We are excited to announce the February 2026 Financial Goals Scholarship winner is Jackson! Congratulations!
"I am extremely grateful to have been selected as the recipient of this award. This will be incredibly helpful to me as I transition into college life and all of the expenses that come with that change. I look forward to continuing my education and working toward my goals for the future. Thank you to everyone at 1st Financial Bank USA that made this possible." - Jackson A.
In a world where meals can be delivered using an app on your phone and entertainment is instantly accessible via streaming, practicing delayed gratification can be challenging. However, managing your finances responsibly often requires slowing down. In his essay, Jackson shares a time he waited on a purchase and how he regularly practices financial discipline with his money.
"Growing up, my grandpa used to say, “It doesn’t matter how much you make, it’s how much you save.” He was a hardworking farmer who didn’t earn much but tried to be wise financially and save what he had. Back then, if you wanted something, you knew you would have wait and work for it. In today’s society, everything moves so quickly that we expect things immediately.
I try to practice wisdom in my finances in many ways. I have set up a ROTH retirement account with money I’ve earned. I try not to spend much money eating out. I choose to work as many hours as I am free, even though it would be nice to have more free time. I don’t make a lot of impulse buys and try to be frugal in the things I do purchase.
One specific way I have practiced discipline and patience with money is by choosing to be content with the vehicle I am driving. Let me introduce you to Chuck the truck- an old Ford F150 that my dad used to drive. Chuck is rusting all over, including on the roof where water leaks in. Chuck’s air conditioning doesn’t always work, but I have learned how to get cool air for a few minutes in the heat of summer. Chuck has been hit by numerous high schoolers (not sure who, because no one has come forward). Chuck does not get good gas mileage and smells interesting. Sometimes he won’t start. Despite all of these character qualities- Chuck usually gets me from A to B, so I have chosen to save money now in order to be able to afford a car someday and medical school.
I have also chosen to live at home to try to save money on housing. I know that means I may miss out on time with friends during the first year, but I also know that this will save me a significant amount of money. Therefore, I feel like it is a wise choice. I am trying to do everything I can to save money for my future and to hopefully not have much debt when I get ready to enter graduate school. I have been told by many people that I am missing out by not living in the dorms. I know I might enjoy having that opportunity and may be disappointed I didn't pursue it. However, I think the delayed gratification of waiting one year will allow me the ability to purchase a reasonable used vehicle when Chuck eventually bites the dust. This will all put me in a better position financially.
I think one of the best things my parents have taught me is the ability to learn to wait for things I really want- and that making those sacrifices will pay dividends down the road in finances and in life. I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to learn from them and other people in my life who are wise financially.”
Established in the year 1910, 1st Financial Bank USA (1FBUSA) provides quality community banking services in South Dakota, credit card and other financial services to college students and college graduates, and construction lending to builders, developers, and investors from coast to coast. 1FBUSA will award a $2,000 scholarship to a new winner each month. View full rules and eligibility at 1fbusascholarship.com.
