We are excited to announce the September 2025 Financial Goals Scholarship winner is Camille! Congratulations!
"I am honored to be selected as a winner of the 1st Financial Bank USA Financial Goals Scholarship. Growing up, conversations about credit, its importance, the risks of misusing credit cards, and overall financial responsibility were rarely spoken about in my household. That's why I am especially grateful for the opportunity to be recognized and supported as I continue learning how to build a strong financial future. All while spreading the knowledge I am gaining to those around me who may have experienced something similar. Thank you!" - Camille A.
College is a time of freedom and firsts: your first apartment, first real job, and first credit card. While there is much to learn about them, credit cards can be helpful tools. However, they can also lead to financial trouble if misused. In her essay, Camille shares how she's using her credit card responsibly in college to prepare for the future.
"As a college student, I genuinely believe that credit cards should not only be used responsibly, but as a way to gain insight into credit building and to better understand personal finances. As someone who got their first credit card a couple of months after turning 18, I can say it has been one of the best decisions I have made for myself financially. Not only have I been able to maintain a good credit score (which is great for my future), but I have learned helpful habits that I can apply in the long run.
That being said, it can be hard to understand how to not overuse, overspend, and miss payments for credit cards. This is especially true for those who do not have financial literacy in that area. It's expected that people may buy too much and not be able to pay it back or miss payments in general. I know the fear of inevitably ruining their credit can deter individuals from getting a credit card.
However, for me, some of the most helpful habits I have applied and am currently building to manage my money wisely and avoid financial pitfalls are: first, making sure my credit card is always paid on time, or 3 days before. With this, I set a reminder, whether mentally or on my calendar, to pay it off. Consistency is key, and this has helped me see the most change in my credit score. Secondly, I usually ensure that I never spend more than 10% of my credit line. For example, if I have a credit of $2000, I will try to stay in the $200 area. Not only does this create a budget for me, but it also allows me to hold myself accountable. Lastly, I always pay my card off in full. I dislike any sort of debt, but especially with a credit card, it can build up quickly. For my own sake, I usually pay it off, so I don’t have to worry about past billings.
All in all, credit cards can be helpful in many ways, but they can definitely be detrimental for those who may not know how to use them correctly. With the proper knowledge, many people can benefit from it.”
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.
