Learning for Tomorrow

BY WILLIAM LAFOND AND MARK HUTTON

AS SUMMER WINDS down and classrooms come back to life, the back-to-school season is no longer just for kids. At M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust, learning is lifelong — and it starts with financial empowerment. Whether you’re a parent planning for college, a young professional sharpening your skills, or someone simply striving to take control of your finances, education is the foundation for growth.

Across Delaware and beyond, M&T Bank is doubling down on that belief through Money Mentor, a free, oneon-one financial wellness program available at every branch. No matter your stage in life, Money Mentor helps people build confidence in topics ranging from budgeting and credit to saving for retirement or managing student loans. It’s personalized guid ance — without the jargon, and without the pressure.

M&T employees across the region are specially trained to walk individuals and families through practical, real-world financial scenarios. You don’t need to be wealthy to get help — you just need to be curious and willing to learn. And with Money Mentor, that first step is easy and welcoming.

“Financial education shouldn’t feel intimidating,” said a local M&T branch manager. “We meet people where they are — and help them get where they want to be.”

At the same time, Wilmington Trust, M&T’s wealth management subsidiary headquartered in Wilmington, Del., supports the full arc of educational planning. With over $176 billion in fiduciary assets and a legacy that spans more than a century, Wilmington Trust serves families seeking long-term strategies for funding education — from kindergarten through grad school.

Through its education advisory services, Wilmington Trust helps families make informed choices on everything from 529 plans to trusts and scholarships. It’s not just about financial mechanics — it’s about peace of mind, smart timing, and setting up the next generation for success.

The firm also partners with local schools and nonprofits to deliver financial literacy workshops, making sure that students, parents, and teachers alike are equipped to understand and use money wisely.

Together, Money Mentor and Wilmington Trust form a full-circle approach: personalized support at the community level paired with strategic advisory at the institutional level. Both are working toward one goal: Giving individuals the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

WHY IT MATTERS

1. Empowering Families Now and Later: Money Mentor supports immediate needs like budgeting, saving, and debt reduction, while Wilmington Trust helps families prepare for the future of higher education.

2. Expanding Access: You don’t need an invitation or a minimum balance to start. Money Mentor is available at every M&T branch, giving every individual a path to financial literacy and self-reliance.

3. Building a Financially Stronger Delaware: By helping people manage money wisely and plan, these programs contribute to a healthier, more resilient local economy.

“BACK TO SCHOOL” CHECKLIST

For Parents and Students: Connect with Wilmington Trust to map out a personalized education funding strategy.

For Adults Ready to Learn: Visit your local M&T Bank and ask to speak with a Money Mentor — no strings attached.

For Educators and Community Leaders: Partner with M&T and Wilmington Trust for in-class financial literacy programs, workshops, or mentoring initiatives.

As new school supplies fill backpacks and calendars fill with fall commitments, M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust are reminding us that school is never truly out. Whether you’re preparing for your child’s college future or learning how to master your own finances, Delaware’s trusted financial institutions are ready to guide the way. n

William LaFond is Wilmington Trust’s wealth market president for Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Mark Hutton (right) is M&T Bank’s Delaware regional president.