Consolidated Credit Highlights Financial Literacy During Community Breakfast Event

Consolidated Credit Celebrates the Importance of Financial Literacy

On April 9, 2026, Consolidated Credit held its notable Financial Literacy Month Breakfast in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, welcoming a diverse group comprising banks, credit unions, municipal leaders, elected officials, business owners, and nonprofit partners. The theme for this year's event was "The Business of Community," highlighting the critical influence that financial education has on families, entrepreneurs, and overall economic resilience.

The Director of Community Outreach, Sandra Tobon, emphasized the organization’s mission, stating, "For us, financial literacy is more than education, it's economic infrastructure. When families gain financial stability, businesses grow. When entrepreneurs understand credit, communities build wealth. That’s the business of community." This statement encapsulates the essence of the gathering, indicating that financial education is foundational for community growth.

During the breakfast, Consolidated Credit showcased various key initiatives from the past year designed to enhance financial literacy. Notably, the organization participated in celebrating the Hispanic Entrepreneurs Initiative proclamation. They conducted workshops aimed at aiding small business owners in navigating the transition from personal credit to business credit. Additionally, partnerships with community-based foundations were highlighted, showcasing efforts to widen access to financial education.

Collaborations with the University of Miami and SCORE Broward were also acknowledged, reflecting a commitment to support entrepreneurs, especially Spanish-speaking small business owners. April Lewis-Parks, the organization's Director of Financial Education, reinforced this sentiment, stating, "Financial literacy becomes powerful when it becomes collaborative. Together, we are not just teaching financial education; we are building economic resilience."

The event further recognized vital community partners and sponsors that contribute to its mission, including City National Bank, Valley Bank, Wells Fargo, and several others. Their unwavering support allows Consolidated Credit to guide individuals and families toward improved financial independence.

A pivotal feature introduced at this year’s event was the KOFE Knowledge of Financial Education platform, which aims to provide comprehensive financial wellness resources. This scalable platform offers employers, credit unions, and municipalities access to on-demand coaching, digital resources, webinars, and financial assessments. Ana Maria Ceballos, KOFE Relationships Manager, stated, "KOFE allows institutions to deliver year-round financial education with measurable impact. It strengthens workforce stability, deepens member engagement, and supports meaningful community reinvestment."

Moreover, the breakfast highlighted the presentation of the Barry Rothman Financial Education Scholarship to two promising high school seniors in Broward County, made possible through partnerships with City National Bank and United Way of Broward County. This initiative reflects a shared dedication to promoting early financial education and cultivating long-lasting financial stability among youth.

Furthermore, Consolidated Credit introduced the 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap, a novel guide designed to assist individuals and families in developing their financial skills. This roadmap offers structured strategies for building savings, managing debt, and bolstering credit, ultimately aimed at enhancing financial confidence.

In essence, Consolidated Credit's annual breakfast served not just as a celebration of financial literacy, but also as a beacon of hope and a call to action for communities to prioritize economic education. With its continued effort to empower through education, the organization remains committed to shaping a financially literate society for years to come.

About Consolidated Credit

Founded over 30 years ago, Consolidated Credit is a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families conquer financial obstacles through education, counseling, and community partnerships. Its array of services includes financial literacy programs, housing counseling, and workplace financial wellness solutions, with a goal of fostering economic security for all.