Money stress is something most people carry quietly, and in Jones County, the weight of that stress lands on families already navigating food insecurity, hurricane recovery, and rising costs. In Episode 32, Mary Ann LeRay sits down with Tommy Stanfield of Southern Bank to talk about a new partnership that is bringing structured financial wellness education to The Filling Station, and why Tommy believes the lack of financial education could be our next public health crisis.
Tommy brings more than 20 years of banking experience to this conversation, along with a deeply personal reason for doing the work he does. A cousin who received a two-million-dollar settlement after a serious accident ended up living paycheck to paycheck within five years, not because of bad intentions, but because no one sat down and helped her understand what to do with it. That story follows Tommy into every workshop he leads and every community he serves.
The conversation covers the real numbers behind financial stress in America. Nearly three out of four Americans report feeling financially stressed every month. Nearly two out of three live paycheck to paycheck. And only about 30 percent could cover an unexpected $500 expense from savings alone. Tommy connects those numbers to behavior, not bad luck, and that distinction is what makes the upcoming workshop series worth attending.
The first session, themed around being financially fit, is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, from 5:30 to 7:00 at The Filling Station. Dinner is provided. The whole family is welcome, and encouraged. Details and RSVP information are on The Filling Station's website and in the newsletter. Come hungry for both.
