INTRODUCING CONNIE ZULEGER
We are pleased to introduce you to Connie Zuleger, Chief Operations Officer at Prevail Bank in Wisconsin!
Back Story
Connie has over 23 years of banking experience. She is passionate about learning new skills and features to help customers along their financial journey.
She believes it’s never too early to start learning about financial literacy.
Connie is also a mother of three and grandmother of 8 under the age of 8.
Outside of work and home, Connie is involved in the local community as a church council member, softball booster club member, and is a reading buddy and frequent volunteer at the Medford Elementary School.
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BIG FAMILY BEFORE AUTOMATION
Team Sammy: Tell us about what it was like growing up – your family and community?
Connie Zuleger: I came from a large family of nine. We were raised on a farm and had to work hard as things were not as automated as they are today.
A GREAT WAY TO GROW UP
Team Sammy: What was one of your first money memories?
Connie Zuleger: As you can imagine a family of nine came with money challenges. We raised our own meat, vegetables and our mom made many of our clothes.
We all had to contribute and work on the farm. I really think this was a great way to grow up. We had to always get our work done before we played. I have carried that into my adult life.
WE FELT RICH
Team Sammy: What was your first job (formal or informal)? How much did you earn and what you did with the money?
Connie Zuleger: I started babysitting at the age of 9 for children in our neighborhood. We would make $5-$10 a night depending on how long we babysat. Once we were paid, we felt like we were rich.
THE RECIPE FOR GETTING THINGS WE WANT
Team Sammy: Did your parents talk to you and/or teach you about money / personal finance growing up? What do you remember? What, if anything stuck?
Connie Zuleger: We were always taught that we needed to save up for things we wanted and that has stuck with me my entire life.
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A STRONG INFLUENCE
Team Sammy: Who was your primary or one your main money mentors as a child or teen?
Connie Zuleger: My parents were certainly a strong influence on me regarding money matters.
LEARNING THE VALUE OF MONEY
Team Sammy: At what age and how did you come to realize money had a value?
Connie Zuleger: When I started babysitting.
Together we can!
SEVERAL JOBS
Team Sammy: Did you work as a teen and/or in college?
Connie Zuleger: I worked several jobs in college and carried the full load of credits so I could graduate in four years.
It wasn’t always easy but certainly kept me motivated.
GOOD THINKING
Team Sammy: What was one smart money choice you made as a kid or teen?
Connie Zuleger: Being raised in a large family where money was a concern, I learned the importance of saving.
HELP MYSELF AND OTHERS TOO
Team Sammy: What piqued your interest in personal finance?
Connie Zuleger: When I was growing up I wanted a job that would provide financial stability so I could not only take care of myself but help others.
THE ONE MONEY HABIT
Team Sammy: One question I ask everyone is: If you could only teach a child one money habit, what would it be and why?
Connie Zuleger: Save for the things you need and save even more for the things you want.
KIDS AND MONEY
Team Sammy: Is it important to teach kids about money? At what age should parents start?
Connie Zuleger: Parents should start to teach kids about money as soon as they can understand the concept. Even if the teaching is basic.
MONEY AND SCHOOLS
Team Sammy: Should personal finance be taught in schools?
Connie Zuleger: Yes, I believe we should teach personal finance in schools as things are so much more complicated now than they were when I was growing up.
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THEY NEED TO KNOW
Team Sammy: Do you have any thoughts on college student debt?
Connie Zuleger: Kids need to know about how much education costs are, available sources of help (i.e. scholarships, internships, etc.)
Discover more about Connie Zuleger. Visit her profile at Prevail Bank Leadership Team.
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