JetStream FCU Turns CDFI Funding Into Lifelines After Hurricane Maria
A pair of CDFI grants allowed the Florida-based credit union to help members restart their lives on the island or relocate to the United States.
Impact/Purpose
Our Purpose page is your central resource to explore strategies that elevate products and services from run-of-the-mill commodities to powerful tools that support members and communities and set credit unions apart from competitors.
Top Impact/Purpose Articles
Wright-Patt Turns Purpose Into Property For First-Time Homebuyers
The Ohio credit union’s Sunshine Community Fund is backing new homes in Dayton, combining financial support, education, and cross-team collaboration to empower first-time buyers.
First Alliance Debuts Mission-Driven Deposits
The Minnesota-based cooperative invites high-dollar depositors to turn private prosperity into shared possibility through a savings product designed around social impact.
No Time For Yes Men At NCUA
February 23, 2015
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Is making the NCUA look professional more important than debating rules before they’re passed?
Compounding The Problem
February 12, 2015
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Albert Einstein hailed the power of compounding interest. But that power works both ways, as payday lenders well know.
4 Lessons From Failed Mergers
February 11, 2015
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To coincide with the merger webinar hosted by Callahan & Associates, here are four infamous examples and lessons from failed mergers in the communications and retail industries.
Economic Up Tempo May Prompt Rate Ratchet
February 6, 2015
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Rising wages, employment may be greeted by rate hikes as Fed works to direct economic harmony.
Immigration Order Spurs Huge Chance To Serve
February 6, 2015
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Credit union advocates react to Obama move with call to grab market share while serving up trusted financial resources.
Are Credit Unions Too Squeamish To Watch Matz And McWatters Duke It Out?
February 5, 2015
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A new era of transparent debate and both sides of the story will be good for us all!
Split Leadership Helps Honor Keep It Local
January 23, 2015
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Honor Credit Union formed an independent executive team to build on the knowledge of merged staff members and succeed in a new market.
Debra Vollmer On Leadership
January 20, 2015
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Debra Vollmer, senior vice president at Langley Federal Credit Union, reflects on her leadership style, lessons learned during her career, and opportunities for the industry.
The Secret Legal Opinions Behind Public Decisions
January 20, 2015
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NCUA is setting an anti-democratic precedent in its repeated efforts to keep private the legal opinions about its public regulatory authority. RBC is one example. The CUSO rule is another. Will there be more?
How Credit Unions Can Prove Themselves
January 19, 2015
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A review of practices that show how and why credit unions are boosting their visibility and viability.
Compounding The Problem
Albert Einstein hailed the power of compounding interest. But that power works both ways, as payday lenders well know.
4 Lessons From Failed Mergers
To coincide with the merger webinar hosted by Callahan & Associates, here are four infamous examples and lessons from failed mergers in the communications and ...
Economic Up Tempo May Prompt Rate Ratchet
Rising wages, employment may be greeted by rate hikes as Fed works to direct economic harmony.
Immigration Order Spurs Huge Chance To Serve
Credit union advocates react to Obama move with call to grab market share while serving up trusted financial resources.
Are Credit Unions Too Squeamish To Watch Matz And McWatters Duke It Out?
A new era of transparent debate and both sides of the story will be good for us all!
Split Leadership Helps Honor Keep It Local
Honor Credit Union formed an independent executive team to build on the knowledge of merged staff members and succeed in a new market.
Debra Vollmer On Leadership
Debra Vollmer, senior vice president at Langley Federal Credit Union, reflects on her leadership style, lessons learned during her career, and opportunities for the industry.
The Secret Legal Opinions Behind Public Decisions
NCUA is setting an anti-democratic precedent in its repeated efforts to keep private the legal opinions about its public regulatory authority. RBC is one example. ...
How Credit Unions Can Prove Themselves
A review of practices that show how and why credit unions are boosting their visibility and viability.
Browse Topics
The Numbers That Matter Most To Credit Unions
Aaron Passman
A look at year-end performance trends reveals how earnings, affordability pressures, and asset quality are redefining the operating environment heading into 2026.
The Affordability Crisis Is Reshaping Credit Union Balance Sheets
Sherry Virden
Members are struggling with an affordability crisis that is changing how they manage debt, and new behaviors are showing up across the credit union loan portfolio.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Employee Enablement
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Asset Quality Takes An Uncomfortable Turn In 2025
Andrew Lepczyk
Credit union asset quality didn’t collapse in 2025 — but it didn’t cooperate, either. What’s going on, and are credit unions prepared to respond in 2026?
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Fraud Prevention And Resolution
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Digital Member Engagement
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
The American Budget Squeeze
Tony Waltrich
The affordability crisis extends far beyond big-ticket expenses. As the rising cost of basic necessities outpaces income growth, household budgets are under strain and long-term financial stability is increasingly at risk.
Flexibility In The Earnings Model Matters More As Rates Turn
Omar Shalabi
As credit unions move deeper into 2026, the earnings conversation is shifting. Elevated interest rates have boosted margins and strengthened earnings flexibility, but that advantage won’t persist indefinitely.
Credit Unions At A Crossroads: Shifts, Risks, And Opportunities
Callahan & Associates
A radical shift is taking place in the way consumers move money and engage with their financial institution.
Building A ‘Culture’ Of Confidence At MSUFCU
Aaron Passman
How the Michigan-based cooperative’s “Culture of Finance” curriculum is reframing financial education.
No Time For Yes Men At NCUA