Key Takeaways

• • • • • • • • • Changing jobs during your career doesn’t have to damage your long-term financial goals, including retirement savings.
                  
                • Paying attention to detail as you consider a new job and start a new position pays off in the long run.
                  
                • Consulting your financial and tax advisors will help you avoid costly mistakes.

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    Investment products are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by Lake City Bank or any other bank, are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any governmental agency and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal invested. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

    Many of us find ourselves changing jobs more frequently than in decades past. Our grandparents and great-grandparents mostly worked at the same company for decades with predictable financial results at retirement: a pension, Social Security and, perhaps, some stock awards.

    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that individuals born at the tail end of the Baby Boom held nearly 13 jobs from ages 18 to 58, resulting in a different financial picture at retirement, including:

    • Multiple 401(k) plan accounts to manage
    • Potential interrupted savings
    • More complex tax and budget considerations

    Read on for tips on how to save money, manage retirement accounts and other benefits without compromising your financial goals.

    Before You Change Jobs

    Even when a new position is a step up in your career, in an industry you’ve wanted to join, or at a company that you’ve long admired, consider more than salary before you make a change.

    • Compare your current 401(k) plan match and investment options with those of the potential employer.
    • If your current or potential employer offers stock awards, consult a financial advisor to see how they affect your overall investment plan.
    • Review any stock options or unvested awards and consider the vesting schedule before making a move.
    • Examine the potential employer’s benefit plan carefully, especially if you or a family member have ongoing health needs. If the potential employer has a high-deductible health plan, consider a Health Savings Account (HSA) and explore any matching contributions from the employer.
    • Factor in additional costs of the new job, such as a longer commute, a change from remote to in-person work, paid parking, or an updated wardrobe for a new dress code.

    When You’ve Decided to Take the Plunge

    Once you’ve decided to change jobs, make sure to tie up loose ends before leaving your current position. If there’s a chance you may be asked to leave before completing a notice period, prepare everything in advance.

    • Check what you’re owed when you leave, including unpaid commissions, accrued paid time off, or bonuses.
    • Review stock options and stock award vesting schedules and exercise them if allowed.
    • Make sure your emergency fund covers any gaps if your new paycheck is delayed.
    • Take care of last-minute health and dental needs like checkups, prescriptions and teeth cleanings. If your new benefits have a waiting period, research interim coverage through COBRA or the healthcare marketplace.
    • If you have a flexible spending account, submit receipts and make purchases to use your balance before leaving.

    Consider Your Retirement Account

    Keeping your retirement savings on track is crucial when changing jobs. Consult a financial advisor and consider the following:

    • Make thoughtful choices when enrolling in your new plan: maintain contributions and select investments that align with your financial goals.
    • If the new plan has a waiting period, continue saving through other options:
      • Increase contributions once you’re eligible.
      • Save in an external retirement account.

    You also have options for your former employer’s retirement plan. Consult a financial advisor to determine the best choice for you.

    • Leave your assets in the old plan if allowed.
    • Roll savings into the new employer’s plan if rollovers are permitted.
    • Move funds to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
    • Take a lump-sum distribution—note this comes with a 10% penalty and mandatory 20% federal withholding, so consult your advisor first.

    Changing jobs is common today, but careful planning ensures your savings and retirement stay on track. Researching benefits and making thoughtful financial decisions now will help you transition smoothly without a costly setback.

    Ready to review your accounts and retirement options? Visit a Lake City Bank branch or call our One Call Center at (888) 522-2265. Our team can provide guidance and, if needed, connect you with a financial advisor for specialized support.

     

    Investment products are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by Lake City Bank or any other bank, are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any governmental agency and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal invested. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Key Takeaways

• • • • • • • • • • Strengthen passwords and turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)
                    
                  • Train employees to spot and report phishing attempts
                    
                  • Keep devices and software updated and protected
                  • Have a plan in place if something seems suspicious

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  Cybercriminals are more active than ever—and businesses of all sizes are targets. A quick New Year cybersecurity check can go a long way toward protecting your accounts, your data, and your team. Below is a simple, high-impact checklist to help strengthen your defenses.

  Passwords & Access

  • • • Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager
      • Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) anywhere it’s available
      • Review employee access and remove outdated permissions immediately

  Phishing Awareness

  • • • Train employees regularly on spotting scams like fake invoices, urgent requests, or unusual login notices
      • Make it easy and encouraged for employees to report suspicious emails

  Device Security

  • • • Keep all devices updated with automatic patches
      • Use trusted antivirus/antimalware on every computer and mobile device

  Data Protection

  • • • Back up important business data regularly and store it securely (offsite is best)
      • Encrypt sensitive information when sending or storing it

  Remote & Hybrid Work

  • • • Require VPN use for remote access
      • Hold remote devices to the same security standards as in-office equipment

  Incident Readiness

  • • • Have a simple plan outlining what to do—and who to call—if something seems suspicious
      • Encourage your team to report suspicious activity immediately.

  We’re Here to Help

  If you’d like help evaluating your setup or want tools* that add extra protection—like Positive Pay, ACH Positive Pay or Dual Approval—our Corporate and Institutional Services support team is ready to assist.

  *Additional fees may apply.

   

Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN), parent company of Lake City Bank, today reported record quarterly net income of $29.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2025, which represents an increase of $5.7 million, or 24%, compared to net income of $24.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Diluted earnings per share were $1.16 for the fourth quarter of 2025 and increased $0.22, or 23%, compared to $0.94 for the fourth quarter of 2024. On a linked quarter basis, net income increased $3.5 million, or 13%, from $26.4 million. Diluted earnings per share increased $0.13, or 13%, from $1.03 on a linked quarter basis. Read more.

Key Takeaways

• • • • • • • • • Building money skills early can shape your child’s future financial independence
                  
                • Everyday activities can easily include financial literacy topics
                  
                • As kids grow, they can manage their money independently with your guidance

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  • Building strong money skills early can benefit your kids for a lifetime. Finding simple ways to talk about earning money and how your family uses it can fit naturally into everyday routines.
  • Some ideas can be:
    • Involve your kids in age-appropriate activities and decisions that include money—real participation makes learning stick.
    • Show how your family spends and saves to help them understand your values and how choices are made.
    • Use conversations, games, and books to introduce money concepts in a fun, age-appropriate way as they grow.

    Children need to know where money comes from, which you demonstrate daily when you go to work. Explain that you earn money by working and then use that money to pay for the things your family needs. As your kids get older, involving them in simple budgeting decisions can help them better understand the value of money and how it’s managed.

    Consider teaching about money with these activities to help incorporate financial learning into day-to-day activities.

    Money Skills through Play: Ages 2 – 3

    Little ones love to play store, so you can incorporate pretend money into playtime. Try setting up a play store at home with items you have on hand and go shopping with play money. Use:

    • Empty food boxes, like mac and cheese
    • Apples
    • Books
    • Toys
    • Crayons

    Create play money using paper and crayons to “copy” real money that’s in their piggy bank.

    Books for Little Ones

    The Moneybunny book series by Cinders McLeod covers earning, spending, saving and giving through the adventures of four bunnies. Great for ages 3 to 5.

    Teaching Kids about Money with Shopping and Meals: Ages 3 – 5

    Include your kids in your regular grocery store trips. Before you go, make the list together and gather coupons. They can help you find the items on your list, then save with coupons or by choosing a less expensive version.

    Try playing restaurant at mealtime. Children can:

    • Set the table
    • Tell their tablemates what’s on the menu
    • Clear the dishes
    • Pay and make change with play money.

    Bonus: playing restaurant is a great opportunity to teach manners, too!

    Learning with Real Money: Ages 6 – 8

    At this age, money talk starts to get real, especially when your kids start earning an allowance. Now is the time to discuss how to divide money for saving, spending and giving.

    FamZoo¹, available in My Toolkit in Lake City Bank Digital, is a prepaid debit card system with built-in parental controls that helps families teach financial responsibility in a safe, hands-on way.

    FamZoo helps kids:

    • Build healthy financial habits
    • Save
    • Handle chores
    • Manage their allowance

    You can even incorporate parent-paid interest² into the mix!

    Money Books for Kids

    The Everything Kids’ Money Book by Diane Mayr is a comprehensive financial guide for kids ages 7 – 12. It covers everything from where money comes from and what it can buy to how credit cards work, how to save, and how financial technology fits into everyday life—helping kids build strong money skills.

    Another great reference, Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss by Walter Andal, provides a breakdown of saving and investing, using credit and how economics affect personal finances.

    Shopping, Buying and Selling: Ages 9 – 12

    You can use shopping to teach good money habits. Compare brand-name and store-brand items by price at the store. You can even purchase both versions of an item and compare quality and taste at home. Don’t forget to look at unit pricing if items are different sizes.

    Buying and selling can build financial literacy, too. Yard sales, either on your own or as part of a neighborhood event, are a great opportunity to get rid of unused items and earn a little cash.

    With a little supervision, you can put your preteens in charge of:

    • Selecting items for sale
    • Pricing
    • Setting up
    • Posting sale information
    • Handling sales and cash

    They’ll learn about value (what they think an item is worth might not be what a buyer will pay!), see an activity through from start to finish, and evaluate whether the effort was worth the outcome.

    A Book for the Child Entrepreneur

    If that yard sale experience creates an entrepreneurial spark for your child, consider Kid Start-Up: How YOU Can Become an Entrepreneur. Written by Mark Cuban, Shaan Patel, and Ian McCue, this book teaches kid-friendly ways to start a business using real-world examples.

    Earning and Managing: Ages 12 – 15

    As kids enter their teen years, they can start managing money more independently. This is a great time to open their own bank account.

    Lake City Bank’s StartSmart account is designed for young people ages 14 – 23 and includes features such as:

    • 24/7 account access with Lake City Bank Digital
    • Visa Debit Card with responsible spending limits
    • Payments with Google Pay™, Apple Pay® and Samsung Pay™

    StartSmart has no monthly maintenance fee and no overdraft or Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) fees until the primary account holder reaches their 24th birthday.

    Earning money can also start at this stage, with jobs like mowing lawns, babysitting, or working at a restaurant. Now is a great time to help your teen envision their financial future. It’s okay to approach this conversation in reverse—start by asking your teen about the lifestyle they want as an adult, then talk through what it would take financially to achieve that goal.

    At Lake City Bank, we can help you make money conversations with your kids easier. Drop in to one of our branches or contact our One Call Center at (888) 522-2265.

     

    ¹Additional fees may apply to FamZoo. Please read FamZoo’s fee disclosure here.

    ²FamZoo debit cards do not earn interest on any balance.

     

     

Lake City Bank is pleased to announce that Sam Hall has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Finance Officer.

In this position, Hall supervises the accounting specialists’ workflow and provides accounting support for accounts payable, general ledger accounting, fixed assets and account reconciliation. Hall also oversees weekly regulatory reporting, prepares the call report and assists with monthly board and management reporting. He has been with the bank for four years.

Hall earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Grace College and a master’s degree in accounting from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 55 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 announce that Senior Vice President Donald J. Robinson-Gay has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer.

“Don’s career in banking and financial services makes him a uniquely qualified Chief Credit Officer. He’s touched every part of the commercial lending process during his career. His strong technical credit skills were developed long before he joined Lake City Bank and he has done a great job of adapting those skills to the Lake City Bank credit culture over the last eight years, particularly during the last three years as our Chief Credit Officer. As a result, he and his Credit Administration team are terrific partners to our Commercial Banking and Commercial Loan Operations teams,” Commented David M. Findlay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Robinson-Gay was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer and joined the bank’s Management Committee in 2023. He previously served as Vice President and Regional Credit Officer from 2018-2023 with responsibility for the bank’s Fort Wayne and Warsaw markets. In addition to his role as a Regional Credit Officer, he managed the Special Assets team, the Commercial Real Estate Appraisal team and the Field Audit Examination team.

Prior to joining Lake City Bank, Robinson-Gay began his career in management consulting at Accenture, before moving into various commercial banking and credit roles with M&I Bank and BMO Harris Bank. While at BMO Harris, he held leadership roles in commercial banking and strategy, as well as serving as a commercial banking market executive in Indianapolis. At M&I Bank, after spending several years as a commercial banker, he served as a senior credit administration officer focused on loan workout strategy during the Great Recession.

“I’m deeply honored by the promotion to Executive Vice President,” said Robinson-Gay. “I’m excited to continue leading the strong Credit Administration team as part of our collaborative credit culture alongside our Commercial Banking partners to deliver lending solutions for our clients and drive sustainable loan growth for the bank.”

Robinson-Gay, is responsible for management of the bank’s loan portfolio, overseeing credit quality and policies to balance loan growth with risk management. He works closely with the bank’s lending teams and plays a strategic role in numerous bank project teams and standing committees, including Corporate Loan Committee, Loan Review Committee and Risk Management Committee.

Robinson-Gay earned a master’s of business administration from Marquette University and a bachelor’s degree from Miami University. He serves on the board of directors of the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation.

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 55 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).

Key Takeaways

• • • • • • • • • Important life changes often have tax implications, so it’s important to keep track.
                  
                • Consult your tax advisor or use a service like TurboTax, available in Lake City Bank Digital.
                  
                • Planning, like updating withholding as changes arise, can help you avoid tax liability.

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  • When changes happen to you and your family members, they affect all aspects of your life—including income taxes. Read on about five major life events and how to deal with potential tax changes you’ll want to address in your family tax planning.
    

    1. Getting Married and Your Income Taxes

    Working couples: adjust your withholding to reflect your combined incomes, which may move you to a higher tax bracket and tax liability. To make the change, complete a new Form W-4 through your employer.

    Intuit TurboTax®* (available through Lake City Bank Digital) has a calculator to help determine your new withholding status.

    If you’ve changed your name, make sure the name on your tax return and the name on your Social Security card match. (Request an updated Social Security card.) If not, your return could be rejected and your refund delayed.

    No time to update your name with Social Security? File your tax return jointly using the name that’s currently on your Social Security card.

    Remember, the IRS considers you to be married for the full year if you’re married by December 31 of the tax year, making your filing status married filing jointly or married filing separately.

    2. Having a Baby Comes with Tax Credits

    Your new bundle of joy needs a Social Security number, which you can obtain when you request a birth certificate at the hospital.

    If you forget, file Form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration and include proof of the following for your child:

    • Age,
    • Identity
    • Citizenship

    Complete a new Form W-4 (through your employer) to update your withholding based on your new dependent. If you’re single, you may qualify to file as Head of Household, which usually means a higher standard deduction and improved tax brackets.

    Your new baby includes a child tax credit. Check with your tax advisor or use TurboTax to determine the tax implications.

    Saving for your child’s future starts now. Education savings accounts help you save for costs later.

    3. Tax Implications of Getting Divorced

    Your filing status changes when your divorce is finalized, so review and adjust your withholding to reflect income changes. To make the change, complete a new Form W-4 through your employer.

    TurboTax has a calculator to help determine your new withholding status.

    If you’ve changed your name, make sure the name on your tax return and the name on your Social Security card match. If not, your return could be rejected and your refund delayed.

    You may be able to file as head of household if you have primary custody of a child, which usually means a higher standard deduction and improved tax brackets.

    4. Pay Attention to Income Taxes When Receiving a Raise

    Make sure to adjust your withholding when you receive a raise; your increased income may increase your tax liability. To make the change, complete a new Form W-4 through your employer.

    TurboTax has a calculator to help determine your new withholding status.

    Adjust your retirement savings to reflect your new income. Any pre-tax contributions you make lower your overall tax liability.

    5. Buying a Home and Tax Implications

    Within limits, and if you itemize deductions, you can deduct mortgage interest and any points paid when you purchased your home.

    You can also deduct property taxes up to certain limits.

    Life changes don’t have to create headaches at tax time. While these tips can help you stay on track, they aren’t a substitute for personalized tax advice—so consult your tax advisor. You can also turn to TurboTax for helpful tools, calculators, and filing support.

     

    *Additional fees may apply. Visit http://turbotax.intuit.com/lp/yoy/guarantees.jsp for TurboTax product guarantees and other important information. Limited time offer for TurboTax 2025. Discount applies to TurboTax federal products only. Actual prices are determined at the time of print or e-file and are subject to change without notice. Terms, conditions, features, availability, pricing, fees, service and support options subject to change without notice. Intuit, TurboTax and TurboTax Online, among others, are registered trademarks and/or service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries.

Lake City Bank is pleased to welcome Breanne N. Yoder as Retail Banking Officer of the Shipshewana branch.

In this position, Yoder leads sales and service efforts in the branch, manages the daily operations of the office and supports office staff in their efforts to provide quality service and build customer relationships. She has five years of experience in financial services

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 55 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 Ike Shipman as Vice President, Wealth Advisor.

In this position, Shipman works with clients in the bank’s South Bend and Elkhart Regions, providing advice and access to the bank’s wealth management services including financial planning, trust administration, investment management and estate planning.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ike to our Wealth Advisory Group,” said Carrie A. Gutman, Senior Vice President and Chief Wealth Advisory Officer. “Ike has a diverse background from working in the non-profit sector and brings a compassionate approach to client relationship management. The addition to our team expands our capacity to grow relationships in the Michiana region and continue providing exceptional service to our clients to help them manage their assets with personalized wealth strategies.”

Shipman earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and a master’s degree from Arizona State University. He is a board member of River Park Business Association and All-American Investments in South Bend. He also volunteers with Michiana Down Syndrome, Girls on the Run Michiana, Rite of Passage and State of Indiana’s Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Services.

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 55 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 announce that Marlee J. Richter has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Agribusiness Portfolio Management Officer.

In this position, Richter assists agribusiness banking officers with prospect and customer communication, as well as handling various aspects of loan monitoring and loan documentation for clients in Kosciusko County and surrounding areas. She has been with the bank for five years.

Richter earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Purdue University. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, “Care”oke For a Cause, and Life Church Huntington.

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 55 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).