Key Takeaways

• • • • • • Leverage an allowance to teach budgeting and saving.
          • Show them how to comparison shop and spend smartly using a prepaid debit card.
          • Have them pay part of shared expenses like phone bills.
          • Let them borrow money for big purchases.
          • Manage everything with a “family bank.”

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    Raising kids to be smart with money now will set them up for success later. The best way to do this is by using real-life situations to teach them smart money habits. Here are some easy ways to start.

    Give an allowance with a purpose

    Instead of picking a random allowance amount, help your child create a simple budget. This will help them learn from their allowance. Talk with your child about things you expect them to pay for on their own, based on their age. Include an amount for regular savings. Help them follow the budget when they’re spending and adjust the amount as they get older.

    Save for emergencies

    Everyone needs money set aside for unexpected expenses. Help your child build a separate emergency fund by setting a goal together, like saving $100 (or more). If they ever need to fix a bike, replace lost headphones, or pay a parking ticket when they start driving, they’ll have the money ready.

    Encourage comparison shopping

    When purchasing a big-ticket item for your child, offer to cover the cost of a budget-friendly or used version. If they prefer a new or name-brand option, they can pay the difference. On the flip side, if they find a better deal than you, reward their smart shopping by giving them the savings. This approach teaches valuable lessons—thinking carefully before buying, understanding that brand doesn’t always mean better, and recognizing that saving money increases future spending power.

    Try a prepaid card

    A prepaid debit card is a great way to teach kids about money before they have their own bank account. Get one in your name and add them as a user. They can track their balance online, practice responsible spending, and even earn “interest” from you for saving. FamZoo*, available through Lake City Bank Digital, is a good option for kids of all ages.

    Share the bills

    Teaching kids to pay bills on time is an important lesson before they leave home. Go over recurring expenses like streaming services, internet, and phone plans together, and decide on a fair portion for them to cover. Having them contribute each month helps build responsible money habits and reinforces the importance of paying bills on time.

    Loan your kids money for big purchases

    When your child wants a big item like a laptop or gaming system, consider lending them the money. Before finalizing the purchase, set up a simple repayment plan based on their allowance or extra jobs. Your kids will learn about paying off debt on time and be more invested in taking good care of their purchases.

    Manage it all with a “family bank”

    Help your child learn about banking by creating a family bank. Use a simple spreadsheet, an app like FamZoo* or other options like these. This hands-on experience makes managing money more real and fun.

    Start now for a strong financial future

    Using these real-life money lessons will help your kids develop good financial habits. The sooner they start, the better prepared they’ll be to manage their own money in the future!

     

    *Terms and conditions apply to using FamZoo. Please read FamZoo’s terms of use agreement here. Please read FamZoo’s cardholder agreement here. Additional fees may apply. Please read FamZoo’s fee disclosure here.

     

Lake City Bank is pleased to welcome its summer 2025 intern class, made up of 26 students from colleges and universities in Indiana, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio and Florida.

This year’s intern class includes 11 students returning for another summer at Lake City Bank. Interns work in areas around the bank to gain real-world experience and explore careers in financial services.

“Our internship program continues to draw impressive candidates and we’re particularly proud that this talented group is one of the largest intern classes we have ever had,” said David M. Findlay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The interns bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and valuable perspective from the next generation of banking customers. This program has also proven to be an excellent pipeline of talent for the bank, having hired 25 percent of our 2024 intern class into full-time positions following their graduation. We look forward to seeing the impact they’ll have while gaining real-world experience in financial services.”

 

Front row, left to right:

Lily Ault, Retail Banker Intern, is a junior at Ball State University, majoring in finance and marketing. She is returning for her third summer at Lake City Bank.

Neha Yadav, Compliance Intern, is a graduate student at Ivy Tech Community College, studying data analytics with a focus on databases and reporting. She is returning for her fourth summer at Lake City Bank.

Nicole Rodriguez, Credit Intern, is a junior at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, majoring in accounting and business analytics.

Emily Goon, Internal Audit Intern, is a senior at Purdue University, majoring in agri-business management with an agri-finance concentration and minoring in real estate and farm management. She is returning for her second summer at Lake City Bank.

Maya Ballinger, Retail Banker Intern, is a sophomore at Trine University, majoring in business administration and minoring in pre-law. She was a co-op student last year at the bank’s Elkhart High School branch.

Lily Waters, Retail Banker Intern, is a sophomore at Purdue University Fort Wayne, majoring in finance. She is returning for her third summer at Lake City Bank.

Titus Taylor, Retail Banker Intern, is a sophomore at Indiana University, majoring in finance and minoring in Spanish.

Middle row, left to right:

Max Sternberg, Wealth Advisory Group Intern, is a senior at Marian University, majoring in finance and management and minoring in global studies.

Ryan DePew, Retail Banker Intern, is a senior at Indiana University, Indianapolis, majoring in business management and human resources. He is returning for his second summer at Lake City Bank.

Izabelle Losee, Retail Banker Intern, is a senior at Southeastern University, majoring in business administration. She is returning for her fourth summer at Lake City Bank.

Nate Webber, Electronic Banking Intern, is a senior at Ball State University, majoring in finance.

Dylan Neese, PC Technician Intern, is a junior at Huntington University, majoring in computer science and minoring in management and cybersecurity. He is returning for his second summer at Lake City Bank.

Molly Winkeljohn, Wealth Advisory Group Intern, is a senior at Indiana University, majoring in informatics, with a focus on business informatics, and minoring in marketing. She is returning for her second summer at Lake City Bank.

Haydin Rodriguez, Retirement Plan Services Analyst Intern, is a junior at Indiana University South Bend, majoring in finance.

Landen Kessler, Retail Banker Intern, is a sophomore at Indiana University, majoring in finance with a concentration in wealth management.

Liv Snyder, Marketing Intern, is a senior at Grace College, majoring in marketing, minoring in photography while simultaneously completing a master’s degree in business administration.

Caitlyn Patrick, Client Protection Services Intern, is a junior at Indiana University, majoring in law and public policy, and finance. She is returning for her fourth summer at Lake City Bank.

Back row, left to right

JJ Morris, Loan Review Intern, is a junior at Ohio Northern University’s Dicke College of Business Administration, majoring in finance and accounting.

Nathan Geller, Information Security Intern, is a senior at Purdue University, majoring in cybersecurity and computer infrastructure, and network engineering, while minoring in management and Japanese.

Thomas Helm, Credit Intern, is a senior at the University of Notre Dame, majoring in political science and film, television and theatre, while minoring in Chinese.

Guinny Garr, Commercial Administration Intern, is a first-year graduate student at the University of Tennessee, majoring in accounting with a focus on information management. She is returning for her second summer at Lake City Bank.

Aaron Grossman, Corporate and Institutional Services Intern, is a junior at Hillsdale College, majoring in accounting and minoring in financial management.

John Thomas, Financial Analyst Intern, is a senior at Grace College, majoring in finance with concentrations in financial planning and analysis.

Leslie Vasquez, Credit Intern, is a senior at Indiana University Indianapolis, majoring in accounting and finance.

Emin Penic, System Administration Intern, is a junior at Indiana University South Bend, majoring in management of information systems and finance.

Caiden Mitchell, Finance Intern, is a junior at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, majoring in finance and international business.

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 54 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in-market long-term customer relationships while delivering technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN).

Each summer, Lake City Bank welcomes a new class of interns who contribute across the organization. More than seasonal help, these students represent the next generation of professionals and potential leaders.

The Internship Program is intentionally reciprocal. Interns gain real-world experience and build their professional networks, while the bank benefits from their curiosity, insights, and fresh perspectives.

“We’ve found that our internship program is valuable for the bank and for our students,” said David Findlay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We learn a great deal from each class, while our interns gain valuable work experience.”

The Summer 2025 intern class works in 16 areas of the bank, including all of the bank’s lines of business, Internal Audit, and Systems Administration. In addition to their assigned position, interns may shadow bank employees in other departments that interest them. Emily Goon, an Internal Audit Intern and a senior at Purdue University, returned to the bank for her second summer.

“This program is a great way to determine what you like about working in a specific area,” Goon said. “I was able to job shadow in another department I’m interested in, which was valuable as I consider my focus after college.”

The 2025 class is the bank’s largest, with 26 interns. Over time, the program has expanded significantly in both size and scope, reflecting the bank’s ongoing commitment to developing future talent. Programming has expanded as well. Interns now begin with a full-day orientation that includes a tour of the bank’s downtown Warsaw campus, systems setup, and sessions on information security and bank policies. Interns spend time with senior management, meeting with the bank’s Management Committee for introductions and lunch. Committee members not only welcome the interns but encourage open dialogue throughout the summer, reinforcing the bank’s culture of mentorship and accessibility.

Lake City Bank also sees the internship program as a strategic investment. With many interns returning for another summer or transitioning into full-time roles, the program helps build a strong pipeline of talent. The 2025 class includes 11 returning interns.

“The Internship Program has our highest success rate from a recruiting perspective,” said Kyra Clark, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. “Over the last two years, we’ve hired about 25 percent of our interns into full-time roles after graduation. I think that reflects well on the bank and our interns.”

Interns take on real responsibilities, contribute to projects, and step in where help is needed. Their experiences are not only formative—they’re impactful.

“I appreciate that I was challenged by my coworkers and managers with additional opportunities to learn and grow,” said Caitlyn Patrick, 2024 Retail Banker Intern. “The challenges make subsequent summer opportunities more worthwhile too.”

By supporting young professionals through meaningful, hands-on work, Lake City Bank is not only shaping future careers—it’s strengthening its own workforce and the communities it serves.

Lake City Bank is pleased to welcome Ron Ellis as Vice President, Investment Representative as part of the Lake City Investments* Team.

In this position, Ellis assists clients with personal investments based on their goals such as retirement, savings and wealth transfer. He has 23 years of experience in financial services.

Ellis earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico. He holds Series 7 and Series 66 registrations.

Ellis volunteers with Westfield Youth Sports as a youth soccer and softball coach.

*Securities and insurance products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Neither firm is affiliated with the financial institution where investment services are offered. Advisory services are only offered by Investment Adviser Representatives. Investments are: *Not FDIC insured *May lose value *Not financial institution guaranteed *Not a deposit *Not insured by any federal government agency. Located at: 1361 South Rangeline Rd, Carmel, IN 46032 (463) 236-4015

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 54 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in-market long-term customer relationships while delivering technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN). For more information visit www.lakecitybank.com.

Lake City Bank is pleased to announce the recent closing of a $1.2 million loan to the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to providing affordable housing and economic development in underserved Indianapolis neighborhoods.

The loan was made possible through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis’ CDFI Rate Buydown Advance program. This innovative program enables member banks to provide low-cost funding to non-depository CDFIs by utilizing grant funds to reduce interest rates. Under this initiative, Lake City Bank was able to offer the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership a 10-year term loan at an exceptionally low interest rate.

“This program is another step in our mission to provide banking services to underserved communities in our Indiana footprint. It represents an important building block in this mission and we are proud to support the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership’s mission to help make home ownership a reality for Marion County residents who are struggling in the current housing market,” said David M. Findlay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We appreciate the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis for fostering such an impactful partnership.”

Funds from Lake City Bank and other financial partners will support existing Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership strategies, including down payment assistance, affordable home repair loans, community lending and affordable housing development.

“This extraordinary effort between the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership and generous local and national financial partners is as significant as it is timely,” said Gina Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership. “These funds will greatly fulfill the need for more affordable housing options in Indianapolis, while providing our neighborhoods with the tools they need to grow and thrive. At a time when affordable housing is in a nationwide crisis, the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership and these committed partners are developing real affordable housing solutions to benefit hundreds of Marion County residents.”

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 54 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in-market long-term customer relationships while delivering technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN).

 

About the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership

The Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership creates affordable housing solutions for people with low and moderate incomes, and collaborates to enhance quality of life in Indianapolis neighborhoods. The Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership supports people by providing homebuyer and financial education, one-on-one homeownership advising, home purchase and home repair lending, and housing stability programming for renters participating in economic mobility initiatives. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership also supports the creation or preservation of affordable housing through investments in affordable housing development, land banking, community lending and grantmaking. For more information, visit INHP.org.

About Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis is a regional bank included in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Federal Home Loan Banks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to provide access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members’ customers. Federal Home Loan Banks are privately capitalized and funded and receive no Congressional appropriations. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. For more information about the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, visit www.fhlbi.com and follow the Bank on LinkedIn and X (formerly known as Twitter) at @FHLBankIndy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake City Bank is pleased to announce that Rick Suder and Tyler Rondeau have joined the bank’s Wealth Advisory Group. Suder joins as Vice President, Senior Wealth Advisor, and Rondeau joins as Vice President, Wealth Advisor.

“We’re excited to welcome Rick and Tyler to our Wealth Advisory Group,” said Carrie A. Gutman, Senior Vice President and Chief Wealth Advisory Officer. “Their expertise and client-first approach make them strong additions to our team as we continue to grow. I’m confident they will provide exceptional service to our clients and help them manage their assets with personalized wealth strategies.”

Suder will work with clients in the bank’s Indianapolis Region while Rondeau will work with clients in the Fort Wayne-based East Region, providing advice and access to the bank’s wealth management services including financial planning, trust administration, investment management and estate planning.

Suder has 38 years of experience in financial services. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University. He volunteers with Primetime Youth Basketball as a coach and serves as board president with his church.

“I’m thrilled to join Lake City Bank and be part of a team that truly values long-term relationships and delivers tailored financial guidance,” said Suder. “I look forward to helping clients navigate complex financial decisions and achieve their goals.”

Rondeau has 13 years of experience in financial services. He serves as a board member with Iris Family Support Center and volunteers with Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rescue, United Way of Allen County and Fort Wayne Salvation Army.

“Lake City Bank’s reputation within the community for providing excellent client service is what drew me here,” said Rondeau. “I’m excited to work alongside such a talented team and contribute to the continued success of our Wealth Advisory Group clients.”

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 54 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in-market long-term customer relationships while delivering technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake City Bank is pleased to welcome back Gregory C. Brown as Senior Vice President, Commercial Elkhart Regional Manager. Brown will lead the newly formed Commercial Elkhart Region, serving commercial clients in Elkhart and surrounding communities. The new region was strategically created to better serve the growing business community in Elkhart. Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake City Bank is pleased to announce that Michele L. Dyck has been promoted to Loan Systems Support Officer.

In this position, Michele helps manage, develop and implement commercial lending tools and works with business units and third-party partners to provide the best solutions for the bank and its customers. She has been with the bank for 14 years.

Michele earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Indianapolis. She volunteers with the Habitat for Humanity Kosciusko County ReStore.

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 54 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in-market long-term customer relationships while delivering technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN). For more information visit www.lakecitybank.com.

At Lake City Bank, we define Stewardship—one of our core values—as taking care of people: our employees, customers, communities, and shareholders. That means being thoughtful about every detail, including how our operations impact the environment.

Our efforts range from using LED light fixtures to recycling paper, cardboard, and electronic equipment. Learn more about our recycling program.

Naturally, banking involves paper—statements, notices, receipts, and more. But producing and disposing of paper uses significant resources, including water, trees, and electricity. That’s why we continue to invest in solutions that reduce paper waste without compromising service.

“The most efficient way to reduce waste is to avoid producing it in the first place,” said Stephanie Leniski, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer. “That’s why we encourage customers to choose digital delivery. It’s safe, easy, and reduces paper consumption.”

Partnering with Customers to Cut Paper Waste

eStatements
Nearly 55% of Lake City Bank customers have opted for eStatements, saving an average of 2.27 million sheets of paper each year since 2022—not to mention envelopes, postage, and delivery energy. Customers can also choose electronic delivery for tax documents and notices, extending the impact even further.

Mobile Deposits
In 2012, approximately 5,500 checks were deposited via mobile. That number has surged to over 95,000 in 2024—an increase of more than 2,000%. Each mobile deposit saves paper receipts and often eliminates a trip to the branch.

Digital Tools for Business
Autobooks, introduced in 2022, helps businesses send digital invoices and accept online payments. In 2024, nearly 9,000 payments were processed, including 3,600 invoices—transactions that previously would have potentially required multiple sheets of paper.

We’re also in the process of developing a fully online small business loan application through Lake City Bank Digital. Every online loan approval is expected to save 15–20 sheets of paper compared to traditional closing packets.

More Paper-Saving Solutions

• Skip-a-Pay
  Newly offered through Lake City Bank Digital, our Skip-a-Pay program allows eligible customers to defer a loan payment up to twice a year. By offering and promoting the program digitally, we save roughly 1,200 printed mailings each quarter—including paper, envelopes, and postage.
• Cash Line Overdraft Protection
  Our Cash Line line of credit, available to open entirely online, saves up to 11 printed pages (single-sided) per account by using electronic documents and e-signatures.
• Online Account Opening
  Customers can open a range of personal checking and savings accounts online without needing to print or sign paper forms.

We’re Just Getting Started

“Stewardship is more than just a word for us—it’s how we operate,” Leniski said. “We’re proud of the paper reductions we’ve achieved with our customers, and we’re committed to expanding digital solutions that make an even bigger impact.”

 

All loans are subject to credit approval.

Lake City Bank is pleased to welcome Casindra N Shoaf, PMP, PMI-ACP, as Vice President, Project Management Officer.

In this position, Shoaf manages projects from planning through delivery, coordinating project teams with members from throughout the bank. She has 20 years of experience in financial services.

Shoaf earned an associate degree in business administration from the International Business College of Fort Wayne. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Agile Certified Practitioner from the Project Management Institute (PMI-ACP).

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 54 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in-market long-term customer relationships while delivering technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN). For more information visit www.lakecitybank.com.