Financial Literacy for High School Students

Exceptional Volunteer Spotlight: Thomas Eatmon

Thomas Eatmon and Casey Burgess photo

Peoples Bank Empowers Students with Financial Education Presentation at West Lincoln High School


Thomas Eatmon, commercial banker at Peoples Bank, recently presented to Ms. Burgess’s class at West Lincoln High School. As part of the bank’s commitment to financial literacy and community engagement, Eatmon shared valuable insights on personal finance to equip students with essential skills for their financial journey.

Ms. Burgess, a dedicated history and economics teacher, invited Thomas to speak about basic budgeting and personal finance. During the presentation, he introduced the students to the concept of the “50 30 20 Rule,” emphasizing the importance of budgeting to prevent overspending. He encouraged the students to create flexible budgets that align with their financial goals and needs.

Thomas also discussed the distinction between needs and wants, helping students develop a critical understanding of their spending habits. He inspired them to set long-term goals, such as saving for retirement and building an emergency fund, to ensure financial security in the future.

Recognizing the significance of maintaining a good credit score, Thomas highlighted its impact on various aspects of life, including access to loans and favorable interest rates. By empowering students with this knowledge, he aimed to instill responsible financial habits early on.

In addition to discussing personal finance, Thomas shed light on the diverse career opportunities within the banking industry, extending beyond traditional roles. He emphasized the importance of following one’s passion when considering a career path.

Ms. Burgess thanked Peoples Bank for their dedication to financial education. She emphasized the importance of financial literacy as an essential life skill and expressed her appreciation for the bank’s support in equipping students with this invaluable knowledge.

Thomas shared his enthusiasm for inspiring young minds, saying, “It was a privilege to engage with the students at West Lincoln High School and empower them with essential financial knowledge. I hope to inspire them to make informed decisions and take control of their financial futures.”

Peoples Bank also provides in-classroom presentations on timely topics as well as a virtual Financial Wellness Center, where individuals can learn more about managing their money. The Financial Wellness Center can be accessed by visiting PeoplesBankNC.com/Learn.