Jack McCarroll of Illinois Calls for Greater Financial Literacy and Community Engagement

Normal, Illinois-based finance professional Jack McCarroll is encouraging individuals to take ownership of their financial education while staying actively involved in their local communities.

NORMAL, IL / ACCESS Newswire / February 23, 2026 /Jack McCarroll, a licensed finance professional based in Normal, Illinois, is raising awareness around the growing need for basic financial literacy and sustained community involvement. Drawing from his career in financial services and years of volunteer work, McCarroll is advocating for individuals to educate themselves, stay disciplined, and give back where they live.

"Financial knowledge affects every part of life, " McCarroll said. "But it 's something many people are never formally taught. You 're expected to figure it out as you go. "

According to the National Financial Educators Council, lack of financial literacy costs Americans an estimated $436 billion per year due to poor financial decisions. In addition, studies show that only 57% of U.S. adults can correctly answer basic financial questions related to inflation, interest rates, and risk diversification.

McCarroll has seen these gaps firsthand during his work in customer-facing financial roles.

"A lot of confusion comes from not having a strong foundation, " he said. "When people don 't understand the basics, stress follows. That stress affects families, careers, and health. "

Beyond financial education, McCarroll is also highlighting the importance of community involvement. He has volunteered with organizations including the Boys & Girls Club, Bromenn Hospital, animal shelters, Safe Harbor, and the Red Cross.

"Volunteering keeps you grounded, " McCarroll said. "It reminds you that success isn 't just about your job title. It 's about how you show up for others. "

Research supports that view. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, communities with higher volunteer participation rates experience stronger social ties and improved well-being. Individuals who volunteer are also more likely to report lower stress levels and higher life satisfaction.

McCarroll believes both financial literacy and community service share a common thread: personal responsibility.

"You don 't have to wait for permission to learn or help, " he said. "You can start small. Read. Ask questions. Volunteer locally. Those actions add up. "

He encourages people to take simple, independent steps, such as:

• Learning basic financial terms and concepts through credible public resources

• Tracking personal expenses to better understand spending habits

• Volunteering time with local nonprofits, hospitals, or youth organizations

• Supporting causes aligned with their values, even in small ways

"The goal isn 't perfection, " McCarroll added. "It 's consistency. Small, steady actions matter more than big promises. "

McCarroll 's advocacy reflects his broader philosophy toward work and leadership. Throughout his career, he has emphasized clear communication, discipline, and reliability.

"Leadership isn 't loud, " he said. "It 's about doing the right thing repeatedly, even when no one 's watching. "

As conversations around economic uncertainty and social responsibility continue nationwide, McCarroll hopes more people will take proactive steps in both areas.

"We all play a role, " he said. "When individuals improve themselves and support their communities, everyone benefits. "

Call to Action

Individuals are encouraged to invest time in learning basic financial concepts, seek out reputable educational resources, and engage with local organizations that serve their communities. Meaningful change often starts with personal effort.

About Jack McCarroll

Jack McCarroll is a finance professional based in Normal, Illinois, with experience in sales, customer relationship management, and licensed financial services. He currently works in the financial industry and holds the SIE, Series 7, and Series 63 FINRA licenses. A graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in finance and a minor in economics, McCarroll has built his career around clear communication, discipline, and service. Outside of work, he volunteers with community organizations and advocates for financial education, personal responsibility, and steady professional growth.

Media Contact:

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SOURCE:Jack McCarroll

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