By: Ashmar Mandou

Recently, Citibank, 2503 W. Cermak Rd., hosted a grand opening of their newest branch located in the Pilsen neighborhood. Citibank now has 56 branches conveniently located throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. The state-of-the-art 2,536-square-foot space will offer a full range of personal banking and wealth management programs, and educational programs, to name a few. Over the past five years, the Citi Foundation has granted nearly $14M to 17 visionary community organizations working across Greater Chicago to connect low-income communities to greater economic opportunity. Illinois Market Director at Citi Kareem Trice shared what services community members can expect from Citibank and tips on how to take better control over your finances this year.

Lawndale News: You launched the grand opening of Citibank’s newest branch in the Pilsen neighborhood.  What was it about the Pilsen community that was the right fit for Citibank?

Kareem Trice: We are excited to bring the best of Citi to Pilsen! Pilsen is a diverse, tight-knit, and proud community. We are confident that our presence will make a positive impact through Citi’s products and offerings, and our efforts to engage the community through financial workshops and other programming. We support the community and build strong relationships by hiring local. Nearly all of our branch team members have personal connections to the Pilsen community. All of our Universal Bankers/Personal Bankers/Tellers at Pilsen are bilingual.

Lawndale News: The new state-of-the-art building will not only offer personal banking but will also provide an array of programs.  Can you share what potential customers can expect?  What kind of programs/services are you looking forward to sharing?

KT: Potential clients can expect highly dedicated team members that are committed to helping them and the community succeed financially. Citi’s Pilsen branch recently hosted a workshop for first time homebuyers. Future programs will include topics around credit building and small business.

Lawndale News: Each New Year, people make the vow to take control of their finances.  How would you advise people take better care of their finances?  What tips can help build their savings, emergency funds, etc.?  

KT: Create a Budget – Track your income and expenses to understand where your money is going. Categorize needs, wants, and savings. Cut Unnecessary Expenses – Cancel subscriptions you no longer use, or you don’t really need, and deposit that money into your savings. Manage Debt Strategically – Prioritize paying down (or off) high-interest debt. Consider debt consolidation if it lowers your interest rate and simplifies payments. Automate Your Savings – Set up a direct deposit from your paycheck to your savings account, or an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account. Deposit Unexpected or Additional Money Directly into your Savings (i.e., work bonuses, tax refunds, cash gifts, or rebates) Take advantage of digital tools that help you save more – Citi’s Ways-to-Save program offers features like Spend & Save, which when activated, rounds up the change on Citi debit or credit card purchases to the next whole dollar and then transfers the difference to savings.

Lawndale News: Are there plans for Citibank to host community events and workshops in the upcoming months?

KT: Yes. We are finalizing several exciting programs planned for this spring, both at our branch and out in the community. We look forward to sharing more details soon. Our commitment to our communities extends well beyond our physical spaces. Citi served as a sponsor of the United Neighborhood Organization’s Carrera de los Muertos 5K in Pilsen. Several of our branch team members participated in the event. Citi volunteers support communities year-round, from financial workshops to neighborhood beautification projects to packing thousands of meals as part of Citi’s annual Global Community Day.

Photo Credit: Citibank