For Immediate Release: August 7, 2026

Contact: Diana Phillips

Email: diana@greatertaylorfoundation.org

Taylor Money Matters Delivers Life-Changing Financial Literacy Training for Taylor Employees

Taylor, Texas — The Greater Taylor Community Foundation, recently launched an employer-based financial literacy initiative at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Taylor, marking a major step forward in expanding trusted, no-pressure financial education for Taylor’s workforce.

The inaugural training session was led by Ryan Stiba (Citizen’s National Bank), James Marek (City National Bank), Candice Karkoska, and Cindy Crensky (Frontier Bank). These financial professionals equipped Holiday Inn employees with practical tools to strengthen financial confidence, reduce vulnerability to fraud, and build long-term household stability.

“For my employees, it was life-changing,” said Zona Sweeney, General Manager of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Taylor. “They walked out with real knowledge, real confidence, and real hope. This is exactly the kind of support our workforce needs.”

Addressing Taylor’s Financial Vulnerability

Financial literacy is a critical need in Taylor, where rapid growth, rising living costs, and increased exposure to predatory financial products place added pressure on working families. Many residents struggle with budgeting, credit repair, and accessing traditional banking services, while payday lending can create a cycle of financial hardship.

Taylor households are frequently targeted by payday lenders offering loans with interest rates that can exceed 400–500%, trapping families in long-term cycles of debt and instability. Employer-based financial education helps interrupt that cycle by providing workers with trusted guidance, safe banking alternatives, and practical tools to avoid or exit high-cost loans. Taylor Money Matters is committed to reducing reliance on payday lending by expanding neutral, accessible financial education across the community.

Participants engaged in hands-on learning covering:

• Budgeting and Managing Monthly Expenses
• Building and Repairing Credit
• Reducing Debt
• Protecting Against Fraud and Identity theft
• Understanding Banking Basics
• Preparing for Major Purchases
• Strengthening Long-term Financial Stability

Financial Institution Partners

• Financial Institution Partners
• City National Bank
• Citizen’s National Bank
• Eagle Bank
• Frontier Bank
• Huntington Bank
  
  

These partners are united in their commitment to bringing neutral, relationship-based financial education to residents across Taylor.

What’s Next

Following the success of this first employer-based training, Taylor Money Matters will expand sessions throughout the fall, with additional workshops planned for churches, schools, neighborhood organizations, and other local employers.

Organizations interested in hosting a class can contact: Greater Taylor Community Foundation diana@greatertaylorfoundation.org

About the Greater Taylor Community Foundation

The Greater Taylor Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Central Texas Community Foundation, which provides backend administrative infrastructure and fiduciary compliance, while GTCF maintains full local governance and leadership for Taylor-based initiatives. The GTCF strengthens stability, opportunity, and quality of life for Taylor residents through collaborative, community-driven efforts. The Foundation leads initiatives in financial literacy, housing stability, childcare, food insecurity, and neighborhood engagement, ensuring families have access to trusted resources that build long-term resilience.