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).

Pictured left to right:  Karen Francis, First Vice President, Retail Banking Regional Manager; Stephanie Leniski, Executive Vice President, Chief Retail Banking Officer; Sweepstakes winner Kathy Meyer; Christine Miller, Retail Banking Officer of Lake City Bank’s Pierceton branch.

Lake City Bank announced Kathy Meyer of Pierceton, Indiana, as the winner of its “Take the Spring Break You Really Want” debit card sweepstakes, a promotion designed to reward customers for everyday debit card use.

The sweepstakes encouraged customers to use their Lake City Bank debit cards for qualifying purchases during the promotional period in February for a chance to win $10,000. Kathy Meyer was selected at random from all eligible entries.

“We love creating promotions that feel meaningful and fun for our clients, and this sweepstakes was all about helping someone enjoy a spring break that truly fits their lifestyle,” said Stephanie Leniski, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer. “Whether that means relaxation, adventure, or quality time with family at home, we’re excited to celebrate Kathy and thank all of our clients who choose to bank with Lake City Bank.”

The sweepstakes is part of Lake City Bank’s ongoing commitment to delivering value beyond traditional banking products, while encouraging the convenience and security of debit cards. The bank anticipates launching another sweepstakes tied to debit card usage later this year.

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

• • • • • • • • • • Creating a budget is important for your financial health, but only if you follow it.
                    
                  • Choosing the right budgeting system can make sticking to your plan easier—don’t hesitate to try something new.
                    
                  • Calculators can help you determine how much to save and spend in your budget.

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  For many of us, creating a budget is the easy part. The hard part is sticking to a plan over the long term. Understanding your habits, strengths, and weaknesses can help you choose budgeting strategies that you’ll actually stick with.

  To determine the right budgeting system for you, start by evaluating your own financial life:
  • You may spend every paycheck without building your savings account.
  • You may want budgeting tips to help you save for a new home.
  • You may have debt that feels hard to manage.

  Next, think about how much time you want to spend budgeting and what type of budgeting system fits your style:
  • If impulse spending is a challenge, envelope budgeting may give you the structure you need.
  • If you like detail and analysis, the tracking system is right for you.
  • If you prefer a simple, big-picture approach, the 50/30/20 budgeting method helps you balance needs, wants, and savings without tracking every dollar.
  • If you procrastinate, the “pay yourself first” approach keeps you moving forward.

  Determine Your After-Tax Income First

  Your after-tax income—the amount you actually take home after taxes and contributions like your 401(k)—is the foundation of every budget.

  If you freelance or do gig work, remember to set aside money for taxes. Once you know your true take-home income, you can start exploring and choosing a budgeting method that fits your needs.

  Budgeting Methods Defined

  The Tracking Method

  Tracking every dollar you spend is one of the best budgeting methods for beginners because it shows exactly where your money is going.

  For a month or two, record all spending using:
  • A spreadsheet
  • Saved receipts
  • Your checking account or credit card activity

  Sort each expense into categories like rent, groceries, gas, and entertainment. You’ll quickly get a clear picture of your habits, which makes setting realistic limits easier. If you regularly run out of money before payday, this budgeting method shows you what to adjust.

  Envelope Method

  This classic budgeting method is simple, hands-on, and helps you stay disciplined. With envelope budgeting, you assign cash to envelopes labeled for groceries, entertainment, gas, and more.

  Each payday:
  • Put cash into your spending envelopes.
  • Schedule automatic payments or deposits for larger items like your house payment, savings account and insurance.
  • Try Lake City Bank Digital’s financial tools¹ to help you budget, track spending, and manage your overall financial picture.

  The envelope budgeting system allows you to spend only what you’ve allocated in your envelopes, so when the cash is gone, it’s gone. Some experts say that using cash rather than a card helps people spend less because cash is tangible and limited.

  The 50/30/20 Budget

  This budgeting method helps you cover necessities and have a little fun at the same time.

  Here’s how it works:
  • Allocate 50% of your income to essentials, including groceries, housing, utilities, gas, childcare and minimum payments on credit cards.
  • Use 30% for wants, like dinners out, entertainment and takeout coffee.
  • Put the remaining 20% toward savings and debt.

  You can adjust the percentages to match your goals. If saving more is a priority, shift money from wants to savings and debt paydown. Just remember: everyone’s definition of “wants” and “needs” differs (coffee may fall into either category).

  Pay Yourself First—and Always

  No matter which budgeting system you choose, paying yourself first is key. Decide what you can save (be as aggressive as you can) and put those dollars aside before spending anything that month.

  Lake City Bank’s Savings Calculator can help you determine what you can afford to save and still meet your obligations.

  Save for something specific with Lake City Bank Digital’s Goals², which helps you automatically set money aside for a vacation, a car, a down payment and more.

  Ready, set, budget! Budgeting can help you reach your financial goals quicker, especially when you choose the method that fits your lifestyle. If one approach doesn’t work, try another. There’s no one “right” method, just the one that keeps you moving forward.

  At Lake City Bank, we’re here to help. Drop in to one of our branch locations or contact our One Call Center at (888) 522-2265.

  ¹Additional fees may apply.

  ²Goals, as referred to herein, constitute the Goals Account described in Section E Investment Accounts of the Personal Account Terms and Conditions.

Pictured:  Lisa Fitzgerald, Vice President and Retail Support Group Manager, the 2025 recipient of Lake City Bank’s Commitment Award, with David Findlay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Lake City Bank announced Lisa Fitzgerald, Vice President and Retail Support Group Manager, as its 2025 Commitment Award Recipient at the bank’s first quarter Town Hall meeting.

David Findlay, Chairman and CEO, commented on the recognition, “Over a 32-year career, Lisa has consistently stepped up to every role she’s been asked to take on, and she always does it with a positive attitude and a smile. In her current role, she leads a dedicated team that simply takes care of our Retail Banking team’s every need. Her depth of knowledge and commitment to the bank is exceptional.”

Stephanie Leniski, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer, added, “Lisa brings deep expertise and a genuine care for our people into everything she does. Whether she’s guiding her team, supporting branch staff or stepping in to solve complex challenges, Lisa consistently puts others first. Her influence is felt every day across our Retail network, and this recognition reflects the trust, respect and appreciation she has earned throughout the bank.”

Fitzgerald has been with Lake City Bank for 32 years. She was promoted to Vice President, Retail Support Group Manager in 2021. The group serves as a liaison between bank departments and Retail Banking team members to help manage and improve service delivery throughout the bank’s 55 branches.

Fitzgerald was nominated for the Commitment Award by team members from across the bank’s footprint. Her nominators noted her willingness to take on tasks that don’t fit anywhere else, consistently going the extra mile to ensure work is completed correctly and efficiently. As manager of the Retail Support Group, she leads her team in providing patient and thoughtful support to Retail team members – handling nearly 900 contacts each month – while ensuring seamless collaboration across departments. Colleagues describe her as kind, dependable, quick to respond, exceptionally knowledgeable and as someone who strives to make others better.

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 yearly budget check-in can help you adjust for changes in income and expenses.
                    
                  • Clear debt payment priorities make large balances feel more manageable.
                    
                  • Consistent habits like on-time payments and automatic transfers can help you stay on track and make steady progress.

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  Spring is a great time to reset more than just your home. Taking a fresh look at your budget and creating a realistic debt payment plan can help you reduce stress and make steady progress toward your financial goals. When you understand your debt payment priorities and focus on smart debt management, you can move forward with more confidence.

  Prioritize a Budget Review

  Start by reviewing your budget, including your expenditures over the past few months.

  • Access Lake City Bank Digital for an easy review of what you’ve spent and saved.
  • Review deposits, especially payroll, and adjust your budget accordingly.
  • Set automatic transfers to savings to pay yourself first.

  Assess your Credit Score

  Your credit score plays a big role in debt management because it affects whether you qualify for new credit and the interest rate you’ll receive. Higher scores can mean lower borrowing costs over time. Keeping track of your score and taking steps to improve it benefits your overall financial picture.

  Begin a Debt Management Plan

  Most people carry more than one type of debt, such as credit cards, personal loans or a mortgage. You can increase your savings by managing and paying off debt. Take the first step by itemizing what you owe, listing:

  • Credit cards: include balance and interest rate for each
  • Personal loans: include balances and interest rates for auto and other loans
  • Home loans: include mortgage and home equity loan and line of credit balances and interest rates

  Once you’ve listed your obligations and details, you can set debt payoff priorities based on rates and balances. Read on for specifics.

  Start with Credit Cards

  Credit cards often carry the highest interest rate, which can slow your progress if you only make minimum payments. Choosing a payoff strategy can help you stay motivated and reduce total interest paid.

  The Snowball Method

  With the snowball method, you focus on the smallest balance first while making minimum payments on the rest. Once that balance is paid off, you roll that payment into the next smallest balance. This approach can build momentum quickly and keep you motivated.

  The Avalanche Method

  With the avalanche method, you target the debt with the highest interest rate first, while paying minimums on the others. This strategy often saves more in interest over time and can shorten your overall payoff timeline.

  Balance Transfers

  Balance transfers and debt consolidation can reduce the interest rate you’re paying, which may help you pay off debt faster. For a balance transfer, move your existing card balances to a card with a 0% introductory rate to reduce or eliminate interest while you pay off balances. Lake City Bank also offers several loan products* that could help consolidate your debt.

  Understand the details before you take this step.

  • The introductory 0% interest rate is available for a set period—usually from six to 18 months—after which normal credit card rates begin, so it’s important to pay off balances during that period.
  • Balance transfer fees are common and typically range from 3% to 5% of the total.
  • Opening a new card may affect your credit score slightly, so be prepared.

  Tackle Your Bad Habits to Improve Your Debt Management

  Sticking with your budget and debt consolidation plans takes discipline, but the rewards for taking your debt payoff priorities seriously are worth it. Make sure you:

  • Pay bills on time to avoid late fees and protect your credit score.
  • Schedule payments around your payroll deposits to avoid cash flow issues.
  • Use bill pay in Lake City Bank Digital to automate payments.
  • Set automatic transfers to savings to build your reserves, even if you start small.

  By reviewing your finances and staying committed to your budget, debt management and savings, you can make steady progress toward your goals and build long-term financial security.

   

  *All loans are subject to credit approval.