<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Gen Z | CreditUnions.com | Data &amp; Insights For Credit Unions</title>
	<atom:link href="https://creditunions.com/keyword/gen-z/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://creditunions.com/keyword/gen-z/</link>
	<description>Data &#38; Insights For Credit Unions</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:23:21 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4</generator>

<image>
	<url>https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-CreditUnions_favicon-32x32.png</url>
	<title>Gen Z | CreditUnions.com | Data &amp; Insights For Credit Unions</title>
	<link>https://creditunions.com/keyword/gen-z/</link>
	<width>32</width>
	<height>32</height>
</image> 
	<item>
		<title>What Gen Z Is Really Looking For In A Credit Union</title>
		<link>https://creditunions.com/features/perspectives/what-gen-z-is-really-looking-for-in-a-credit-union/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Callahan &#38; Associates]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:00:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Partner Perspectives]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://creditunions.com/?p=112110</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Gen Z’s faith in traditional institutions gives credit unions a rich opportunity to serve as a key source of financial guidance.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/features/perspectives/what-gen-z-is-really-looking-for-in-a-credit-union/">What Gen Z Is Really Looking For In A Credit Union</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Credit unions can strengthen loyalty with the influential Generation Z by connecting their brand’s purpose, financial guidance, and in-branch experience.</p>
<p>Widely described as digital natives, Gen Z meets many of their everyday banking needs with mobile apps and digital tools across multiple providers. While younger consumers certainly expect seamless digital functionality from their primary financial provider, what they value even more is meaningful advice and trusting relationships. Because beneath Gen Z’s technological savvy is a measurable confidence gap —  one that impacts every aspect of their financial lives.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.adrenalinex.com/blog/winning-gen-z/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrenaline’s 2026 Gen Z research</a> conducted with Alexander Babbage, 36% of Gen Z say they find financial matters confusing, and one in three report feeling overwhelmed by money matters. At the same time, nearly one-third switched primary providers in the past year in search of more connection and value. This combination of financial uncertainty and low loyalty presents a sizable opportunity for credit unions to strengthen new Gen Z member relationships.</p>
<p>Digital convenience alone will not secure lasting loyalty. The data shows that Gen Z seeks human guidance for complex financial decisions. In fact, 65% of those under 44 prefer in-person advisors for life’s key milestones. For them, the branch serves a much different purpose than for previous generations — less emphasis on transactions and more on trust. The physical space becomes a setting for clarity rather than convenience.</p>
<p>For a generation navigating student debt, rising housing costs, and unpredictable economic conditions, financial conversations carry emotional and practical weight. Interactions that feel transactional or product-driven can reinforce generational skepticism. Conversely, conversations that begin with life context and long-term goals help younger members build trust and confidence. That distinction can determine whether a credit union becomes a primary partner or just another provider among many.</p>
<p>Even more, brand purpose plays an essential role in that equation. That’s because Gen Z places significant weight on transparency, social responsibility, and organizational values when choosing what brands get their business. Credit unions’ cooperative structure and community commitment provide a natural advantage in the marketplace. However, purpose must manifest beyond marketing messages. Prospective members want visible community engagement, clear communication, and front-line behaviors that reflect both empathy and expertise.</p>
<p>The physical branch environment reinforces these brand values. A branch designed for advisory conversations — with consultation areas and intuitive navigation — communicates that financial guidance is a priority. Staff trained to ask thoughtful questions and explain possibilities in plain language bring institutional purpose to life. When digital tools are incorporated seamlessly into those conversations, members experience continuity across channels.</p>
<p>This human-first, brand-centered approach becomes even more important given Gen Z’s dispersed financial behaviors. Sixty percent use multiple financial providers, yet 80% still hold their primary account at a bank or credit union. Gen Z’s faith in more traditional institutions gives credit unions a rich opportunity to serve as a key source of financial guidance. Doing so requires more than competitive rates or expanded features, but rather a consistent experience that delivers on trust.</p>
<p>Entering their peak earning and borrowing years, Gen Z is optimistic about their financial future, but also unsure of the path toward achieving their goals. Institutions that provide consistent, credible guidance, supported by environments and experiences that reinforce trust, will be best positioned to turn that uncertainty into lasting loyalty. For credit unions, the path forward is about ensuring that all touchpoints work holistically to deliver what this generation is actively seeking: clarity and confidence.</p>
<p>To learn more about creating connections with Gen Z, download <a href="https://www.adrenalinex.com/blog/winning-gen-z/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Winning Gen Z: A Data-Driven Brand-to-Branch Playbook for Financial Leaders</a>.</p>
<div class="cta-desc"><a class="btn btn-lg btn-block btn-primary" href="https://www.adrenalinex.com/blog/winning-gen-z/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DOWNLOAD REPORT</a></div>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/features/perspectives/what-gen-z-is-really-looking-for-in-a-credit-union/">What Gen Z Is Really Looking For In A Credit Union</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Setting Up Memberships for Minors: A Panel for Credit Unions</title>
		<link>https://creditunions.com/webinars/setting-up-memberships-for-minors-a-panel-for-credit-unions/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Callahan &#38; Associates]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:28:01 +0000</pubDate>
				<guid isPermaLink="false">https://creditunions.com/?post_type=webinars&#038;p=111419</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Hear from Boucoup and WECU as they discuss what worked and what didn’t for family banking in the credit union space.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/webinars/setting-up-memberships-for-minors-a-panel-for-credit-unions/">Setting Up Memberships for Minors: A Panel for Credit Unions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>For many credit unions, opening memberships for minors becomes more complicated than it should be.</h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div>
<p>Documentation requirements, compliance questions, and inconsistent internal workflows can slow everything down, often delaying youth programs that could drive real growth.</p>
<p>But the truth is simple: as we head into 2026, family banking is becoming a major competitive advantage. Families want financial partners that make it easy for every member (kids, teens, and parents) to participate. Credit unions that simplify minor memberships are seeing stronger deposit growth, deeper loyalty, and smoother transitions into adult accounts.</p>
<p>In this panel, you’ll hear directly from credit union leaders who have tackled this challenge head-on. They’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and the practical adjustments that removed friction for staff and members alike.</p>
<p>Join us to learn how your credit union can streamline minor memberships, stay compliant with confidence, and build family pathways that last a lifetime.</p>
<p><strong>What You&#8217;ll Learn:</strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>How to simplify compliance for minor memberships. Learn practical ways to handle documentation, guardianship, and verification without slowing down your team or increasing risk.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Proven workflows from other credit unions. See how your peers structure their processes, train staff, and eliminate the confusion that often comes with minor accounts.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Designing a smoother experience for families: Learn what simplifies onboarding for parents, and young members, from documentation to first interactions.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Turning youth accounts into long-term relationships. Understand how minor memberships can become strong pathways into teen and adult accounts, increasing retention and multi-generational loyalty.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Why family banking is a 2026 growth priority. Get insights into how inclusive family programs support deposit growth, engagement, and a stronger community presence.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
<p><strong>Download the slide deck <a href="https://go.callahan.com/rs/866-SES-086/images/Final_Panel_Slides_Boucoup.pdf?version=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div><strong><em>Produced and sponsored by: </em></strong></div>
<div><em><img decoding="async" src="https://go.callahan.com/rs/866-SES-086/images/Boucoup-logo-2026.png" alt="Boucoup-logo-2026.png" width="191" height="62" /></em></div>
</div>
</div>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/webinars/setting-up-memberships-for-minors-a-panel-for-credit-unions/">Setting Up Memberships for Minors: A Panel for Credit Unions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Supercharge Your Youth Banking Accounts</title>
		<link>https://creditunions.com/supplier_demos/supercharge-your-youth-banking-accounts/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tyler Courtney]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:07:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Supplier Demos]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://creditunions.com/?post_type=supplier_demos&#038;p=107851</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Boucoup supercharges your youth accounts to drive revenue, increase deposits, and fuel long-term growth—all while keeping your credit union in full control. Fully integrated with your core system, our white-label platform ensures your brand stays front and center, your data remains secure, and your deposits grow under your control. By deepening family engagement and increasing [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/supplier_demos/supercharge-your-youth-banking-accounts/">Supercharge Your Youth Banking Accounts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Boucoup supercharges your youth accounts to drive revenue, increase deposits, and fuel long-term growth—all while keeping your credit union in full control. Fully integrated with your core system, our white-label platform ensures your brand stays front and center, your data remains secure, and your deposits grow under your control. By deepening family engagement and increasing card usage, Boucoup turns youth accounts into a powerful revenue engine, future-proofing your credit union for lasting success.</span></p>
<p><a id="" class="btn btn-lg btn-block btn-primary" href="https://www.bankingon.io/boucoup?utm_source=Callahan&#038;utm_medium=Demo&#038;utm_campaign=2026&#038;utm_id=SupplierDemo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn More</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/supplier_demos/supercharge-your-youth-banking-accounts/">Supercharge Your Youth Banking Accounts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Financial Nihilism Is Real, But How Can Credit Unions Respond?</title>
		<link>https://creditunions.com/blogs/commentary/financial-nihilism-is-real-but-how-can-credit-unions-respond/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Lepczyk]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:00:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit Union Industry Commentary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Insights]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://creditunions.com/?p=110995</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When money stops making sense, people suffer a crisis of financial confidence. Now’s the time to reconnect with members to help them establish long-term stability.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/commentary/financial-nihilism-is-real-but-how-can-credit-unions-respond/">Financial Nihilism Is Real, But How Can Credit Unions Respond?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Expensive housing, mounting student loans, a wobbling economy, AI-driven job losses, political partisanship. These are just a few things Gen Z is ruminating over. That sense of uncertainty is reshaping how young people view money, security, and the very idea of planning for the future.</p>
<p>Based on a <a href="https://www.gallup.com/analytics/651674/gen-z-research.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">May 2025 Gallup survey</a>, the proportion of Gen Z adults who are “thriving” declined five points year-over-year to 39%. It seems the outlook of this cohort — which accounts for roughly one-quarter of the world’s population — is growing more pessimistic as its members age. And as that pessimism grows, so, too, does financial nihilism.</p>
<h2>What Is Financial Nihilism?</h2>
<p>Financial nihilism is an economic and investment philosophy, coined by Demetri Kofinas, that believes systems and rules are rigged. Based in deep disillusionment, it detaches price from value when it comes to economic decision-making and turns value into something that is purely subjective.</p>
<p>Major shifts in the macroeconomy — like stagnated wages and the rising cost of housing, education, and raising a child — has not only dampened many younger people’s economic outlook but has caused many to give up entirely. Why work hard if buying a house or starting a family is financially unfeasible? Why save for a down payment, or retirement, when those goals are a scam perpetrated by established institutions and older generations?</p>
<p>This mindset encourages a world of meme coins, gambling, and a casino-like approach to the stock market.</p>
<h2>How Financial Nihilism Impacts The Workplace</h2>
<p>As Kyla Scanlon wrote in a December <a href="https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/financial-nihilism-gen-z-gambling-meme-stocks-options-kyla-scanlon-7ae4f2aa?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqc9JxbJc8BrgyH1_5HWds2MWqpry9IciOadvK7XDXcHIr2oegM0qKU8-YtntdY%3D&amp;gaa_ts=6957d6f6&amp;gaa_sig=CSlq5o0oKGamWS7yXd9EZRKd29l_58wsblBP9_9sSK4NDcWf05dscmSv-90weiQyQ-4wcT-M393M0rXGqQ-X6A%3D%3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wall Street Journal article</a>, although every generation has faced obstacles, “upward mobility was always contingent on certain fundamentals: strong institutions, affordable education, accessible homeownership, and stable work.”</p>
<p>The oldest members of the Gen Z cohort have entered the labor force and have their whole careers ahead of them. They represent the households most likely to be impacted by weaknesses in economic stability, higher education finance, housing affordability, and labor market conditions. In the face of such instability, they dissociate.</p>
<p>Indeed, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/12/23/giving-up-homeownership-affordability/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">economic research out of Northwestern University</a> has born this out. A model developed by two doctoral candidates there shows that when housing prices outstrip affordability, workers who do not own homes are more likely to disengage from their jobs, save less for the long, and turn toward higher-risk spending and investments.</p>
<p>Examining counties in which home prices have risen, researchers found renters who made at least $7,500 a month decreased their credit card spending, particularly on luxuries and non-necessities, presumably saving for a home. On the other hand, renters who did not make $7,500 a month actually <em>increased</em> their credit card spending.</p>
<p>The Northwestern research further found that renters with a net worth of less than $300,000 were less likely to put a premium on hard work. Those with a net worth above that threshold believe homeownership is within reach; therefore, they are more motivated to work and committed to saving.</p>
<h2>How Can Credit Unions Combat Financial Nihilism?</h2>
<p>As responsible fiduciaries of members’ money and bedrock institutions of community prosperity, credit unions have several ways to push back against financial nihilism. To combat such doom and gloom, or at least mitigate it, credit unions need to help younger members understand that the sun will rise tomorrow and the earth will continue to spin.</p>
<h3>Reading, Writing, And Wealth Building</h3>
<p>Helping members establish realistic but attainable financial goals can help them improve not only their monetary outlook but their personal one as well.</p>
<p>More U.S. states are mandating financial literacy courses for high school graduation, but making financial education resonate with the country’s youngest spenders and savers is no easy task. Three credit unions in Florida, Oregon, and Pennsylvania are responding with tailored approaches to equip students with essential financial skills. Read more about that in “<a href="https://creditunions.com/features/3-ways-to-make-financial-education-stick/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 Ways To Make Financial Education Stick</a>” on CreditUnions.com.</p>
<h3>Help With Housing</h3>
<p>Plugging the hole in housing affordability is one way credit unions are furthering their community commitment, with cooperatives across the country supporting homeownership via loans to members as well as loans to local housing developers.</p>
<p>Washington State Employees has created a new role to tackle affordable housing at a systemic level. Read “<a href="https://creditunions.com/features/whats-in-a-name-director-of-community-homeownership-development/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What’s In A Name: Director Of Community Homeownership Development</a>” on CreditUnions.com to learn more about that. Heritage Family is partnering with the City of Rutland and the Vermont Treasurer’s Office to support construction, renovation, and more. Read “<a href="https://creditunions.com/features/from-state-funds-to-affordable-homes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">From State Funds To Affordable Homes</a>” today.</p>
<h3>Smart Support</h3>
<p>The average student loan balance on federal loans hovers around $40,000; however, a smaller group of borrowers hold significantly more. <a href="https://www.fool.com/research/student-loan-debt-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to The Motley Fool</a>, 60% of borrowers pay up to $300 a month and 20% are behind on their repayments.</p>
<p>Student loan refinancing and loan debt assistance is one way credit unions can make inroads with these borrowers and begin earning their trust as they work to build a stronger financial future. Bringing this piece of the loan portfolio into a broader assistance strategy can also help credit unions reach members who feel discouraged about their financial lot at the moment they most need support.</p>
<h3>Beyond Budgets</h3>
<p>Financial nihilism is the exact opposite of financial wellbeing, which is based in confidence, control, and peace of mind. If credit unions want to help people achieve financial wellbeing, they must meet them where they are, not just financially, but emotionally.</p>
<p>“If someone is stressed about money … they want reassurance,” says Chris Howard, a senior vice president at Callahan &amp; Associates. “They want someone to listen. They want to feel seen, heard, and understood. <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/industry-insights/suffering-members-need-more-than-help-they-need-to-know-you-care/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Most of all, they want to know you care</a>. People trust those they believe care about them.”</p>
<p>In practice, financial wellbeing means designing experiences that build confidence and a sense of safety, not just knowledge. Read more in “<a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/financial-wellbeing-isnt-what-you-think-it-is/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Financial Wellbeing Isn’t What You Think It Is.</a>”</p>
<p>Despite the challenges financial nihilism presents, there is hope for the future. That Gallup survey in which 39% of Gen Z adults said they were thriving? A full 73% said they agree or strongly agree that they have a great future ahead of them.</p>
<p>With a little help from their credit union, that vision for the future can be closer than it feels.</p>
<p><mark><em><strong>When Members Know You Care, They Stay. </strong> Combatting financial nihilism doesn’t start with service or rates — it starts with confidence and emotional connection. By creating a strategy around mission-aligned, data informed actions, credit unions are shifting member behaviors to improve their financial wellbeing. <a href="https://go.callahan.com/FWB-Gallup-Program-Overview.html?rs=creditunionscom&amp;cid=FWB-Gallup-Program-Overview-financial-nihilism-is-real-but-how-can-credit-unions-respond" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more today.</a></em></mark></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/commentary/financial-nihilism-is-real-but-how-can-credit-unions-respond/">Financial Nihilism Is Real, But How Can Credit Unions Respond?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>CreditUnions.com Top Picks For 2025</title>
		<link>https://creditunions.com/blogs/industry-insights/creditunions-com-top-picks-for-2025/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Savana Morie]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Insights]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://creditunions.com/?p=109940</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The editorial team at Callahan &#038; Associates weighs in on stories that defined 2025 through actionable strategies, meaningful insights, and perspectives that continue to influence the cooperative movement.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/industry-insights/creditunions-com-top-picks-for-2025/">CreditUnions.com Top Picks For 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The team at CreditUnions.com strives to publish stories that shape the industry conversation through strategic guidance, practical insight, data-driven analysis, and more. Inevitably, every year, some pieces stand out long after the “publish” button is hit.</p>
<p>As 2025 winds down, the editors, writers, analysts look back at what topics resonated and what voices stood out this year. From strengthening operations to enhancing member engagement, preparing for emerging technology to navigating competitive pressures, the following curation remains essential reading.</p>
<h2>AI Improves Training At Premier America</h2>
<figure id="attachment_89116" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-89116" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="wp-image-89116 size-full" src="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AlixPatterson_Callahan_250-1.jpg" alt="Alix Patterson, Chief Experience Officer, Callahan &amp; Associates" width="250" height="250" srcset="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AlixPatterson_Callahan_250-1.jpg 250w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AlixPatterson_Callahan_250-1-200x200.jpg 200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AlixPatterson_Callahan_250-1-16x16.jpg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-89116" class="wp-caption-text">Alix Patterson, Chief Experience Officer, Callahan &amp; Associates</figcaption></figure>
<p><a href="https://creditunions.com/analyze/profile/?account=308593&amp;acc=0016000000EhRtJAAV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier America Credit Union</a> ($3.3B, Chatsworth, CA) uses artificial intelligence to help staff build rapport with members. Employees love it, efficiency is up, and service is better than ever.</p>
<p><strong>Why does Alix like this piece?</strong></p>
<p>“I chose this article because it shows AI at its best — not replacing people, but sharpening the human skills that make credit unions strong. In a year when AI dominated headlines, Premier America offered a grounded example of how to turn a buzzy technology into better training, better confidence, and better service.”</p>
<p><a href="https://creditunions.com/features/how-ai-improved-training-at-premier-america" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read it today.</a></p>
<h2>What’s In A Name: Chief Product Officer</h2>
<figure id="attachment_87997" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-87997" style="width: 249px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-87997 size-full" src="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Gekas_Alexandra_250.jpg" alt="Alexandra Gekas, Callahan &amp; Associates" width="249" height="250" srcset="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Gekas_Alexandra_250.jpg 249w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Gekas_Alexandra_250-200x200.jpg 200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Gekas_Alexandra_250-16x16.jpg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 249px) 100vw, 249px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-87997" class="wp-caption-text">Alexandra Gekas, VP of Marketing &amp; Media, Callahan &amp; Associates</figcaption></figure>
<p>At <a href="https://creditunions.com/analyze/profile/?account=307828&amp;acc=0016000000EhRp0AAF" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bay Federal Credit Union</a> ($1.8B, Capitola, CA), Brooke Morley improves communication and collaboration across departments to offer members the products they want and need.</p>
<p><strong>Why does Alex like this piece?</strong></p>
<p>“This piece stood out to me because it explores the emergence of a product officer role within credit unions, a position well-established in other industries but still relatively new in this space. I believe it has the potential to significantly influence how credit unions innovate and serve their members.”</p>
<p><a href="https://creditunions.com/features/whats-in-a-name-chief-product-officer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read it today.</a></p>
<h2>What Can Credit Unions Learn From Rocket Mortgage?</h2>
<figure id="attachment_105645" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-105645" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-105645" src="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/rwessler2.jpg" alt="Rebecca Wessler, Editor In Chief, Callahan &amp; Associates" width="250" height="250" srcset="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/rwessler2.jpg 480w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/rwessler2-200x200.jpg 200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/rwessler2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/rwessler2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/rwessler2-16x16.jpg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-105645" class="wp-caption-text">Rebecca Wessler, Editor In Chief, Callahan &amp; Associates</figcaption></figure>
<p>The mortgage lender’s Super Bowl 2025 ad isn’t just smart marketing. It’s a challenge to credit unions to step up their storytelling game and connect with members on a deeper, more emotional level.</p>
<p><strong>Why does Rebecca like this piece?</strong></p>
<p>“This story hits all the right notes for me. It’s fresh, fun, and grounded in real-world insight. I love stories that inspire credit unions to think differently about the market and their shops. Alexandra draws on firsthand experience talking with credit union leaders to offer practical insights on untapped opportunities that can make a real difference. This piece captures that creative energy.”</p>
<p><a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/industry-insights/what-can-credit-unions-learn-from-rocket-mortgage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read it today.</a></p>
<h2>Navigant Levels Up Its Data-Driven Branching Strategy</h2>
<figure id="attachment_101453" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-101453" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-101453 size-full" src="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AaronPassman_250X250.jpg" alt="Aaron Passman, Callahan &amp; Associates" width="250" height="250" srcset="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AaronPassman_250X250.jpg 250w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AaronPassman_250X250-200x200.jpg 200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AaronPassman_250X250-16x16.jpg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-101453" class="wp-caption-text">Aaron Passman, Senior Content Manager, Callahan &amp; Associates</figcaption></figure>
<p><a href="https://creditunions.com/analyze/profile/?account=331624&amp;acc=0016000000EhTvGAAV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Navigant Credit Union</a> ($4.0B, Smithfield, RI) is using internal and third-party data to better understand branch traffic patterns and consumer banking behaviors — and the results are paying off far faster than expected.</p>
<p><strong>Why does Aaron like this piece?</strong></p>
<p>“Navigant Credit Union isn&#8217;t just picking new branch locations by throwing a dart at a map. Instead, leaders there are backing up their decisions with all kinds of data, including transaction patterns, census stats, and more. It&#8217;s a modern strategy to fuel one of the most old-school methods of member service.”<br />
<a href="https://creditunions.com/features/navigant-levels-up-its-data-driven-branching-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read it today.</a></p>
<h2>Michigan Legacy Takes A Scientific Approach To Spotting Elder Financial Abuse</h2>
<figure id="attachment_109973" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-109973" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-109973" src="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SavanaMorie_300x300.png" alt="Savana Morie, Callahan &amp; Associates" width="250" height="250" srcset="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SavanaMorie_300x300.png 300w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SavanaMorie_300x300-200x200.png 200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SavanaMorie_300x300-16x16.png 16w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-109973" class="wp-caption-text">Savana Morie, Multimedia Content Writer, Callahan &amp; Associates</figcaption></figure>
<p>A partnership with the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University has helped <a href="https://creditunions.com/analyze/profile/?account=320458&amp;acc=0016000000EhSwKAAV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michigan Legacy Credit Union</a> ($218.7M, Wyandotte, MI) reduce reports of elder fraud by as much as 50%.</p>
<p><strong>Why does Savana like this piece?</strong></p>
<p>“Bad actors are only growing more sophisticated. With the average age of credit union members coming in at 53 right now, it’s essential for institutions to think about how they prevent and identify cases of elder financial abuse. Retirement and estate planning are only part of the puzzle when it comes to this stage of life. Proactivity is key. Michigan Legacy’s work with Dr. Peter Lichtenberg is an amazing example of how this can make a measurable difference.”</p>
<p><a href="https://creditunions.com/features/michigan-legacy-takes-a-scientific-approach-to-spotting-elder-financial-abuse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read it today.</a></p>
<h2>What Is Stagflation? And What Does It Mean For Credit Unions?</h2>
<figure id="attachment_104140" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-104140" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-104140" src="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WilliamHunt_Callahan_resized.jpg" alt="William Hunt, Director of Industry Analytics, Callahan &amp;amp; Associates" width="250" height="250" srcset="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WilliamHunt_Callahan_resized.jpg 300w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WilliamHunt_Callahan_resized-200x200.jpg 200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WilliamHunt_Callahan_resized-16x16.jpg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-104140" class="wp-caption-text">William Hunt, Director of Industry Analytics, Callahan &amp; Associates</figcaption></figure>
<p>The growing risk of stagflation puts the Federal Reserve in a difficult position and raises the stakes on potential consequences for member finances, investment portfolios, and margin management.</p>
<p><strong>Why does Will like this piece?</strong></p>
<p>“It paints a picture of complex economic ideas and explains how they affect Main Street, or in other words: the people credit unions are tasked to serve. In a period of so much uncertainty around policy decisions, the &#8220;this or that&#8221; structure is helpful to understand the potential pros and cons of different paths.”</p>
<p><a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/what-is-stagflation-and-what-does-it-mean-for-credit-unions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read it today.</a></p>
<h2>How Well Do You Know The Gen Z Economy?</h2>
<figure id="attachment_108496" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-108496" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-108496" src="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AndrewLepczyk_CallahanAssociates_300x300.png" alt="Andrew Lepczyk, Callahan &amp; Associates" width="250" height="250" srcset="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AndrewLepczyk_CallahanAssociates_300x300.png 300w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AndrewLepczyk_CallahanAssociates_300x300-200x200.png 200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AndrewLepczyk_CallahanAssociates_300x300-16x16.png 16w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-108496" class="wp-caption-text">Andrew Lepczyk, Editorial Analyst, Callahan &amp; Associates</figcaption></figure>
<p>It was great to see the Callahan &amp; Associates editorial team, specifically editorial analyst Andrew Lepczyk, employ a new format this year. Andrew is out on well-deserved leave and unable to share his favorite piece from 2025, but his work deserves recognition.</p>
<p><a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/how-well-do-you-know-the-gen-z-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Take the test today.</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/industry-insights/creditunions-com-top-picks-for-2025/">CreditUnions.com Top Picks For 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>From Foster Care To Financial Wellness</title>
		<link>https://creditunions.com/features/from-foster-care-to-financial-wellness/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Savana Morie]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://creditunions.com/?p=108718</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>From transitional housing in Utah to custom bank accounts in Texas, two CEOs share how their credit unions are supporting young adults aging out of foster care.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/features/from-foster-care-to-financial-wellness/">From Foster Care To Financial Wellness</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Each year more than 20,000 young people age out of foster care in the United States, often with no safety net and little financial education. The <a href="https://nfyi.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Foster Youth Institute</a> says one in five of these young adults experiences homelessness within a year of leaving care, and fewer than half are employed by age 24. Without intervention, these youth are more vulnerable to housing insecurity, predatory lending, and long-term financial instability than the rest of their peers.</p>
<p><a href="https://creditunions.com/analyze/profile/?account=335151&amp;acc=0016000000EhUEdAAN" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mountain America Federal Credit Union</strong></a> ($21.5B, Sandy, UT) and <a href="https://creditunions.com/analyze/profile/?account=339784&amp;acc=0016000000EhUdoAAF" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Capitol Credit Union</strong></a> ($220M, Austin, TX) have each found their own way to step up on behalf of this population. Although different in execution, both programs focus on the same goal: Give foster youth the tools, guidance, and confidence to thrive on their own.</p>
<h2>Banking On A Better Start</h2>
<figure id="attachment_108746" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-108746" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-108746" src="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PierreCardenas_CapitolCU_Resized.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250" srcset="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PierreCardenas_CapitolCU_Resized.jpg 300w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PierreCardenas_CapitolCU_Resized-200x200.jpg 200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PierreCardenas_CapitolCU_Resized-16x16.jpg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-108746" class="wp-caption-text">Peter Candenas, CEO, Capitol Credit Union</figcaption></figure>
<p>The inspiration for Capitol’s work with foster youth came three years ago when CEO Pierre Cardenas was invited to a ceremony honoring former foster youth who had graduated from college.</p>
<p>“I decided that if we want to do good and really have an impact, we should focus all our resources and attention on one cause we can all agree on,” the CEO says.</p>
<p>The credit union connected with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) around the time</p>
<p>“Anyone under the age of 18 is not liable for anything,” Cardenas says. “If you give a 16-year-old with no parents an account and anything goes wrong, it’s just a loss to the financial institution. So, as far as finding partners, there were no takers on it.”</p>
<p>But credit unions are known for saying yes when others say no. CCU told the state it would explore options and see what it could do.</p>
<div class="col-xs-12 col-md-5 pull-right">
<div class="panel panel-primary">
<div class="panel-heading">
<h3 class="panel-title">CU QUICK FACTS</h3>
</div>
<div class="panel-body">
<h4>CAPITOL CREDIT UNION</h4>
<p><strong>HQ:</strong> AUSTIN, TX<br />
<strong>ASSETS:</strong> $220M<br />
<strong>MEMBERS:</strong> 13,403<br />
<strong>BRANCHES:</strong> 3<br />
<strong>EMPLOYEES:</strong> 48<br />
<strong>NET WORTH:</strong> 12.24%<br />
<strong>ROA:</strong> 0.34%</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>“I didn’t realize how hard this was going to be,” Cardenas admits.</p>
<p>CCU spent more than a year engineering its <a href="https://www.ccutx.org/about/about-ccu/pal-program">PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) program</a>. The result is a three-tiered account with built-in safeguards and financial education embedded directly into the mobile app.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Tier 1:</strong> Youth open a savings account, receive $25 from the credit union, and earn another $25 by completing educational modules. Accountholders have an ATM card and access to a mobile banking app, but no checking privileges.</li>
<li><strong>Tier 2:</strong> After demonstrating responsible behavior over a period of at least six months, they graduate to a limited checking account with tight withdrawal limits and no remote deposit capture.</li>
<li><strong>Tier 3:</strong> As users enter adulthood and reach age 18, they can access broader services, including a fractional investment option that allows them to buy small amounts of stock.</li>
</ul>
<p>DFPS monitors account balances for those who receive supplemental security income, so CCU added custom disclosures and worked with attorneys to design a secure but flexible system. Cardenas also appointed credit union staff members to serve as mentors. Calls related to these youth accounts route directly to a PAL team member, so those members always have access to the guidance, support, and practical advice.</p>
<p>The credit union estimates approximately 150 to 200 of these accounts are currently in use.</p>
<p>“We might be a tiny credit union in a market full of behemoths, but that doesn’t mean our impact has to be small,” Cardenas says.</p>
<h2>A Hand Up, Not A Handout</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.macu.com/about/community/mountain-america-foundation">The Mountain America Foundation</a>, the charitable arm of Mountain America FCU, is dedicated to improving the education, health, and wellbeing of youth and families across its communities. Working with <a href="https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/youth/youth-programs/transitional-living/milestone-home---parade-of-homes/">the Milestone Home</a>, a transitional housing program for adults aging out of foster care, was a natural fit.</p>
<figure id="attachment_108721" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-108721" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-108721" src="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SuzanneOliver_MountainAmerica_Edited.jpg" alt="Suzanne Oliver, VP of Government Affairs &amp; Mountain America Foundation, MAFCU.]" width="250" height="250" srcset="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SuzanneOliver_MountainAmerica_Edited.jpg 265w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SuzanneOliver_MountainAmerica_Edited-200x200.jpg 200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SuzanneOliver_MountainAmerica_Edited-16x16.jpg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-108721" class="wp-caption-text">Suzanne Oliver, VP of Government Affairs &amp; Mountain America Foundation, MAFCU</figcaption></figure>
<p>Suzanne Oliver, the Utah cooperative’s vice president of government affairs and the Mountain America Foundation, says it’s about more than just housing.</p>
<p>“These youth also need resources, guidance, and mentoring,” she says. “Most of us can call a parent, grandparent, or relative for advice, but these youth need trusted adults to fill that role.”</p>
<p>The opportunity began when a former Sandy city council member approached Mountain America leadership about a property that had been donated to use as the home. The property needed serious renovations, so the foundation supplied $50,000 in grant funding while local contractors donated labor. Together they rebuilt the kitchen and main floor, installed new windows, and transformed the house into a welcoming home.</p>
<p>Oliver was touched by the residents’ stories.</p>
<p>“Some had been living in a car or bouncing between friends,” she says. “The relief they felt to be safe and to have their own room — sometimes for the first time — was powerful. It was emotional to be involved.”.</p>
<div class="col-xs-12 col-md-5 pull-right">
<div class="panel panel-primary">
<div class="panel-heading">
<h3 class="panel-title">CU QUICK FACTS</h3>
</div>
<div class="panel-body">
<h4>MOUNTAIN AMERICA FCU</h4>
<p><strong>HQ:</strong> SANDY, UT<br />
<strong>ASSETS:</strong> $ 21.5B<br />
<strong>MEMBERS:</strong> 1,359,410<br />
<strong>BRANCHES:</strong> 103<br />
<strong>EMPLOYEES:</strong> 3,562<br />
<strong>NET WORTH:</strong> 9.41%<br />
<strong>ROA:</strong> 0.78%</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>Residents typically stay six to nine months. To practice budgeting and paying bills, residents pay a modest monthly rent of approximately $200 per month for the first three months; after that, rent increases by $50 each quarter. If funds remain at the end of their stay, the money helps with their move to permanent housing. A full support team is available to residents, including case managers and a therapist. Salt Lake County reports a 70%-80% success rate with participants achieving self-sufficiency after completing the program.</p>
<p>Looking ahead, Oliver hopes to expand the Mountain America Foundation’s involvement to include more financial wellness services.</p>
<p>“We’ve provided financial literacy to older teens in foster care before, and I want to follow up on offering it to Milestone participants,” she says. “It’s about getting them set up and started off well.”</p>
<p>Oliver emphasizes that none of this would be possible without the intentional, combined effort between public and private entities.</p>
<p>“It really was synergy,” she says. “The whole being greater than the sum of the parts.”</p>
<p>Local leaders hope the Milestone Home will eventually serve as a model for other communities nationwide.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/features/from-foster-care-to-financial-wellness/">From Foster Care To Financial Wellness</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ask An Analyst: How Is Gen Z Reshaping Payments?</title>
		<link>https://creditunions.com/blogs/industry-insights/ask-an-analyst-how-is-gen-z-reshaping-payments/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Lepczyk]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:00:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Industry Insights]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://creditunions.com/?p=108504</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In a rapidly evolving payments landscape, Gen Z prefers simpler, frictionless systems.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/industry-insights/ask-an-analyst-how-is-gen-z-reshaping-payments/">Ask An Analyst: How Is Gen Z Reshaping Payments?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure id="attachment_108496" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-108496" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-108496" src="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AndrewLepczyk_CallahanAssociates_300x300.png" alt="Andrew Lepczyk, Callahan &amp; Associates" width="250" height="250" srcset="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AndrewLepczyk_CallahanAssociates_300x300.png 300w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AndrewLepczyk_CallahanAssociates_300x300-200x200.png 200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AndrewLepczyk_CallahanAssociates_300x300-16x16.png 16w" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-108496" class="wp-caption-text">Andrew Lepczyk, Editorial Analyst, Callahan &amp; Associates</figcaption></figure>
<p>The analysts at Callahan &amp; Associates field all kinds of queries from clients and curious credit unions regarding data and trends across the industry, within the field of financial services, and among the U.S. population.</p>
<p>A couple of weeks ago, we quizzed our readers on <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/how-well-do-you-know-the-gen-z-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how well they know the Gen Z economy</a>. This week, we’re examining how this digitally native cohort — whose members span from early teens through late twenties — is pushing the payments boundary. Bottom line: Gen Z isn’t waiting for <a href="https://creditunions.com/features/what-should-credit-unions-know-about-stablecoins/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stablecoins to reshape payments</a>; it’s already changing the game with a flourish of clicks, swipes, and shares. From digital wallets to real-time rails, Gen Z habits are redefining how money moves.</p>
<p><strong>What are the notable payment trends among the members of Gen Z?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Andrew Lepczyk:</strong> There are a few top-level trends credit unions should be tracking when it comes to payments.</p>
<p>First, members of Gen Z are more likely to use a digital wallet. A 2024 survey by PYMNTS Intelligence found 79% of <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/graph-of-the-week/digital-wallet-usage-skews-younger-but-becoming-more-ubiquitous/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gen Z uses a digital wallet</a>. A 2025 <a href="https://www.billtrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-gen-z-report-pm-pay-wp12-v1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report by Billtrust</a> found that number to be even higher — 91%. That same report pegged the percentage of Gen Zers who use a mobile wallet or peer-to-peer payment systems like Venmo and Zelle at 41% and 40%, respectively. Meanwhile, cash usage among zoomers has fallen to 7%.</p>
<p>Debit cards are also popular among younger Americans. <a href="https://www.ey.com/en_us/insights/payments/how-gen-z-is-changing-the-payments-landscape" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to consulting firm EY</a>, 69% of Gen Z uses debit cards, whereas 39% uses credit cards. By comparison, 51% of older generations use credit cards.</p>
<p>Lastly, Gen Z is flocking to subscriptions, giving this centuries-old payment method new life. <a href="https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PYMNTS-How-the-World-Does-Digital-June-2024.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In another 2024 PYMNTS Intelligence survey</a>, 26.9% of Gen Z reported using a monthly online grocery subscription while 15.2% used a weekly subscription. Meanwhile, 32.3% reported using an online retail subscription in the past month and 15.2% reported using one in the past week.</p>
<p><strong>What are the benefits of these new platforms?</strong></p>
<p><strong>AL:</strong> Easy-to-understand products that require fewer steps is a significant value-add to any kind of payment technology. This goes for any generation, but Gen Z demands it.</p>
<p>Case in point: Easy online access and flexible payment structures has made Buy Now, Pay Later <a href="https://tearsheet.co/payments/gen-z-is-leading-adoption-of-new-payments-heres-how-bnpl-is-being-affected/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a popular substitute</a> for credit cards, especially for large-ticket items. <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/buy-now-pay-later-survey/#problems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In a March 2025 Bankrate survey</a>, 54% of Gen Z respondents said they used BNPL because they “wanted to pay in installments/spread the cashflow. 33% cited ease and 28% cited interest rates.</p>
<p>As a mobile-first technology, digital wallets are also popular among younger Americans. Gen Z is the first generation to be born into the cell phone-era, so it makes sense its members consider carrying a phone and a wallet redundant.</p>
<p>Finally, subscriptions allow consumers to automatically purchase routine items, which then arrive at their home without even clicking a button. Many <a href="https://www.forrester.com/blogs/what-consumers-like-and-detest-about-subscriptions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subscriptions offer product discounts</a> to boot, which appeals to financially savvy Americans trying to stretch their dollar.</p>
<p><strong>What are the drawbacks to these new technologies?</strong></p>
<p><strong>AL:</strong> New technologies always present risk with respect to data privacy, but Gen Z has grown up sharing data via the internet, apps, and more, so privacy is not a significant detractor. In the EY survey, 40% of Gen Z versus 65% of non-Gen Z rated data and privacy as extremely important.</p>
<p>Still, it’s important to note that accessibility and fewer friction points make spending cash a whole lot easier, which isn’t always in the best interest of the consumer. In the March 2025 Bankrate survey, 30% of Gen Z respondents said they spent more using BNPL than they should have and 26% said they regretted a purchase. Those problems can occur with any payment method, but the frictionless transaction associated with BNPL adds an additional sense of free money.</p>
<p>Likewise, subscription users also run into a <a href="https://www.forrester.com/blogs/what-consumers-like-and-detest-about-subscriptions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">few payment-related issues</a>. Namely, it’s easy to sign up for a free trial and forget to cancel, which often results in unwanted debits. Secondly, unannounced or lightly announced price hikes can make the cost of subscriptions pile up. Finally, subscriptions are notoriously difficult to track. If users are unsure of how many subscriptions they pay for, the resulting runaway finances can easily blow through budgets.</p>
<p>Do you have questions of your own? Ask an analyst! <a href="mailto:alepczyk@callahan.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Drop us a line</a>, and we might feature it in a future post.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/industry-insights/ask-an-analyst-how-is-gen-z-reshaping-payments/">Ask An Analyst: How Is Gen Z Reshaping Payments?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>How Well Do You Know The Gen Z Economy?</title>
		<link>https://creditunions.com/blogs/how-well-do-you-know-the-gen-z-economy/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Lepczyk]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:00:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Insights]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://creditunions.com/?p=108381</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>From TikTok tips to Buy Now Pay Later pitfalls, Gen Z is navigating a complex financial landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, digital innovation, and shifting priorities — test your knowledge of this nuanced generation in this interactive quiz.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/how-well-do-you-know-the-gen-z-economy/">How Well Do You Know The Gen Z Economy?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Gen Z can be tough to get a read on. Born generally between 1996 and 2012, members are digitally savvy and often push the boundary on technological tools. When it comes to finances, however, this is a generation of nuances. The age gap between the youngest and oldest Gen Z members means the cohort encompasses very different priorities. The young adults in this generation prioritize earning a buck —  and aren’t afraid to <a href="https://nysscpa.org/article-content/survey-despite-being-the-most-financially-savvy-gen-z-feels-the-most-burdened-by-debt-111424#sthash.ROQwuEqe.dpbs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">change jobs or locations</a> to do so — as well as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/28/business/retirement/gen-z-retirement-savings.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saving for retirement</a> or a rainy day. However, experience with pandemics, unstable economies, challenging housing markets, and more makes them <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/soft-saving-gen-z-11721075" target="_blank" rel="noopener">appreciate mental health</a>, too.</p>
<p>So, how is this generation responding and interacting with the modern economy? Test your knowledge in the quiz below.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<script>
var gform;gform||(document.addEventListener("gform_main_scripts_loaded",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener("gform/theme/scripts_loaded",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>"function"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn("The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded() is deprecated in the form editor context and will be removed in Gravity Forms 3.1."),o(),0))},initializeOnLoaded:function(o){gform.callIfLoaded(o)||(document.addEventListener("gform_main_scripts_loaded",()=>{gform.scriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),document.addEventListener("gform/theme/scripts_loaded",()=>{gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),window.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",()=>{gform.domLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}))},hooks:{action:{},filter:{}},addAction:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook("action",o,r,e,t)},addFilter:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook("filter",o,r,e,t)},doAction:function(o){gform.doHook("action",o,arguments)},applyFilters:function(o){return gform.doHook("filter",o,arguments)},removeAction:function(o,r){gform.removeHook("action",o,r)},removeFilter:function(o,r,e){gform.removeHook("filter",o,r,e)},addHook:function(o,r,e,t,n){null==gform.hooks[o][r]&&(gform.hooks[o][r]=[]);var d=gform.hooks[o][r];null==n&&(n=r+"_"+d.length),gform.hooks[o][r].push({tag:n,callable:e,priority:t=null==t?10:t})},doHook:function(r,o,e){var t;if(e=Array.prototype.slice.call(e,1),null!=gform.hooks[r][o]&&((o=gform.hooks[r][o]).sort(function(o,r){return o.priority-r.priority}),o.forEach(function(o){"function"!=typeof(t=o.callable)&&(t=window[t]),"action"==r?t.apply(null,e):e[0]=t.apply(null,e)})),"filter"==r)return e[0]},removeHook:function(o,r,t,n){var e;null!=gform.hooks[o][r]&&(e=(e=gform.hooks[o][r]).filter(function(o,r,e){return!!(null!=n&&n!=o.tag||null!=t&&t!=o.priority)}),gform.hooks[o][r]=e)}});
</script>

                <div class='gf_browser_gecko gform_wrapper gravity-theme gform-theme--no-framework' data-form-theme='gravity-theme' data-form-index='0' id='gform_wrapper_11' >
                        <div class='gform_heading'>
                            <h2 class="gform_title">How Well Do You Know The Gen Z Economy?</h2>
                            <p class='gform_description'></p>
                        </div><form method='post' enctype='multipart/form-data'  id='gform_11'  action='/keyword/gen-z/feed/' data-formid='11' novalidate>
        <div id='gf_progressbar_wrapper_11' class='gf_progressbar_wrapper' data-start-at-zero=''>
        	<p class="gf_progressbar_title">Step <span class='gf_step_current_page'>1</span> of <span class='gf_step_page_count'>5</span><span class='gf_step_page_name'></span>
        	</p>
            <div class='gf_progressbar gf_progressbar_blue' aria-hidden='true'>
                <div class='gf_progressbar_percentage percentbar_blue percentbar_20' style='width:20%;'><span>20%</span></div>
            </div></div>
                        <div class='gform-body gform_body'><div id='gform_page_11_1' class='gform_page ' data-js='page-field-id-0' >
					<div class='gform_page_fields'><div id='gform_fields_11' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><fieldset id="field_11_17" class="gfield gfield--type-quiz gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible gquiz-field  gquiz-instant-feedback "  data-field-class="gquiz-field  gquiz-instant-feedback" ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >What is the unemployment rate for Americans aged 20 to 24?</legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_11_17'>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_17_0'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_17' type='radio' value='gquiz170ab6b614'  id='choice_11_17_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_17_0' id='label_11_17_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>4.6%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_17_1'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_17' type='radio' value='gquiz1758e77550'  id='choice_11_17_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_17_1' id='label_11_17_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>5.9%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_17_2'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_17' type='radio' value='gquiz17566cc331'  id='choice_11_17_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_17_2' id='label_11_17_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>8.2%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_17_3'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_17' type='radio' value='gquiz17e81bd69e'  id='choice_11_17_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_17_3' id='label_11_17_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>10.7%</label>
			</div></div></div></fieldset></div>
                    </div>
                    <div class='gform-page-footer gform_page_footer top_label'>
                         <input type='button' id='gform_next_button_11_1' class='gform_next_button gform-theme-button button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='next' value='Next'  /> 
                    </div>
                </div>
                <div id='gform_page_11_2' class='gform_page' data-js='page-field-id-1' style='display:none;'>
                    <div class='gform_page_fields'>
                        <div id='gform_fields_11_2' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><fieldset id="field_11_18" class="gfield gfield--type-quiz gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible gquiz-field  gquiz-instant-feedback "  data-field-class="gquiz-field  gquiz-instant-feedback" ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >What percentage of Gen Z has turned to Tik Tok for financial advice?</legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_11_18'>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_18_0'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_18' type='radio' value='gquiz189e8af5d4'  id='choice_11_18_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_18_0' id='label_11_18_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>20%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_18_1'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_18' type='radio' value='gquiz18ebfaf0f0'  id='choice_11_18_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_18_1' id='label_11_18_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>33%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_18_2'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_18' type='radio' value='gquiz18c7b421fa'  id='choice_11_18_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_18_2' id='label_11_18_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>52%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_18_3'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_18' type='radio' value='gquiz181f065144'  id='choice_11_18_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_18_3' id='label_11_18_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>67%</label>
			</div></div></div></fieldset></div>
                    </div>
                    <div class='gform-page-footer gform_page_footer top_label'>
                        <input type='button' id='gform_previous_button_11_12' class='gform_previous_button gform-theme-button gform-theme-button--secondary button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='previous' value='Previous'  /> <input type='button' id='gform_next_button_11_12' class='gform_next_button gform-theme-button button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='next' value='Next'  /> 
                    </div>
                </div>
                <div id='gform_page_11_3' class='gform_page' data-js='page-field-id-12' style='display:none;'>
                    <div class='gform_page_fields'>
                        <div id='gform_fields_11_3' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><fieldset id="field_11_19" class="gfield gfield--type-quiz gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible gquiz-field  gquiz-instant-feedback "  data-field-class="gquiz-field  gquiz-instant-feedback" ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >What percentage of Gen Z has used Buy Now Pay Later?</legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_11_19'>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_19_0'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_19' type='radio' value='gquiz19fb5e5497'  id='choice_11_19_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_19_0' id='label_11_19_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>15%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_19_1'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_19' type='radio' value='gquiz1971ce4168'  id='choice_11_19_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_19_1' id='label_11_19_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>27%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_19_2'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_19' type='radio' value='gquiz196b8f7162'  id='choice_11_19_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_19_2' id='label_11_19_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>35%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_19_3'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_19' type='radio' value='gquiz192f0cfb5a'  id='choice_11_19_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_19_3' id='label_11_19_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>40%</label>
			</div></div></div></fieldset></div>
                    </div>
                    <div class='gform-page-footer gform_page_footer top_label'>
                        <input type='button' id='gform_previous_button_11_13' class='gform_previous_button gform-theme-button gform-theme-button--secondary button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='previous' value='Previous'  /> <input type='button' id='gform_next_button_11_13' class='gform_next_button gform-theme-button button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='next' value='Next'  /> 
                    </div>
                </div>
                <div id='gform_page_11_4' class='gform_page' data-js='page-field-id-13' style='display:none;'>
                    <div class='gform_page_fields'>
                        <div id='gform_fields_11_4' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><fieldset id="field_11_20" class="gfield gfield--type-quiz gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible gquiz-field  gquiz-instant-feedback "  data-field-class="gquiz-field  gquiz-instant-feedback" ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >What is the gap between Gen Z employees who want a mentor and those who have one?</legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_11_20'>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_20_0'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_20' type='radio' value='gquiz2087a93429'  id='choice_11_20_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_20_0' id='label_11_20_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>-10%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_20_1'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_20' type='radio' value='gquiz205dad93f4'  id='choice_11_20_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_20_1' id='label_11_20_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>-5%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_20_2'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_20' type='radio' value='gquiz20ffae4c25'  id='choice_11_20_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_20_2' id='label_11_20_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>14%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_20_3'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_20' type='radio' value='gquiz2038a7ca12'  id='choice_11_20_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_20_3' id='label_11_20_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>30%</label>
			</div></div></div></fieldset></div>
                    </div>
                    <div class='gform-page-footer gform_page_footer top_label'>
                        <input type='button' id='gform_previous_button_11_14' class='gform_previous_button gform-theme-button gform-theme-button--secondary button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='previous' value='Previous'  /> <input type='button' id='gform_next_button_11_14' class='gform_next_button gform-theme-button button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='next' value='Next'  /> 
                    </div>
                </div>
                <div id='gform_page_11_5' class='gform_page' data-js='page-field-id-14' style='display:none;'>
                    <div class='gform_page_fields'>
                        <div id='gform_fields_11_5' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><fieldset id="field_11_21" class="gfield gfield--type-quiz gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible gquiz-field  gquiz-instant-feedback "  data-field-class="gquiz-field  gquiz-instant-feedback" ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >What percentage of credit union members are in Generation Z?</legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_11_21'>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_21_0'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_21' type='radio' value='gquiz216942331e'  id='choice_11_21_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_21_0' id='label_11_21_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>10%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_21_1'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_21' type='radio' value='gquiz215e1524fc'  id='choice_11_21_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_21_1' id='label_11_21_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>13%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_21_2'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_21' type='radio' value='gquiz21a827ec97'  id='choice_11_21_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_21_2' id='label_11_21_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>19%</label>
			</div>
			<div class='gchoice gchoice_11_21_3'>
					<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_21' type='radio' value='gquiz21c7d4383b'  id='choice_11_21_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    />
					<label for='choice_11_21_3' id='label_11_21_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>21%</label>
			</div></div></div></fieldset></div></div>
        <div class='gform-page-footer gform_page_footer top_label'><input type='submit' id='gform_previous_button_11' class='gform_previous_button gform-theme-button gform-theme-button--secondary button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='previous' value='Previous'  /> <input type='submit' id='gform_submit_button_11' class='gform_button button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='submit' value='Submit'  /> 
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submission_method' data-js='gform_submission_method_11' value='postback' />
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_theme' data-js='gform_theme_11' id='gform_theme_11' value='gravity-theme' />
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_style_settings' data-js='gform_style_settings_11' id='gform_style_settings_11' value='[]' />
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='is_submit_11' value='1' />
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submit' value='11' />
            
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_unique_id' value='' />
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='state_11' value='WyJbXSIsIjNjNWQ1YmFiNmZiZTcwNGZkOWY2MDY5MzBlNjcyNzBmIl0=' />
            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_target_page_number_11' id='gform_target_page_number_11' value='2' />
            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_11' id='gform_source_page_number_11' value='1' />
            <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' />
            
        </div>
             </div></div>
                        </form>
                        </div><script>
gform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {gformInitSpinner( 11, 'https://creditunions.com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner.svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_11').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_11');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_11').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_11').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_11').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_11').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { /* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome */  }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_11').val();gformInitSpinner( 11, 'https://creditunions.com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner.svg', true );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [11, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_11'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}jQuery('#gform_wrapper_11').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [11]);window['gf_submitting_11'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_11').text());}else{jQuery('#gform_11').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger("gform_pre_post_render", [{ formId: "11", currentPage: "current_page", abort: function() { this.preventDefault(); } }]);        if (event && event.defaultPrevented) {                return;        }        const gformWrapperDiv = document.getElementById( "gform_wrapper_11" );        if ( gformWrapperDiv ) {            const visibilitySpan = document.createElement( "span" );            visibilitySpan.id = "gform_visibility_test_11";            gformWrapperDiv.insertAdjacentElement( "afterend", visibilitySpan );        }        const visibilityTestDiv = document.getElementById( "gform_visibility_test_11" );        let postRenderFired = false;        function triggerPostRender() {            if ( postRenderFired ) {                return;            }            postRenderFired = true;            gform.core.triggerPostRenderEvents( 11, current_page );            if ( visibilityTestDiv ) {                visibilityTestDiv.parentNode.removeChild( visibilityTestDiv );            }        }        function debounce( func, wait, immediate ) {            var timeout;            return function() {                var context = this, args = arguments;                var later = function() {                    timeout = null;                    if ( !immediate ) func.apply( context, args );                };                var callNow = immediate && !timeout;                clearTimeout( timeout );                timeout = setTimeout( later, wait );                if ( callNow ) func.apply( context, args );            };        }        const debouncedTriggerPostRender = debounce( function() {            triggerPostRender();        }, 200 );        if ( visibilityTestDiv && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent === null ) {            const observer = new MutationObserver( ( mutations ) => {                mutations.forEach( ( mutation ) => {                    if ( mutation.type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent !== null ) {                        debouncedTriggerPostRender();                        observer.disconnect();                    }                });            });            observer.observe( document.body, {                attributes: true,                childList: false,                subtree: true,                attributeFilter: [ 'style', 'class' ],            });        } else {            triggerPostRender();        }    } );} );
</script>

<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/how-well-do-you-know-the-gen-z-economy/">How Well Do You Know The Gen Z Economy?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>U.S. Consumers Present A Mixed Bag Of Future Financial Sentiment</title>
		<link>https://creditunions.com/blogs/u-s-consumers-present-a-mixed-bag-of-future-financial-sentiment/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Aaron Passman]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:00:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Graph Of The Week]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Insights]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://creditunions.com/?p=108318</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Recent studies reveal a slight uptick in optimism, but a growing share of Americans expect their finances to worsen during the next year.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/u-s-consumers-present-a-mixed-bag-of-future-financial-sentiment/">U.S. Consumers Present A Mixed Bag Of Future Financial Sentiment</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A host of studies released the past few years shows Americans are losing confidence when it comes to their finances.</p>
<p>A report earlier this year from the <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/05/07/growing-share-of-us-adults-say-their-personal-finances-will-be-worse-a-year-from-now/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pew Research Center</a> indicated nearly one-third of consumers, 28%, believe their financial picture will be worse one year from now. That’s a 12-point increase from last year’s data. Meanwhile, 35% percent expect things to be about the same, down from 49% last year, and the number of those who think things will be better by this time next year rose just three points to 37%.</p>
<p>Despite that, a majority of credit union members still feel confident about their financial futures, according to recent Gallup data, though bank customers report slightly higher confidence levels.</p>
<p>The bottom line? Consumer confidence is fragile, and despite a small uptick in optimism, more people than last year are anticipating worsening conditions.</p>
<h4 class="text-uppercase"><strong>FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE</strong><br />
FOR U.S. CONSUMERS | DATA AS OF 2025<br />
SOURCE: GALLUP</h4>
<figure id="attachment_108314" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-108314" style="width: 1000px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-108314 size-full" src="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/GOTW_08.18.25_FinancialConfidence.jpg" alt="GOTW, 08.18.25, Financial Confidence" width="1000" height="543" srcset="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/GOTW_08.18.25_FinancialConfidence.jpg 1000w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/GOTW_08.18.25_FinancialConfidence-600x326.jpg 600w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/GOTW_08.18.25_FinancialConfidence-200x109.jpg 200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/GOTW_08.18.25_FinancialConfidence-768x417.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-108314" class="wp-caption-text">Data from Gallup shows 60% of all surveyed credit union members are at least somewhat confident about their financial futures, although bank customers still have a slight edge when it comes to optimism.</figcaption></figure>
<p>For credit unions, this fragile confidence presents both a challenge and an opportunity. As consumers navigate uncertainty, the institutions best positioned to respond are those that already prioritize financial wellbeing. Credit unions, with their mission-driven focus and history of member support, are designed to meet this moment — not just with education, but with empathy, trust, and practical tools that help members feel more secure.</p>
<h2>Strategic Insights</h2>
<ul>
<li>Perhaps not surprisingly, much of the Pew data can be sliced and diced along partisan lines. A slight majority, 55%, of those who lean Republican expect things to improve in the next 12 months, whereas 47% of those who lean left expect things to worsen.</li>
<li>Regardless of politics, things don’t look good for those of modest means. Nearly half, 45%, of lower-income consumers can’t pay their bills in full each month, compared to 19% of middle-income earners and just 7% of those in upper income brackets.</li>
<li>Other demographic considerations also come into play. <a href="https://www.ncoa.org/article/half-of-american-women-report-struggling-financially-today-leaving-them-worried-and-uncertain-about-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Two studies conducted in 2023</a> found more than half of women 25 years and older said they were not financially secure; a full 75% of low-income women had no emergency savings and 66% said they did not have the tools to plan for retirement.</li>
<li>Additionally, one-third of Gen X and millennial consumers — 35% and 33%, respectively — feel financially worse off than their parents, according to a 2025 study from <a href="https://www.creditonebank.com/articles/trends-and-factors-affecting-generational-financial-trauma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Credit One Bank</a>, and younger generations are feeling anxious about their long-term financial futures.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How Are Credit Unions Supporting Members?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Knoxville TVA Employees FCU is making it easier for younger members to set aside a little money for a rainy day. Learn more about how <a href="https://creditunions.com/features/at-one-tennessee-credit-union-a-little-saving-goes-a-long-way/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a little saving goes a long way</a>.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, UVA Community integrates financial education with products tailored to young people to help these members build confidence and independence. Read more about how to <a href="https://creditunions.com/features/uva-community-tackles-teen-banking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tackle teen banking</a>.</li>
<li>In 2022, InTouch expanded services for those nearing or in retirement to help members take an active role in planning their financial future. Read more about how this credit union makes <a href="https://creditunions.com/features/credit-unions-make-retirement-years-brighter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retirees’ golden years brighter</a>.</li>
<li>Canopy Credit Union has invested in its front-line staff via certified financial coach training to empower employees and reinforce the institution’s commitment to community wellbeing. Read more about <a href="https://creditunions.com/features/employee-financial-coaching-certifications-turn-tellers-into-teachers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">turning tellers into teachers</a>.</li>
<li>A partnership between Hello Credit Union and United Way’s local 211 service directs callers struggling with financial needs to Hello for credit counseling, budget assistance, or more. Learn more about <a href="https://creditunions.com/features/say-hello-to-help/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">answering the call for help</a>.</li>
<li>The Boost Center by Blue Federal Credit Union is a one-stop, centralized family resource center that offers help for everything from housing and transportation to food insecurity and financial services. Read how Blue <a href="https://creditunions.com/features/a-credit-union-family-resource-center-gives-its-wyoming-community-a-boost/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boosts its community</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><mark><em>Join Callahan &amp; Associates and Gallup to learn about exclusive research and insights on how emotional engagement and the perception of care drive member participation and, ultimately, credit union growth. Watch &#8220;<a href="https://creditunions.com/webinars/a-roadmap-to-credit-union-growth/?rs=creditunionscom&amp;cid=roadmap-to-credit-union-growth-webinar-u-s-consumers-present-a-mixed-bag-of-future-financial-sentiment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Roadmap To Credit Union Growth</a>&#8221; today.</em></mark></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/u-s-consumers-present-a-mixed-bag-of-future-financial-sentiment/">U.S. Consumers Present A Mixed Bag Of Future Financial Sentiment</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Digital Wallet Usage Skews Younger, But Becoming More Ubiquitous</title>
		<link>https://creditunions.com/blogs/graph-of-the-week/digital-wallet-usage-skews-younger-but-becoming-more-ubiquitous/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Lepczyk]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Graph Of The Week]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Insights]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://creditunions.com/?p=107842</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Those born before 1980 use digital wallets at a lower rate than younger consumers, but adoption levels are nearly equal across income levels. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/graph-of-the-week/digital-wallet-usage-skews-younger-but-becoming-more-ubiquitous/">Digital Wallet Usage Skews Younger, But Becoming More Ubiquitous</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4 class="text-uppercase"><strong>Digital Wallet Usage By Generation</strong><br />
For U.S. Consumers (Sample size: 2,501 respondents)<br />
SOURCE: <a href="https://www.pymnts.com/mobile-wallets/2024/55percent-high-earning-consumers-79percent-generation-z-use-digital-wallets/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-teams="true">PYMNTS INTELLIGENCE</span></a> | Data as of February 2024</h4>
<figure id="attachment_107846" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-107846" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-107846 size-large" src="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Slide1-1200x675.png" alt="" width="1200" height="675" srcset="https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Slide1-1200x675.png 1200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Slide1-600x338.png 600w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Slide1-200x113.png 200w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Slide1-768x432.png 768w, https://creditunions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Slide1.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-107846" class="wp-caption-text">Compared to baby boomers, Generation Z is much more likely to use digital wallets to make purchases.</figcaption></figure>
<p>There’s a stark divide in digital wallet adoption, with Gen Z embracing those tools more than any other age bracket – and at more than three times the rate of baby boomers. Put another way, those born before 1980 use digital wallets at a rate almost 20 percentage points below those born in 1980 or later.</p>
<p>Digital wallets can be defined as apps designed to allow spenders to use their cards to transact entirely on their phone. Some of the most popular – including Apple Pay, Venmo, or Google Wallet – are becoming increasingly common consumer-facing financial technology.</p>
<p><strong>Strategic Insights</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>While digital wallet usage vary by generation, there’s more uniformity when it comes to income. According to a recent study by <a href="https://www.pymnts.com/mobile-wallets/2024/55percent-high-earning-consumers-79percent-generation-z-use-digital-wallets/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PYMNTS Intelligence</a>, just over half (54.7%) of Americans making over $100,000 use a digital wallet. By comparison, 51.4% of those making $50,000 to $100,000 use these tools, and 41.2% of those who make less than $50,000. In the entire sample, 49.4% of Americans use a digital wallet, while 51% of U.S. consumers said they are somewhat or very interested in using a digital wallet.</li>
<li>For credit unions, the speed of adoption is certainly something to take note of, especially as the industry works to expand its reach. Younger Americans tend to prefer more digital options, and <a href="https://www2.pscucommunications.com/eye-on-payments-2024?utm_source=pscu&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=eye-on-payments-2024&amp;utm_content=insights-tile" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a recent study from Velera</a> showed the number of credit union members using digital wallets at least a few times per month has nearly doubled, rising from 27% in 2022 to 50% in 2024.</li>
<li>Successfully navigating fintech adoption can give credit unions an edge. Through partnerships, <a href="https://creditunions.com/features/how-are-credit-unions-navigating-the-fintech-frontier/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">credit unions can go head first</a> in expanding member-facing technologies without having the expertise in-house to do so.</li>
</ul>
<p>The post <a href="https://creditunions.com/blogs/graph-of-the-week/digital-wallet-usage-skews-younger-but-becoming-more-ubiquitous/">Digital Wallet Usage Skews Younger, But Becoming More Ubiquitous</a> appeared first on <a href="https://creditunions.com">CreditUnions.com</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

<!--
Performance optimized by W3 Total Cache. Learn more: https://www.boldgrid.com/w3-total-cache/?utm_source=w3tc&utm_medium=footer_comment&utm_campaign=free_plugin

Object Caching 106/132 objects using Redis
Page Caching using Disk: Enhanced 

Served from: creditunions.com @ 2026-04-11 00:57:20 by W3 Total Cache
-->