Lake City Bank is pleased to announce that Ashley N. Brewer has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Financial Advisor and Heidi N. Green has been promoted to Financial Advisor on the Lake City Investments* Team.

“I’m incredibly excited to see Ashley and Heidi step into their new roles,” said Eric Frappier, Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor of Lake City Investments. “Their promotions are a direct reflection of the impact they’ve already made on our team, and I’m confident they’ll continue to bring the same dedication, insight, and leadership as they take on these expanded responsibilities.”

Brewer will work with clients in the Warsaw Region, while Green will work with clients in the Elkhart Region. They will assist clients with personal investments according to their goals such as retirement, savings and wealth transfer.

Brewer has been with the bank for 11 years and has 19 years of experience in financial services. She holds the following FINRA registrations: 7 and 66, as well as the Indiana Life and Health Insurance License. She volunteers with Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana.

Green has been with the bank for 10 years. She holds the following FINRA registrations: 7 and 66, as well as the Indiana Life and Health Insurance License. She earned an associate degree in business administration from Purdue University Global.

Lake City Bank, a $7.1 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). For more information visit www.lakecitybank.com.

*Lake City Investments is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Securities and insurance products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFG STC Insurance Agency 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. Individuals affiliated with this broker/dealer firm are either Registered Representatives who offer only brokerage services and receive transaction-based compensation (commissions), Investment Adviser Representatives who offer only investment advisory services and receive fees based on assets, or both Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives, who can offer both types of services. Investments are: *Not FDIC insured *May lose value *Not financial institution guaranteed *Not a deposit *Not insured by any federal government agency. Located at: 6851 Jefferson Blvd, Ft Wayne, IN 46825 (877) 718-9198

Key Takeaways

• • A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a flexible way to borrow money secured by the equity you have in your home.
    
  • Getting approved for a HELOC depends on your home’s value, what you owe on your mortgage, and other factors such as your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio.
    
  • A HELOC has risks since your home is used as collateral, so understanding the draw period, repayment period, and interest rates is critical.

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If you’re a homeowner, you might be asking: “Is a HELOC a good idea?” A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be a smart financial tool, but it’s important to understand exactly how borrowing against your home’s equity works before you apply.

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by the equity in your house. HELOCs often have lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards, potentially making a HELOC a smart way to borrow.

You’re approved for a set amount, but you only pay interest on what you actually use. During the draw period, you can borrow as needed and make minimum monthly payments. When the draw period ends—usually after 5 to 15 years—the repayment period begins, and you must repay the remaining balance plus interest. For homeowners who want predictable monthly payments, Lake City Bank also offers a Fixed Rate Lock on your HELOC, which combines the flexibility of a line of credit with a stable, fixed interest rate.

Key HELOC benefits and risks

With a HELOC, you use your home’s equity to help you borrow money at a favorable rate to finance other goals you may have.

Some common uses for HELOCs include:

• Paying off higher-interest debt like credit cards
• Financing home improvements or home renovations, including kitchen or bathroom upgrades
• Buying big-ticket items such as a car
• Covering college expenses

Risks to consider:

• Your home is used as collateral—defaulting on a HELOC could put your home at risk.
• Interest rates on HELOCs can be variable, meaning payments may rise over time.
• Borrowing more than you can reasonably repay may increase the likelihood of financial hardship or missed payments.

How to qualify for a HELOC

Getting approved for a HELOC depends on your home’s value, how much you owe on your mortgage, how much you want to borrow, and your credit profile, including your credit score and debt-to-income ratio. To determine if you qualify and how much you can borrow, follow these steps:

Determine your equity

HELOCs are based on the equity in your home. To determine your home equity, subtract your mortgage balance from your home’s market (or appraised) value (Note: you may have to obtain a new appraisal for this step).

Example:

Divide equity by your home’s value to determine equity as a percentage. Most lenders require equity of 15% to 20% for a HELOC.

Calculate Combined Loan-to-Value

Another calculation lenders review is your Combined Loan-to-Value, or CLTV. Combine what you want to borrow with your mortgage balance. Divide the total by your home value. Most lenders require a maximum of 75% to 85% CLTV to qualify for a HELOC.

So, is a HELOC a good idea?

Before borrowing, always review your budget to determine if the additional payments will fit comfortably in your plans, especially since HELOCs use your home as collateral.  If you’re disciplined with borrowing and clear on your repayment plan, a HELOC can be a smart, flexible line of credit to support your financial goals.

 

All loans are subject to credit approval.

Lake City Bank is pleased to welcome Matthew C. Deck as Assistant Vice President, Content Marketing Officer.

In this position, Deck leads the creative development of compelling marketing content to drive customer engagement and business growth, while aligning content to the bank’s brand identity. He has 39 years of combined professional experience in graphic design and copywriting.

Deck earned a bachelor’s degree in visual communications design from Purdue University.

Lake City Bank, a $7.1 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).

Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN), parent company of Lake City Bank, today reported record first quarter net income of $26.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, which represents an increase of $6.4 million, or 32%, compared to net income of $20.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Diluted earnings per share of $1.04 for the first quarter of 2026 also represents a record first quarter performance and increased $0.26, or 33%, compared to $0.78 for the first quarter of 2025. On a linked quarter basis, net income decreased $3.4 million, or 11%, from $29.9 million. Diluted earnings per share decreased $0.12, or 10%, from $1.16 on a linked quarter basis. Read more.

Lake City Bank is pleased to welcome back J. A. Arnold as Vice President, Commercial Banking Officer serving Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas.

In this position, Arnold develops relationships with commercial clients to provide financing and banking solutions. He has 37 years of experience in financial services, including seven years of previous experience with Lake City Bank.

Arnold earned a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University and a master’s in business administration from Indiana University Fort Wayne. He serves as vice president on the board of directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana and a is member of Junior Achievement of Northeast Indiana.

Lake City Bank, a $7.0 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 Patty Gorostieta as Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Loan Originator.

In this position, Gorostieta works with customers applying for mortgage loans in the bank’s Elkhart and Goshen regions. She is fluent in English and Spanish to better assist Spanish-speaking customers interested in applying for mortgages through the bank.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from UNILIB. Gorostieta serves as president on the board of directors for La Posada Immigrant Aid and is a board member of Tolson Center for Community Excellence. She volunteers with the food pantry and food drives at Church Community Services.

Lake City Bank, a $7.0 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 Bill Elliott has been promoted to Trust Officer.

In this position, Elliott supports the delivery of fiduciary services by assisting with client relationship development, trust and estate administration, and ensuring accounts are managed in alignment with fiduciary standards and governing documents. He has been with the bank for one year and has 14 years of experience in financial services.

Elliott earned an associate degree in business administration from Indiana University Fort Wayne.

Lake City Bank, a $7.0 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

• • • • • • • • • • A simple debt definition for kids builds confidence around money decisions.
                    
                  • Talking about borrowed money early helps prevent bigger problems later.
                    
                  • Understanding interest rate basics makes it easier to choose wisely.

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  “What is debt?” may not be a question your children ask directly, but teaching your kids about borrowing from an early age can help them use credit wisely and constructively. After all, achieving financial wellness isn’t just about saving. Real life includes knowing when and how to use borrowed money responsibly.

  Define Debt

  To start, let’s establish a debt definition for kids. Very simply, debt is money you borrow and promise to pay back later. That borrowed money usually comes from a bank or credit card company, and you also pay extra money called interest.

  People borrow money so they can get something now rather than waiting until they have enough money to purchase it. Sometimes that makes sense, like paying for education or buying a home. But you can also end up borrowing more than you can pay back. Talking about borrowed money, interest rates and credit cards early can help your kids avoid overextending themselves later.

  Have Age-appropriate Conversations

  You don’t need a formal lesson to explain debt. Regular errands and family purchases are great teaching moments.

  • With little ones, explain how you’re paying at the drive-up window with cash.
  • With elementary and middle school children, discuss how your credit card works when you’re shopping for clothes or shoes.
  • With high-school kids, talk about monthly bills, personal loans, and how payments fit into the household budget.

  Teachable Moments Happen All the Time

  As your kids mature, help them understand debt in context, particularly when it comes to credit card debt and its pitfalls. Include these points.

  • Credit cards don’t require collateral, meaning you don’t put up something valuable like your house or car as security.
  • Because there’s no collateral, credit cards are riskier for banks, which is why they usually come with a higher interest rate.
  • Paying balances quickly is important, since interest can build fast and make debt harder to manage. Transferring a balance to a lower-rate card can help reduce the extra cost of interest over time. Keep in mind that opening a new card may affect your credit score slightly, so be prepared.

  Priorities Matter Too

  When you have debt to repay, setting priorities contributes to your success, and that’s something you can teach your children. Discuss the various debts you have, including your mortgage, car payments, credit card payments and other loans.

  You decide how much detail to share with your kids, but examining the loan balance and interest rate should help you set debt payoff priorities. If you have similar kinds of obligations, like multiple credit cards, explain debt consolidation as you set a strategy for repaying.

  Help Kids Avoid FOMO Spending

  FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, can push people to spend money they don’t really have. Buying the latest phone, clothes, or gadgets with borrowed money can feel harmless at first, but it can lead to long-term stress.

  Talk with your kids about separating wants from needs and deciding what’s truly worth waiting and saving for. Learning to slow down and think before buying supports smarter choices with both cash and credit cards.

  Use Digital Tools to Practice Good Habits

  Digital tools are available to help you teach your kids how to manage money, borrow and save.

  FamZoo¹, available within Lake City Bank Digital, is designed specifically for families to teach smart spending, set savings goals and even borrow with parent-paid interest². Kids can also use a prepaid, reloadable debit card, giving them hands-on experience with everyday spending.

  Teaching kids what debt is—and how to handle it—helps set the stage for confident, responsible financial decisions. With ongoing conversations and practical examples, you can help your children grow into adults who use credit wisely and protect their long-term financial wellness.

   

  ¹Terms 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.

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

Lake City Bank is pleased to welcome back Karrie E. Kitch as Vice President, Private Banking Officer.

In this position, Kitch works with private banking clients in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas to provide tailored financial solutions to their individual banking needs. She has 25 years of experience in financial services, including 11 years of previous experience with Lake City Bank.

Kitch earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and a master’s degree from Indiana Tech. She serves as a current member and past board president of Erin’s House of Grieving Children and previously served as board chair of Science Central. She also volunteers with Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana.

Lake City Bank, a $7.0 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 Nate V. Amstutz has been promoted to Retail Banking Officer at the bank’s Elkhart East branch.

In this position, Amstutz 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. He has been with the bank for two years.

Amstutz volunteers with Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana.

Lake City Bank, a $7.0 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).