clapping is present or when no one tells them to take off their hat.

The answer was then affirmed to me when I received a picture from our recent Women in the Workforce Luncheon of myself and a dear sweet friend.  Looking at this picture I was thankful that someone took the time to show me how to be respectful. This picture was not rehearsed as I didn’t even know it was being taken.  I was simply doing what came natural.

Therefore, I am convinced that many students will instinctively hear a clap when someone begins to speak, some will envision their hat being removed as they walk into a building and some will even hear their mother’s voice saying, “remember to bow your head and close your eyes when someone is praying”. 

Financial Impact In A Hug

I was recently blessed to travel with some amazing 8^th grade students to discover the financial footprints of their home state.  This bank-sponsored Financial Education Georgia Studies Tour afforded many students from all walks of life and socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to enjoy a “first”!  For many of these students this was their “first” trip to their state’s Capitol.  As each student sat down on the lawn after enjoying their time at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame for a picnic lunch, the majority stated this was their “first” picnic.  For a few, this was their “first” time to stay in a hotel, and it was even a “first” time traveling more than 30 miles away from home for a couple.    

While I personally was completely blown away that sales-traveler expenditures contributed close to $350 million to Macon, Georgia’s economy and supported 3,400 jobs not to mention the tax relief and benefit to the local economy, I wasn’t quite sure the students “got it”.  I mean this was their “first” time hearing this information.  However, in spite of the excessive talking and blank stares, I continued to tell the story of the economic impact each new adventure afforded us.  I also tried to relate real life examples of how it ultimately impacted them personally.

On the last day of our tour as we walked into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Museum, my heart was touched as one young man walked up to a statue on the “freedom walk” of an elderly lady and just indiscriminately hugged her. With my cellphone in hand, I captured the moment, and I instantly became the student.  What hit me was not the economic impact of the money the museum brought to the city of Atlanta, but the future economic impact this young man will have within his own community all because of someone else’s sacrifice. I was further assured of this young man’s potential as we stopped at the final rest stop on the way home, when walking in to see all the cherry blossom displays, he asked the attendee, “So what is the economic impact of the cherry blossom festival?” And I’m sure by the look on her face that was her “first” time being asked that question from an 8^th grader.

Dear Younger Me,

"Mrs. Lorenda, how do I put money on my card?”  This was a question I received this week.  Though this may not seem like a strange question to you, I found this statement to be like I had been hitting my head against a wall.

This very brilliant senior had been in my basic banking 101 presentation and the perplexity of this statement made me shake my head. Especially due to the fact that I knew she had a checking account. Henceforth, the reason she was issued a “card”!

This young lady was not even thinking in terms of having a checking account.  She only equated that she used a debit card, was able to track it on her phone and up until now more than likely family members had put money in her account.

As I stood there, with “where did I go wrong” running through my head, the song “Dear Younger Me” from one of my favorite groups, “Mercy Me” came to mind. One of my favorite lines says, “If I knew then what I know now, condemnation would’ve had no power”.  

Given the same circumstances, would the “younger me” have known the answer to that question? Probably not, so no condemnation here. So how do we teach this generation basic banking 101?  We don’t!  We kick-it up to banking 10.1 and stop talking about writing checks and signature lines. Better yet, we explain “how the money gets on the card” and how to keep that card and their information safe.   

Finally, note to “Dear Younger Me”, the video chat between George and Mr. Spacely, (if you’re not sure…google the Jetson’s) is called Skype and facetime…buy stock in Apple now.  

What Are Panty Hose?

I’m awakened at 6am with a text that says, ‘Hey, when you get up call me”. HUM…well I’m up now. I close my eyes and think, I have another 30 minutes before I get up. Second text, 6:10am.  “I need to be at doctor’s office at 8am, going to try and get girls ready for 100^th day of school dressing up”.

Even though I knew my son-in-law had to be at work early this week, I’m still thinking, “ok”. Third text, “baby is sick and I’m worried”.  Well, forget that you think I might overreact, why didn’t you just say that to start with?

I Jump in shower and rush to the house, arrive at 7am greeted by the girls with baby powder in their perfectly secured hair buns, to make their hair look gray and dressed like two little old ladies for the 100^th day of school. The baby is playing on the floor and smiles as I walk in.  I can’t do anything but smile.

However, I am also thinking what am I missing?  Within less than 24 hours, our daughter and son-in-law “The Millennials” were stating their aggravation by the last-minute notification from the school desiring the girls to celebrate the 100^th day of school by dressing up. “They need to give people more notice”!

This is also the same “Millennials” that left our house at 7pm for their family bicycle ride, only after one of the girls rushed in the house in dramatic fashion declaring they “needed a bicycle pump fast for their tires”. The same “Millennials” that by 8pm had made calls and obtained the girls eye-glasses with the lenses out and secured two walking canes for their attire. Now 7am, after being up with the baby during the night, and texting me, was standing there in her bathrobe just chilling.

Now truly my only contribution other than being woke up was, when asked to give her ideas to dress the girls up, to which my reply was “OH, they need some knee-high panty hose”.  With that both girl simultaneously stated “what are pan-tee hose”?      

My point...Go on dreaming you know what this generation wants or thinks and then let me sell you some stock in Panty Hose!

OOPS…I did it again.

Every year I say and I quote, “I am not going to spend this much money on Christmas presents next year, we have totally missed the whole reason for the season”.

But every year, to quote the song, “I played with your heart, got lost in the game”.  When you have five children, their spouses, 12 grands, parents, brothers, sister, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, friends and this list goes on, it’s so easy to get lost in the game and what’s a girl to do?

Then there is the whole “most wonderful time of year” thing that plays with my heart. Am I the only one that gets caught-up in the spirit of giving?  I mean, I can’t forget about my hairdresser, and then there is the less fortunate that I know baby Jesus is pleased with me doing a little something for them.

The truth is “'I’m not that innocent” (yes that is another quote from the song). I know full and well that I don’t have that kind of money. I also know that spending more money than I should is definitely not going to determine how those that I love judge me. Furthermore, it doesn’t add one ounce of reasoning for the season.  Finally, I know when I intercept the credit card bill, that I am not doing it because of my concern for my husband’s health. Although I realize it would give him a heart attack, and I would be left a widow.

I do it because it makes me feel good in the moment and I am a fool in so many ways (I can’t get the song out of my head ok). But just like the Christmas cookies that I had one too many of, the after affects have consequences. So, I am putting all my family and friends that read this on notice…Oh Baby Baby, I’m taking control.    

The Measure of Wealth

Recently while sightseeing in the affluent green hills of Brentwood, Tennessee, I was a little surprised when the tour guide spoke about the amount of involvement the rich and famous had in the local community. While many of them had high fences to maintain privacy, these celebrities’ children attended the local public schools and could frequently be seen at school plays, and even at the local Publix’s shopping for groceries.  While I totally “get-it” that these are simply real people, I found it quite fascinating. I also began imagining what the interaction between these family members over Christmas dinner or simply life after school would look and sound like behind the walls.

As soon as we returned home, we drove to be with family members that had recently lost their patriarch.  This brother, father, husband and grandfather was a gentle giant and was truly loved by so many. I listened as my husband, this sweet man’s children and grandchildren spoke of their times together. The stories of the private moments they shared laughing and enjoying each other seemed to paint a picture of his life I didn’t know existed. It also seemed to be some of the best times for this sweet family.  Now while this home was far from the green hills of the affluent neighborhood in Tennessee, for some reason the stories my husband’s family told resembled some of the same pictures I had imagined for the life of the Rich and Famous.

How could this be? Could it truly be that the measure of one’s wealth was not summed up by an outward appearance or by zip code?  Was one life style better than the other? I left resolved that neither was right or wrong and at the end of the day, behind all walls: high and low, lies our greatest assets.  Merry Christmas 

A Letter To My Girls

Your mother/grandmother has been identified as a “Generation X”, the lost generation slammed in between the boomers and millenniums. While I do not completely agree with this “X” identity, I did google it and find out a few things. Apparently the majority of my generation is not very confident in several things; one being making financial decisions. Furthermore, google showed that your generations will feel more financially confident and for that I am thankful.

So it is with great pride that I say, “You’re Welcome”! For you see, I now realize that even though I experienced financial challenges, my surviving made an impact on you. I also know that even though my generation saw the divorce rate climb astronomically, and I worried about the impact it might have on you, you will survive. Also, by being identified as the “Latchkey” generation, I was forced to invent multi-tasking. You see I found ways to manage my career without leaving you out of the equation.

You are also welcome because my generation didn’t know a life without de-segregation and women’s rights. You were raised that all men and women were created equal. You were also taught that no matter what your parents had or didn’t have, that you would ultimately determine your own wealth and lifestyle even as a female.

Finally, I hope that no matter what your checkbook looks like (since you will possess all of this financial confidence), I pray that you will always be a lady by showing professionalism in your conduct, with a kind heart, dignity, poise, and grace.

In closing, don’t feel like you have to “thank” me for your creative spirit, your great dance moves and your love for music. Just remember my generation was also the first to watch MTV!  BUT …You’re Welcome! 

Toothfairy Has GPS

Recently while our youngest daughter was in the hospital for a minor surgery, we had the privilege of taking care of our youngest set of twin grandgirls.

On the ride home from the hospital we began to talk about the tooth fairy as both girls had discovered that their O & P teeth (the other grandmother is a dental hygienist) were loose and they were excited about the possibility of a visit from the tooth fairy.

Of course the discussion of money was the hot topic.  What seemed like a reasonable amount of money when their mother lost her first tooth, seemed almost like an insult to these girls.  However, I was overtaken with the thought that our daughter and son-in-law might feel slighted if their Pop Pop and I got the first visit from the tooth fairy.

So, I simply said, “girls if you lose either your “O or P” tonight, the tooth fairy might not know where you are.  We might need to save the tooth and let your mom and dad put it under your pillow at home.”

Without skipping a beat both girls informed me that they were sure the tooth fairy had a computer and a tracking device.  WHAT?  Who Knew? Furthermore the “wand” probably had GPS. 

Well there you go!! Not only will this generation never write a check or have the privilege of signing the back of a check in cursive, the tooth fairy will probably send a snapchat showing her holding O & P with a message that says, “A deposit has been made to your debit card”.

REAL LIFE - GO NOLES!

Before heading back to college at Georgia Tech, two young men stopped by to share with me what they had been doing over the summer. One told me how his summer co-op program in the middle of Silicone Valley had opened his eyes to the great world outside this small Southwest Georgia town. Not only was his apartment rent more than what most people make in a month here, he still had to pay for his lights, phone and food. We laughed together as he talked about sleeping on the floor for a while because he had no furniture and needed to save up money. The other young man worked several jobs over the summer to save money for school and was ready to return to school to complete his degree as a mechanical engineer.

As proud as I am of these young men, a young lady who visits the bank regularly makes me equally as proud.  Raised by a single father, this young lady works typically 5 days a week, while attending a local college and saving up to attend UGA.   As she walked in my office this week she raised her hand with the anticipation of a HIGH-FIVE!  As I raised my hand to oblige, she proclaimed loudly, I just paid off my loan.   Undeniably an accomplishment she was quite proud of as was I.

While priding myself on helping to empower young people by teaching them the fundamentals of personal finance, I have come to realize that no amount of teaching is more powerful than life experiences. And to each one I said, GO NOLES as they exited.

It didn’t Take A Robo-Adviser

“What did you do this summer to earn some money?” was the first question I asked the room of incoming freshman.  While a few stated they worked with a parent, most stared at me like I was a “robo-adviser” waiting for me to tell them what to say.   As I looked at each student, obviously from different backgrounds, I began to do what any good banker/grandmother would do, I started asked probing questions.

These questions led to lots of discussion about how each student spent money over the summer as I instructed them to list the items and amount spent. Students were then instructed to add-up items they purchased with money not earned but given to them.  Several in the group had been to the beach at least once and had eaten out on multiple occasions, many had been on vacation with family and most had recently been shopping for school clothes.

The light bulb seemed to shine when I simply stated, “While most of you didn’t EARN money this summer, you obviously had your hands on lots”.   With this statement, this group of well educated, cellphone in hand, brilliant minded students began to combine their amounts to come up with an overall total.  To their celebration and my total shock, this group had spent a combined $22,000 over the summer.

This was money spent on wants, not needs! None of this was saved or invested, nor was it used to feed the hungry was my first thought.  Then it hit me!  This money was invested! It provided jobs to mothers and fathers allowing them to feed their families, take them on vacations, and yes even buy new school clothes. The lesson learned, though not exactly how I planned was basic economics! Something I am not sure even a “robo-adviser” could explain!         

Never Turn Down A Million

After a beautiful scenic-filled day along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, I was awakened by a text at 3:30am that hurt my heart.  A friend’s husband had suddenly passed away at a young age. As I lay there praying for her and her children and reflecting on the day’s journey that lay before me, I once again thought of the importance of preparing for the future. 

Most of those traveling with me I know personally. Many of them, like my friend, had experienced their share of heartaches.  Some of them had done what no parent should ever have to do, bury their child.  Several had buried mates, and many had fought the battle of cancer themselves or with loved ones. All of which no doubt had financial implications.

Did they make smart financial decisions in their 20s and 30s that allowed them to now be traveling and enjoy life to the fullest?  My guess is yes!  Studies have shown that even minor contributions made in your 20s and 30s can have a higher payout in retirement than if you were to make larger contributions in your 40s and 50s.

So, why do so many wait to save for retirement or for the unexpected? Is it a lack of desire to enjoy life in later years? Is it because they don’t feel like they have the money or that they have plenty of time?  Whatever the reason, I was blessed to witness the laughter, and sheer excitement on the faces of my life weary travelers.  To paraphrase Mark Twain, “Even if I never have millions, I would never turn down the position!" I will continue to encourage everyone to start saving today because we may not know what the future holds, but none of us would ever turn down the position to enjoy the ride.      

WORKING IS NOT JUST ABOUT YOU

I often hear in today’s society, “the rich get richer while the poor get poorer”. This week has disproved that myth to me on so many levels.  Besides not personally believing that money makes you rich, I was reminded that your current status doesn’t dictate your future by a young person this week. Furthermore, I was reminded to whom much is given, much is required.

Growing up in a single parent home this student had been accepted to the college of her dreams (due to her hard work and dedication to academics). However, getting accepted and having the funds to fulfill her lifelong dream were two different things.  Choosing to work every day after school (hard work in a field) and all summer, while graduating with a 4.0 was not an option, but only a solution to defeating the fear that kept saying, “You can’t do it”.    

I smiled as she relayed to me the hard work of applying for funds and the heartfelt appreciation of a scholarship she had received.  However, it was the statement she made that had a profound impact on me.  As she stood in my office she held out her hand as if to give money out, she smiled as she stated, “I can’t wait to finish my degree, get a great paying job so I can say, here’s a scholarship for you, and you and you and you too” What a novel idea… working so you can not only help yourself but someone else too.

Maybe the rich do get richer, but you will never convince me that in our great USA that hard work and a kind heart will keep you poor.

Cancer Is A Lemon

Money is typically the last thing on your mind while sitting quietly beside the bed of someone you love and realizing they may not be with you tomorrow.

However, circumstances dictated my thought process a little different. 

This past week I once again was given the opportunity to teach local school children how to own and operate a Lemonade Stand. As one hundred 5^th graders listened intently, I spoke to them about the expense, income and possible profit of a lemonade stand.  Having taught this class multiple times, it seemed to roll off my tongue even when my heart was somewhere totally different.

You see the next day I would go to see my 13 year old nephew who was battling cancer and losing the fight. As I sat in his dark room with only a lamp on, praying and seeking answers, I couldn’t help but reflect on the faces of the boys and girls I taught the day before.  “Did they realize the possibilities, the opportunities they have? The ones this sweet boy would never have. Did they even understand the only thing that stands in the way of their success was them”? Maybe not, but I felt stronger than ever that it is our responsibility to teach and encourage them to turn lemons into lemonade. Because I firmly believe this generation will move mountains through difficult times and will personally be able to save the lives of cancer patients. And who knows, maybe they will say “their path to success started with a lemonade stand”!

{Note: On April 23rd, 2016, my nephew went home to be with Jesus}

LET THEM DAB!

Saturday morning, while in my kitchen cleaning, I received a text. “Can you meet us to film a video about saving money?”  Hum, definitely a first for this old banker and all I could say was, “what time?”

Of course as they begin to film, I was so amazed by the thought, effort and the direction that went into this Millennial- driven, financial education video.   Armed with camera and script, this group of young people had a vision to “teach” their peers the power of saving money. 

While many in our industry consistently talk about how to reach millennials, watching this group reminded me, why “we don’t get it”.  First there was the dab (hum… didn’t see that coming), a move that is a celebratory form of expression.  Now, while I did recognize the familiar Adele tune, this multi-cultured group of young people sang with not a care of whom or what was listening. They also allowed it to be videoed without practicing it…completely off the cuff and not a concern if hair was in the right place (this alone would have made me crazy)!

Finally, I quickly recognized it was their agenda and their time.  Apparently “they” had already sent multiple texts between each other to meet.  Several had previous obligations; however, the consensus was to let everyone “film” around their time-line.  One dropped by long enough to do her part before heading to a family function; others simply would meet up later. But no one was stressing over “trying” to get everyone there at a certain time, yet everyone participated.   As I stood watching and listening to them have multiple conversations, from religious dietary restriction to how many of them would hang-out later, to simply being driven to complete the task at hand, I realized “they get it”.  I also realized the only way we will reach this group of compassionate, family/friend focused, brilliant, innovative, and have-to-do-it-my-way-and-on-my-time generation; is to let them do the dabbing.    

Man Named Bubble Gum

I’m always amazed how teaching financial education is made simplest when it has a face.  While this blog’s theme is “Life enhanced through financial education” also known as LEFTe ™, I was reminded recently that giving must be talked about when teaching financial education.

There was no better picture of this than my sweet mother-in-law. This lady raised five boys, ran a business and recognized the need to purchase property in the 60’s. However, I often heard the story from my husband and his brothers how their mother would on a regular basis set out to take their father his lunch and would show up empty handed.  Her usual response was, “I saw someone that needed it more than you Jimmy, and sometimes that someone’s name was “Bubble Gum”.  

This week while teaching a budgeting class to a group of seniors, the statement was made that charity was indeed a budgeting item for them to consider.  Several students questioned, “If this was something they had to do?” It also appeared when expense seemed to be more than the income, a few students thought of cutting charity first.  I found myself having a hard time justifying their need for a cellphone over giving to their local Church or Charity.  Now, while I firmly believe in tithing to my local Church, it seemed that others attitude of giving was based on individuals not necessity.

As I attended Church that night, the message seemed to verify my thought process that investing in others has to be just as much a part of our financial footprint as saving for a rainy day. Then my husband leaned over and said, “Remember the bicycle” as if to read my thoughts! As I smiled, I recalled attending his sweet mother’s visitation prior to her funeral. Many spoke of the business that she and my father-in-law had owned as well as her personality full of character. However, most recalled her kindness to those less fortunate and the impact she had made on them.  As we left the packed chapel, I noticed a man on a bicycle right outside the door.  I said to my husband, “who is that”?  He simply replied, “that’s Bubble Gum”.   

Amazing Teen

For the past 8 years I have been a banker for the Teen Maze sponsored by the Mitchell County Children and Youth.  I stand behind my designated table with anticipation waiting as the 8^th graders from all over Mitchell County to come to the bank to borrow money.  Students are given life scenarios and presented with life situations based on decisions. Some involve the need to borrow money. 

My routine for the past 8 years has been to ask the student, “why do you need to borrow money and how do you plan to pay me back”. After some discussion, finding a job seems to be the logical answer.  I also give the student a “credit application” which follows with me stating “this is a promise that you will pay me back”.   I then extend my hand, and ask the student to shake on it. I also explain that their credit is a form of “Character”. I remind them they are agreeing to pay the bank back, and I trust them to do what they say they will do.

While my portion of the learning experience is over when the students leave the bank, I have witnessed students continuing through the Maze.  Some step on the stage to receive their high school diploma and I have even witnessed some going to jail and on occasion a few have actually looked at their reflection in a mirror placed inside a coffin.

However, this year I was totally blown away by the return of a PCMS student. As the Teen Maze ended and all the students were leaving, I noticed a big teddy bear looking young man approaching me.  I immediately said, “Do you need more money? to which he replied No’Mam, I became successful and I am here to keep my promise and pay you back”.  My mouth dropped, I just wanted to hug him.   This truly was a first!  Now, I can’t tell you what prompted this 8th grader to come back and do the right thing.  Was this character taught at home or at school? Did I or one of the other presenters say something that made a lasting impression or maybe it was a culmination of many things?  Whatever it was gave me a renewed hope in this generation and even a little pep in my step.  

Yep, I’m ready for next year…Bring It On!

Make Sure They Know

If the real meaning of who we are is built on our belief system, our values and ultimately identifies us as individuals, then when looking around me, I can’t help but wonder what my future generations’ identity will look like.

You may find this hard to believe, but I don’t mean their financial future.  I am concerned that MY future generations will be robbed of a critical part of their family story and face a loss of their family heritage. Simply put, I don’t want our southern culture, and specifically, our core values to deteriorate and disappear forever.

I want my grandchildren to know where they come from.   Now, I don’t mean the part where people assume that because you are from the south that you are backwooded, (southern term) and uneducated.  I’m talking about all that is good and right, like knowing that respect for the elderly is expected and saying please and thank you is not a suggestion.  I want them to know that being kind is never wrong and being mean is never right.  I want them to know that even though their path may take them far away it’s never too late to come home and most of all the faith of their grandmother was real.

I want them to understand the value of community, the benefits that come from it and the best things in life really are free, like riding your bicycle through town and everyone waiving and saying hello. I want them to understand they better “act right” because someone will tell on them.

As we begin a new year, I resolve to make sure I tell them the stories I remember and encourage them to spend time listening to my parents tell their story. I will also remind them that everyone is not replaceable so be careful who you hurt. AND yes, I want them to know the value of a dollar and that having lots doesn’t make you rich just as having little doesn’t make you poor.

Happy New Year!            

I Don't Know Everything

I have come to the conclusion there are basically two sets of people: those of us who don’t know everything and those who don’t know that they don’t know everything. I recently came to this conclusion by several events that transpired on Thanksgiving Day.   One of which happened as I was taking my grandson home; he asked a question I simply didn’t know.  Without hesitation he said, “Let’s google it”. Now, I knew my cellphone had a password protection on it and immediately thought he will need my password as I smiled and handed it to him.  However, what “I didn’t know” was apparently my smart phone password is overridden with the simple placement of my thumb on the home button.  I apparently didn’t know as much as I thought I did.

The second was when I received a message through social media from a non-customer concerning a mishap at our ATM.  Unfortunately, his financial institution was closed, as was ours, for the holiday.  This mishap had caused him to be out $500 and with no way to contact his bank he was given my name and told I might be able to help.  This young man had no “knowledge” of how “banking” rules work, he only knew that he needed his money and someone needed to help.

Through both situations, I learned we can’t possibly know everything. The truth is we are not wired to know it all; we just need to surround ourselves with people that are willing to share their knowledge.

In the case of my grandson, I am so glad I have him in my life; he keeps me technologically up to speed. In the case of the “potential” customer, he truly didn’t know what to do, but he realized he needed to contact someone at the bank.   On a side note, I found out that by listening we learn, and by showing empathy and putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes we too learn.  I wasn’t able to get the $500 immediately, but it did get me a thank you for listening and a really nice bag of fresh picked tangerines.

START "EM YOUNG"

Riding in a car for three hours with two sets of twin grandgirls all age 5 can teach you a thing or two… especially when it comes to football!  Yes, you read that correctly.  Like 65 percent of Americans, my sons-in laws are fans of football and each girl was eager to share their own opinion of what football team was best.  However, one did state she couldn’t pull for the team she loved at home because her dad would kick her out of the house.  Now, why I am certain our daughter would not allow that to happen, I was impressed that she still loudly stated her team of choice over her dads obvious objection to “her” team.

So, how did these girls know so much about football?  They each knew “their” teams fight song, word for word, and definitely didn’t care that their cousin sitting right next to them was cheering (loudly I might add) for a different team.    Now I am aware that 42% of women are also fans of football.  But I am certain our daughters don’t have their fantasy football team lined up. So where does this come from?  

That only leaves me to believe this love and knowledge of the game comes from the men in their lives.  As a grandmother this makes me smile.  Because I am certain having dads with such a passion for something that the enthusiasm extends to little 5 year old GIRLS will extend way beyond football.

As a banker it also encourages me that it is never too early to begin teaching young people, whether it is football or the value of a dollar. As my children say, “Start Em Young”.   It also makes me think maybe I need to invest in football stock!