Financial Wellness Webinar Series

Session 1 | Making Your Money Stretch: Budgeting for Today's Economy

July 14, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Feeling like your paycheck disappears before the month is over? You're not alone. In this session, we'll cut through the noise and get practical — walking you through how to build a budget that actually works for your life, even when prices keep rising and income feels unpredictable. Whether you're living paycheck-to-paycheck or just trying to get more intentional with your money, this session gives you the tools to take control.

What You'll Learn:

• How to build a realistic budget based on your income — including irregular or part-time income
• How to prioritize essentials (rent, utilities, food, transportation) when money is tight
• Simple, free budgeting tools and apps that do the heavy lifting for you
• How to adjust your budget as prices and life circumstances change

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By submitting your email and/or cell phone number during registration, you consent to receiving communications from First Merchants, including but not limited to emails and/or text messages that may include event notifications, value-added information (such as financial wellness education, special offers, or product information), or other outreach.

Session 2 | Your Safety Net: Building an Emergency Fund on Any Income

August 11, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Life is unpredictable — a car repair, a medical bill, or an unexpected job loss can derail even the best financial plan. But here's the truth: you don't need a lot of money to start building a safety net. In this session, we'll show you how even small, consistent savings can make a big difference. We’ll give you a step-by-step plan to start building your emergency fund today, no matter where you're starting from.

What You'll Learn:

• Why an emergency fund is the single most important financial tool for stability
• How much you actually need to start (hint: it's less than you think)
• Practical strategies to save when there's "nothing left over"
• Where to safely keep your emergency fund so it's accessible — but not too accessible
• How to automate your savings so you don't have to think about it

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By submitting your email and/or cell phone number during registration, you consent to receiving communications from First Merchants, including but not limited to emails and/or text messages that may include event notifications, value-added information (such as financial wellness education, special offers, or product information), or other outreach.

Session 3 | Credit & Debt Decoded: Break the Cycle, Build Your Score

September 15, 2026 |12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Credit can feel confusing — and for many people, debt feels like a trap with no way out. This session demystifies both. We'll walk you through exactly how credit scores work, what's really hurting (or helping) yours, and give you a clear, judgment-free plan to start reducing debt and building credit —one step at a time. No shame, no jargon. Just real talk and real tools.

What You'll Learn:

• How credit scores are calculated — and the 5 factors that matter most
• The difference between "good debt" and debt that's costing you too much
• Two proven strategies to pay down debt faster (avalanche vs. snowball)
• How to avoid predatory lenders, payday loan traps, and high-fee products
• Steps to rebuild credit after financial hardship or setbacks

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By submitting your email and/or cell phone number during registration, you consent to receiving communications from First Merchants, including but not limited to emails and/or text messages that may include event notifications, value-added information (such as financial wellness education, special offers, or product information), or other outreach.

Session 4 | Fraud-Proof Your Finances: Protect What You've Worked Hard For

October 13, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Financial scams are on the rise — and they don't discriminate. Whether it's a phishing text, a phone call from a "bank representative," or an online scheme that seems too good to be true, fraudsters are getting smarter. In this session, we'll arm you with the knowledge to spot scams before they happen, protect your accounts and identity, and know exactly what to do if fraud strikes.

What You'll Learn:

• The most common scams right now — and the red flags to watch for
• How to protect your personal information, bank accounts, and identity online
• What identity theft looks like and how to recover if it happens to you
• Steps to take immediately after fraud occurs
• Free resources from the CFPB and First Merchants to help you stay protected

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By submitting your email and/or cell phone number during registration, you consent to receiving communications from First Merchants, including but not limited to emails and/or text messages that may include event notifications, value-added information (such as financial wellness education, special offers, or product information), or other outreach.

Session 5 | Banking That Works for You: Choosing Accounts, Avoiding Fees

November 10, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Did you know that banking fees can cost households hundreds of dollars per year? From overdraft charges to monthly maintenance fees, the wrong account can work against you. In this session, we'll break down your options in plain language — helping you choose the right account, avoid unnecessary fees, and use digital banking tools with confidence. We'll also show you how First Merchants products are designed to support your financial goals.

What You'll Learn:

• The difference between checking, savings, and second-chance accounts — and which is right for you
• How to avoid overdraft fees and hidden charges that drain your balance
• How to use digital banking and mobile tools safely and confidently
• What to look for (and what to avoid) when choosing a financial institution
• How First Merchants banking products align with your financial wellness journey

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By submitting your email and/or cell phone number during registration, you consent to receiving communications from First Merchants, including but not limited to emails and/or text messages that may include event notifications, value-added information (such as financial wellness education, special offers, or product information), or other outreach.

Session 6 | Planning Ahead: Preparing for Life's Big (and Unexpected) Moments

December 8, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

The holidays can be financially stressful — and the new year has a way of arriving with a fresh set of challenges. This final session in our 2026 series is all about helping you close the year with intention and open the next one with a plan. We'll cover how to handle life's major financial transitions — job changes, health events, family shifts — and help you set a realistic, hopeful financial intention for 2027. Because planning ahead isn't just for people with a lot of money. It's for everyone.

What You'll Learn:

• How to financially prepare for common life transitions: job changes, medical events, housing moves, and family changes
• Smart holiday spending strategies — and how to avoid January debt hangovers
• A simple, beginner-friendly framework for setting financial goals for the new year
• Understanding key benefits, insurance basics, and community resources available to you
• How to connect with GreenPath, Enrich, and First Merchants for continued support in 2027

REGISTER NOW

By submitting your email and/or cell phone number during registration, you consent to receiving communications from First Merchants, including but not limited to emails and/or text messages that may include event notifications, value-added information (such as financial wellness education, special offers, or product information), or other outreach.