Financial Literacy Workshop at St. John's University
Nov 08, 2021
MFS staffers shared pointers on budgeting and managing credit and debt effectively with students at St. John’s University Tobin School of Business on November 4, 2021. MFS President & CEO Thomas Rudzewick greeted the students and spoke about the importance of personal financial management. Toya Brown, a teller in the Forest Hills branch, offered guidelines on developing a budgetary and savings plan, and Akshay Mehandru, vice president and Loan Center credit manager, advised students on qualifying for and maintaining good credit, and managing debt successfully.
Toya, an experienced public speaker with a background in film production, is a Brooklyn College graduate who joined MFS in January 2021. Akshay, who joined MFS in August 2019 after working as a credit analyst for several lenders, graduated from NYC College of Technology in finance. “I enjoy analyzing the financial credentials of mortgage applicants to ensure quality underwriting that mitigates our risk as lenders,” he said after returning to the office. “It’s great when applicants qualify for a mortgage and can purchase a home.”
“At least 45 students attended our presentation,” said Toya, “and they were very engaged in the topic. They were interested in building their credit score and concerned about paying their student loans.”
“I advised them to check their credit report every year to make sure it’s accurate,” said Akshay, who added that this practice will help identify and prevent fraud.
Assistant Professor Niall C. Hegarty of the Tobin School’s Management Department thanked the speakers and urged students to stay on top of their personal finances. MFS expects to return to the University with another presentation in the spring.