We are excited to announce the January 2026 Financial Goals Scholarship winner is Mary Louise! Congratulations!
"Being selected as a recipient of the 1st Financial Bank USA Financial Goals Scholarship is truly an honor and a blessing. This award represents more than financial support; it is a meaningful investment in my education and future. By easing the financial burden of college expenses, this scholarship allows me to focus more fully on my academic goals and long-term aspirations. I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity and inspired to work diligently, manage my finances responsibly, and make the most of the support I have been given. Thank you for believing in my potential and helping me take this important step forward." - Mary Louise K.
As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to focus on your financial goals, like building your credit, saving up for a study abroad trip, or giving back to a person or organization who has helped you. In her essay, Mary Louise shares a financial goal she hopes to accomplish in 2026 and the plans to achieve it.
"I have swallowed a coin before or at least it got stuck in my throat. It was a dime, and my mother helped me get it out. I was barely six years old. I asked her what would have happened if I swallowed it, and she told me that the money would have grown in my stomach so that we would be very rich. When I look back, I wish I had swallowed it, since I would have grown a lot of money by now. From the latter statement, it is probably evident that I do not have enough money to live my dream life. The problem is, I wouldn't be able to earn this money if I did not understand how money works. Hence, in 2026, I want to start developing financial literacy.
This goal is of great importance to me because I am walking into adulthood. Being financially independent is necessary for stability. It is important that I make good financial decisions so that my kids can have a comfortable life. And most importantly, for myself, I want to complete college debt-free and pursue a master's degree in electrical engineering at Stanford. To bring this goal into reality, it is important that I start tracking my finances now and learning how to go about it efficiently.
First, I decided that I need to make the most out of any social media I participate in. I started by following creators who can teach me about finances. So far, I have learned about managing a Roth IRA and investing in the stock market. I also started taking free lessons at Khan Academy, and I am making sure to keep up with my streak daily. I opened a brokerage account, and I have also invested in reading books like The Psychology of Money to educate myself on how money works. I got a job at the engineering lab this semester; I have created a spreadsheet to track my earnings, spending, and allocate money to move into my high yield savings account. I aim to continue learning as much as I can.
I plan to continue working towards my goal by learning more about credit cards and getting my first credit card. I intend to minimize my spending towards college by going to the financial aid office at my university and applying for any scholarships I qualify for. I trust that this plan will help me succeed and help other students and friends through my experience and knowledge. I hope to do this by offering talks and aid during orientation season for the rest of my time at college. I will continue to do so after college by opening my own website and social media platforms to help other students navigate financial literacy and bring their long-term goals into reality. This scholarship would help reduce financial burden and will give me an opportunity to focus on my goal to become financially literate by the end of the year.”
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.
