INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — According to a report from the Department of Veterans, veterans are more likely to end up homeless not only due to military stressors such as post-traumatic stress syndrome, brain injuries and drug abuse, but also due to poor financial skills. The study found that military members in general are less familiar with household budgets and are more likely to be targets for predatory lenders.
Marine Bank & Trust has partnered with the Indian River County Veterans Council to launch a financial literacy program created for veterans.
“Marine Bank has created financial literacy presentations for various audiences that stress the importance of creating and following a budget, saving for the future, learning the responsibilities of credit, and protecting your identity,” said Kim Prado, branch manager of the Bank’s mainland location at 1450 U.S. Highway 1 and facilitator of the program. “It’s been very rewarding to present to schools and various groups but it will be an honor to assist those who have served our country.”
“Money mismanagement by veterans is a problem,” said Colonel Martin Zickert, past president of the Veterans Council and 30-year Air Force veteran. “It is our hope that this program will help instill positive financial habits that will lead to financial security for veterans and their families.“
For more information about Marine Bank’s personal finance management presentations, please contact Kim Prado at (772) 778-6713 or kprado@marinebankandtrust.com.
